Quarantine Book Club: "The Great Gatsby"
Saturdays at 10am Pacific, August 28 - September 25
The Great Gatsby is often called the Great American Novel. It's also a great late-summer novel, the perfect thing to read in the final weeks of the season. And it's an iconic portrayal of the Twenties, a roaring decade following a worldwide pandemic.
The plot may be familiar to you. But do you know the backstory of the novel's creation? Did you know that Fitzgerald really screwed up in college (he failed out), embarrassed himself in the army (he fell off his horse and nearly got fellow soldiers killed), and died thinking Gatsby was a flop?
How did this odd duck from Minnesota make such a magic trick of a book, anyway?
Whether you are re-reading The Great Gatsby or just picking it up for the first time, this club is for you. Weekly lectures about Fitzgerald's life and how he transformed his experiences into art will help you see more deeply into this novel's genius.
Lectures will be delivered by Christopher Frizzelle, followed by open discussion, where you may share your own insights and questions. Participation in discussions is entirely optional. Expect the other members of this club to include writers, musicians, painters, scientists, people who work in law, people who work in tech, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, and more.
You do not need to read or prepare anything in advance of our first meeting. And if you miss any sessions, no problem: A recording of each session will be sent to all ticket holders automatically.
RECOMMENDED EDITION
We recommend you get this edition of The Great Gatsby from our bookstore partner Phinney Books, so that you have the same page numbers as everyone else during discussions.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Sponsorship funds are available to help make this experience possible if price is a barrier; apply here.
DONATIONS ENCOURAGED
If you choose to pay $150, you are automatically making a $50 donation to the financial assistance fund. If you pay $200, you are making a $100 donation. Thank you for making this book club accessible to more people.
ART
Illustration by Kathryn Rathke
