Which is why I found it so surprising that The Great Gatsby was so unsuccessful, especially during Fitzgerald's life (which is kind of depressing actually). But then again, especially after our class discussion, I can kind of see why. Most people during that time would have considered the book to be too risque or controversial, especially since it criticized the people of that time period for their partying and shallow behavior.
Also, another thing that surprised me was one of the main reasons why Gatsby became popular again -- war. It's just ironic that a story about partying and the high life would became popular because of something so destructive (then again, both are kind of destructive). However, The Great Gatsby is the epitome of the Great American Novel, so it would make sense that the army would want their soldiers to read something that was considered inherently "American" as they fought for their home country.
I know that this kind of goes off of the given topic for this blog post, but I'd just like to share how much I've enjoyed The Great Gatsby. I had tried reading it once before when I was in, like, 5th grade, and I couldn't even make it past the 1st page because I thought it was so dull. (Ah, the intelligence of 10-year-olds.) But now that I've read it, I can honestly say that it is one of my favorite books. I love the realism of it, I love how the language in it (oh my gosh that last line will be one that I never forget), I love EVERYTHING about it. So thanks, Lindner (or I guess whoever makes assigned reading lists), for making us read this book.