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Michelle

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Michelle is currently reading

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Michelle said: " The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a very elegant and charming novel. A true classic. Or as they say, one of the great classics of the 20th century. It is a really appreciable book about the tragic pursuit of dreams which makes it one of the The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a very elegant and charming novel. A true classic. Or as they say, one of the great classics of the 20th century. It is a really appreciable book about the tragic pursuit of dreams which makes it one of the greatest American novels. You must read this book in order to discover what those American dreams came to be in the 1920’s era. “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

The Great Gatsby I believe has several themes but the main theme I set to think is about the American Dream and how it really got switched throughout the book. For example, the American dream is supposed to be about independence and hard work, but it instead ends up being more about wealth and the selfish pursuit of pleasure. No matter how much wealth and fortune Gatsby had, it couldn’t change where he came from. So in the end, the "American Dream" collapses.

The book is set in the fictional town of West Egg on the riches of Long Island in the summer of 1922. A wealthy but unfashionable area populated by the newly rich. The Great Gatsby is told entirely through Nick’s eyes, the main character who lives next-door to a mysterious man named Jay Gatsby, who lives in a gigantic mansion and throws extravagant parties every Saturday night. Nick eventually receives an invitation to one of Gatsby’s legendary and wild parties and discovers that Gatsby is a sensitive man who turns out to be a millionaire who throws his money around but only as an attempt to impress Daisy, someone Gatsby has been deeply in love with since 1917. After an awkward reunion, Gatsby and Daisy reestablish their love for each other and begin an affair.

Overall, I still think of the American Dream, but also how bittersweet his romance and wealth came to be. However, The Great Gatsby is in my opinion still an elegant piece of fiction that really goes into depth about the lack of morality of the wealthy. The language and quotes of the book are what really interested me and really keeps it unique for the reader. Gatsby’s tragic pursuit of his dream is what will certainly make the reader keep on reading.

“I thought of Gatsby's wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. He had come a long way to this lawn and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him. [- Nick Carroway]” ...more "

Oct 10, 2013 10:53PM · see review

Michelle is currently reading

1984

by George Orwell

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Reading for the 2nd time

read in October 2013

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Michelle said: " George Orwell’s 1984 captivated me with its powerful and astounding novel. I found 1984 to be a classic book on the shelves of political issues. “WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” Can you imagine seeing those bold words everyw George Orwell’s 1984 captivated me with its powerful and astounding novel. I found 1984 to be a classic book on the shelves of political issues. “WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” Can you imagine seeing those bold words everywhere you go? Having a government with complete control on every aspect of your life and even thoughts? Whatever you are doing whether it be sleeping, eating, writing, talking and even thinking, you are being watched by the leader and dictator, Big brother, may I add, more harsh than Hitler. Individuality is not a choice for Big Brother.

The main theme of the book is to warn the people of what can happen when the government is given too much power. Power can sometimes be too much that it can be abused. The book is set in the ruling Party in London, in the nation of Oceania in 1984. The main character is Winston Smith a frustrated thirty nine year old man. Winston’s frustration is clearly shown throughout the novel, as he secretly goes against society and purchases a diary in which he writes all his criminal thoughts in. Winston secretly hates Big Brother which is the face of the party. Winston too craves love so much that he meets Julia at his work and begins a hidden affair that causes them too always have to lookout for Big Brother’s monitoring. As you read, you will get to know a lot about what goes on in Winston’s head and feelings even though it is outlawed to express yourself and of how it is the worst human society imaginable.

As I had just previously mentioned, this is an astounding novel about demonstrating the most extreme realization of a totalitarian society. So, I clearly gave this book five stars because the author has a very unique way of giving his characters life and leaving you constantly on the edge of your chair, just craving what was going to happen next to Winston’s rebellion against society and his feelings that are monitored by Big Brother. Just how Big Brother had the power of controlling personal rights, the author too has a way of “controlling” you to keep on reading. This book is great for those who are into the political authority. ...more "

Oct 10, 2013 08:20PM · see review

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The Twelve Little Cakes

by Dominika Dery

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Reading for the 2nd time

read in April 2013

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Michelle said: " The Twelve little Cakes by Dominika Dery represents her words through her very loving childhood. The book takes place outside in Prague around the mid-seventies. Dominika was a child wished to be born by her parents even though her family had already ...more "

Apr 22, 2013 01:04PM · see review