I just finished “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I didnt have to read it in high school or college, but was always told it was a twentieth century masterpiece. I finally gave in to the “masterpiece” belief to see what I was missing.
The story takes place in New York State and Chicago, Illinois told by a young man named Nick in the 1920s. Nick is a bondsman who lives beside a man who has lavish parties every weekend. All he knows of the man at first is that he is called Gatsby. After some time, Nick is invited to one of these parties with his second cousin Daisy.
After the party, we are thrown into a world of extremities, from drinking and partying  to tales of brutality and hostility. We find that what is good for one character is not good for his wife as they both cheat on each other, marrying for money or power, not love.
I really am not sure why Jay Gatsby is known as the “Great Gatsby”, as the title suggests. Is it because of his lavish spending? Is it because he made himself great when he came from nothing? Is it because that is how he wants others to perceive him because of his own insecurities? Whatever the answer, I shall leave it up to the reader to decide.

The Library now has both a group and a page on Facebook! We are using this as a way to reach out to people about our programs and services. If you have a Facebook account, please consider joining the group. We have begun online book discussions, advertise events and post program photos. Join us there!

Our Tuesday morning story time will have a special guest! Ray York will read to the children and help them learn about ways they can protect the earth. Recycling and stories make a great combination. The story time begins at 10:30 am next Tuesday. We hope to see you there.

     “The Associate” by John Grisham is ripped from recent headlines…four frat boys from a southern university are charged with rape. They are all acquitted of any charges because the female is considered promiscuous and not enough evidence can be found to support her charges. Years later, a bright young law student, Kyle McAvoy is blackmailed because of these allegations and new incriminating evidence…a video recording of the incident from a hidden cell phone.
     McAvoy must decide if he is going to let intimidation and fear of disbarment lead him to stealing secrets from a top law firm in New York. Grisham intertwines stories about three of the four friends into hard decisions they all must make…including admission of guilt or freedom for their young lives.
     Grisham interweaves tales of the fine line between guilt and innocence, repentance and forgiveness… giving the Christian perspective of what should be done.
     This was definitely a page turner for me as I like most of John Grisham’s books. Although it was full of philosophy and espionage, it held my attention pretty well. Would I recommend it? If you are a Grisham fan, yes. If you like legal drama, yes…everyone else…yes…everyone should try to read at least one Grisham novel.