"So We Read On" by Maureen Corrigan is a captivating exploration of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby." Corrigan is strong in her ability to seamlessly blend literary criticism with personal anecdotes, making the reading experience both informative and engaging. I particularly enjoyed how she made sure to reference Fitzgerald, the writer's, world and its influences.

Like most people I know, I read Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby in high school. I remember enjoying it and finding it surprisingly grim. I reread it in college and went on to read many of Fitzgerald's other works. When I first started listening to audiobooks it was one of the first ones I chose and fell in love with the story all over again though was even more surprised by it's grimness than I was when I was 16. So naturally, a book about the book itself seemed like an immediate must read.. Unfortunately, this wasn't the book for me. While I do enjoy taking a look at the life of an author and how it appeared in their work this felt more like a college lecture on symbolism and deep themes which was never something that hooked me. Corrigan's attention to detail and throughness in combing through Fitzgerald's life and work is impressive but I don't think I really appreciated it. I felt a bit like my eyes kept bouncing of the page and the information just never quite made it into my brain. Basically, I was 19 again sitting in my Freshman Comp classes watching the clock. I was always conscious of Corrigan giving the lecture and didn't come out feeling like I knew Fitzgerald or Gatsby any better. If you enjoy looking for symbolism and greater meanings than this will be a book you'd enjoy. Otherwise, just pick up a biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald and a copy of The Great Gatsby