-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1925)

The Great Gatsby (1925) stands as the quintessential literary achievement of F. Scott Fitzgerald's career and is often referred to as a Great American Novel. The plot focuses on wealthy yet tragic Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of socialite Daisy Buchanan, as told through the eyes of narrator Nick, a common Midwesterner. As the story unfolds with scenes of parties, drunkenness, and infidelity, Fitzgerald's critical commentary on the lavishness, hedonism, and rebellion of The Jazz Age becomes evident. This literary classic is a must-read (or a read again) for fans of Fitzgerald and literary classics.