666 "Winter Dreams" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (with Mike Palindrome) | My Last Book with Lev Grossman

Jan 2, 2025

In this discussion, Mike Palindrome, president of the Literature Supporters Club, lends his insights on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'Winter Dreams.' They explore Dexter Green’s poignant journey through wealth and longing, revealing themes of unrequited love and social class dynamics. The conversation highlights Fitzgerald's reflections on nostalgia and emotional complexity while comparing the protagonist’s ambitions with the harshness of reality. Lev Grossman also shares his ultimate last book choice, enriching the literary discourse with personal insights.

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ANECDOTE

Listener Ronald's Last Book

Listener Ronald shared his intention to reread "The Once and Future King."
He contemplates it being his last book, sparking a reflection on mortality and cherishing time.

INSIGHT

Fitzgerald's American Dream

F. Scott Fitzgerald captured the American dream, success, failure, and the audacity of the rich.
His stories offer escapism by exploring themes of pride, entertainment, and luck with women.

ANECDOTE

Fitzgerald's Midwest Influence

Jack Wilson and Mike Palindrome discuss Fitzgerald's Midwest influence and his relationship with Ginevra King.
Her father's disapproval of their relationship shaped Fitzgerald's writing about wealth and class.

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The Once and Future King

T.H. White

T.H. White's "The Once and Future King" is a retelling of the Arthurian legends. The novel is known for its witty prose, insightful characterizations, and exploration of themes of power, morality, and the human condition. It's a coming-of-age story that follows Arthur's journey from boyhood to kingship. White's work blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The book has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

Madame Bovary

Gustave Flaubert

Published in 1857, 'Madame Bovary' is a seminal work of literary realism that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who marries Charles Bovary, a dull and unambitious doctor. Emma's life is marked by boredom, romantic fantasies, and a series of ill-fated love affairs with men like Rodolphe and Léon. Her inability to distinguish between her romantic ideals and the harsh realities of her life leads to financial ruin, public scandal, and ultimately, her tragic demise. The novel is renowned for its masterful writing, detailed psychological insights, and its critique of bourgeois provincial life[2][3][5].

The great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

Tender is the Night

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Tender Is the Night is a novel that delves into the intense and complicated relationship between Dick and Nicole Diver, an American couple living in the South of France, and Rosemary Hoyt, a young actress. The story explores themes of social class, codependent love, and mental illness, reflecting the excesses and disillusionments of the Jazz Age. Dick, a brilliant psychiatrist, marries Nicole, a wealthy and mentally unstable patient, and their relationship is complicated by Dick's infatuation with Rosemary. The novel critiques the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy elite and is heavily influenced by Fitzgerald's own life, particularly his relationship with his wife Zelda, who struggled with mental illness.

THE DIAMOND AS BIG AS THE RITZ

F Scott Fitzgerald

The story follows John T. Unger, a young man from a middle-class town, who attends an exclusive preparatory school where he befriends Percy Washington. Percy invites John to spend the summer at his family's estate in Montana, where John learns about the family's extraordinary wealth and their secret: a diamond as big as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The Washingtons have maintained this secret through various means, including enslaving descendants of slaves who believe the Civil War never ended. However, with the advent of airplanes, their secrecy is threatened, leading to a dramatic confrontation and the eventual destruction of their estate. The story explores themes of wealth, greed, and the illusions of the wealthy elite.

The magic mountain

Thomas Mann

The Magic Mountain is a novel by Thomas Mann, published in 1924. It follows the story of Hans Castorp, a young man from a Hamburg merchant family, who visits his tubercular cousin Joachim at a sanatorium in Davos, Switzerland. Initially planning to stay for three weeks, Castorp ends up staying for seven years, immersing himself in the unique world of the sanatorium. The novel delves into themes of time, illness, and the intellectual and philosophical debates of the pre-World War I era. It is a parable of Europe before the Great War and a prophecy of the future, highlighting the decline of European civilization and the rise of irrational and destructive forces. The narrative is characterized by Mann's ironic and omniscient storytelling, exploring the human condition through Castorp's experiences and the diverse characters he encounters at the sanatorium[2][3][4].

This Side of Paradise

F. Scott Fitzgerald

This Side of Paradise chronicles the life of Amory Blaine from his childhood through his early twenties. The novel is divided into three sections: 'Book One: The Romantic Egotist,' 'Interlude,' and 'Book Two: The Education of a Personage.' It follows Amory's experiences at Princeton University, his service in World War I, and his subsequent struggles with love, identity, and social class. The book is known for its experimental narrative structure, which includes poetry, letters, and stream-of-consciousness sections. It reflects the themes of the 'Lost Generation,' exploring the disillusionment and moral ambiguity of the post-war era[1][3][5].

