Not Sure It Was Great!

The Page Turners met this week.  Our June book was, The Great Gatsby.  I would like to start out by saying that it seems arrogant for us to review a classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  That said, we did review it.  The Old Lady picked it.  With the movie remake due out this year, it was a timely choice. 
I have seen the movie, The Great Gatsby, with Robert Redford.  Several times.  I am a big fan of Robert Redford and the movie.  For some reason, I never read the book. 
It was a small meeting, only four of us.  The Dream Maker (Willie's wife), The Old Lady, Easy Rider, and me.  The book rated out slightly below a 3.  Easy Rider rated the classic a 2.  We had a discussion on what makes books a classic.  We decided a book needed to be timeless, have quite a few symbolisms, and be something you are forced to read in school.  I just put that school thing in myself.  Personally, I loved Novel class.  I enjoyed having a book picked apart.  Chapter by Chapter, line by line.  I want to hear about what the green light at the end of Daisy's pier represented.  If I would have read The Great Gatsby in school, I know I would have rated it much higher.  I would have gained more insight into the meaning behind things.  I was thrilled to finally read it.  I am anxious to see the movie. 

I have read 42 books this year.  I am behind my goal by 8.  I am not worred.  Still have plenty of time.  No concerns about reaching my goal.  Here are some of the books I have read recently:

Wild by Cheryl Strayed - I rated this book a 3.  I really enjoyed it.  It is a memoir about the author's 1,100 mile solo hike on The Pacific Coast Trail.  From the Mojave Desert up to Oregon.  She had no real hiking experience.  Cheryl saw a book about hiking the trail, made the decision to do it and went.  She was at a time in her life she needed to get away from her life and problems.  She was trying to find herself.  It is worth the read.  When I was reading it I was thinking, it would be awesome to hike a trail.  (Never going to happen.)
A Good Man by Mark Shriver.  I rated it a 4.  It is about Sargent Shriver.  Written by his son.  Very interesting man.  Sargent Shriver was a visionary.  He was a man of strong faith.  He was very optimistic.  Very positive read.
Music From Beyond The Moon, Augusta Trobaugh - I rated this book a 4.  It was a great read.  Did not want to put it down.  Part of the story is what makes a Mother.  Different types of Motherly Love.  One woman gives up her children so they can have a better life.  This is the story of the people that raised those children.  Two women that run a fishing camp together.  A Doctor and his wife lost a child at birth.  They adopt another child.  This book has several stories that are woven together and create a great read.

The Page Turner's will be reading, The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  This is another book I have put off reading.  Thrilled it is our July book.  Hoping that Jersey Girl is back amongst us for the meeting.  It is her pick.  Thinking of you Jersey Girl.  Sorry your family is having tough times.