The Bright Sword

A Novel of King Arthur

Lev Grossman

Scar's Seasons Quartet

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Carl Obick

Winter Dreams

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Winter Dreams" is a poignant short story exploring themes of love, ambition, and the fleeting nature of youth. Dexter Green, the protagonist, is captivated by the alluring Judy Jones, a wealthy heiress. Their passionate yet tumultuous relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, highlighting the complexities of desire and the disillusionment that follows. The story's evocative prose and exploration of the American Dream make it a timeless classic. Fitzgerald masterfully portrays the emotional turmoil of Dexter as he navigates his ambitions and his complicated feelings for Judy. The story's ending leaves a lingering sense of melancholy, reflecting on the passage of time and the unattainable nature of certain desires.

The Rich Boy

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Rich Boy" is a short story that explores the complexities of wealth, privilege, and the human condition. The story follows Anson Hunter, a wealthy young man who struggles to connect with others due to his privileged upbringing. Fitzgerald's signature style, characterized by its lyrical prose and insightful character development, is on full display. The story's exploration of class and its portrayal of the emotional isolation of the wealthy make it a powerful and memorable work. It is considered one of Fitzgerald's finest short stories.

Babylon Revisited

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited" is a poignant short story that explores themes of regret, loss, and the destructive power of the past. Charlie Wales, a former expatriate, returns to Paris to reconnect with his daughter. However, his past mistakes and his struggles with alcoholism threaten to derail his efforts. Fitzgerald's evocative prose captures the atmosphere of post-war Paris, while exploring the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of past choices. The story's melancholic tone and its exploration of redemption make it a powerful and memorable work. It is considered one of Fitzgerald's finest short stories.

Flappers and Philosophers

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Flappers and Philosophers" is a collection of short stories that captures the vibrancy and energy of the Jazz Age. The stories showcase Fitzgerald's keen observations of young people navigating love, ambition, and social change. His signature style, characterized by its lyrical prose and insightful character development, is on full display. Readers will encounter a range of characters, from flappers to disillusioned aristocrats, each grappling with the complexities of their time. The collection provides a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the Roaring Twenties.

The Pat Hobby Stories

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Pat Hobby Stories" is a collection of short stories that offers a darkly humorous and poignant look at the life of a struggling screenwriter in Hollywood. The stories follow Pat Hobby, a once-promising writer who has fallen on hard times. Fitzgerald's signature style, characterized by its lyrical prose and insightful character development, is on full display. The stories showcase his keen observations of Hollywood's underbelly, exploring themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the fleeting nature of fame. The collection provides a glimpse into the world of Hollywood during the Golden Age.

The Big Blue Book of the Short Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald

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F. Scott Fitzgerald

This collection compiles many of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic short stories, offering a comprehensive look at his mastery of the form. The stories showcase his keen observations of the Jazz Age, exploring themes of love, loss, wealth, and the American Dream. Fitzgerald's signature style, characterized by its lyrical prose and insightful character development, is on full display. Readers will encounter a range of characters, from flappers to disillusioned aristocrats, each grappling with the complexities of their time. The collection provides a rich tapestry of American life during a transformative period.

The Offshore Pirate

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Offshore Pirate" is a short story that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The story follows a young woman who is torn between two lovers. Fitzgerald's signature style, characterized by its lyrical prose and insightful character development, is on full display. The story's exploration of love and its portrayal of the emotional turmoil of its characters make it a powerful and memorable work. It is considered one of Fitzgerald's finest short stories.

The Rector of Justin

Louis Auchincloss

A dance to the music of time

Anthony Powell

Waiting for Godot

Samuel Beckett

Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" is a seminal work of absurdist theatre. The play features two tramps, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait endlessly for the enigmatic Mr. Godot, whose arrival is perpetually delayed. Beckett's minimalist style and his exploration of existential themes have made the play a cornerstone of modern drama. The play's ambiguous nature and its exploration of meaninglessness and the human condition continue to resonate with audiences today. "Waiting for Godot" remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional notions of narrative and dramatic structure.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is a short story that explores themes of time, aging, and the human condition. The story follows Benjamin Button, a man who ages backward. Fitzgerald's signature style, characterized by its lyrical prose and insightful character development, is on full display. The story's exploration of time and its portrayal of the complexities of human life make it a powerful and memorable work. It is considered one of Fitzgerald's finest short stories.