There are certain books that hardly seem worth reviewing because everyone knows of them. This was the book that launched F. Scott Fitzgerald into popularity, making him and his wife, Zelda, into instant celebrities. I think at some point in high school I had a copy of this book that I started to read but never continued on with. I don't know why. I suppose I was less patient back then. Now, I found this extraordinary.

'This Side of Paradise' chronicles the early life of Amory Blaine as he grows up, an idle mama's boy, goes to prep school, goes to Princeton, falls in love, falls in love again, goes to war, moves to New York, falls in love again, loses all his money, falls in love again, and then finally finds himself.

A trite summary, yes, but this is one of those books that's not easy to describe. The sort of book that deals with real life. The comings and goings of family, friends, wealth, and love. It's exciting in some points, and much less so in others.

Despite all his many faults, I found the character of Amory to be very sympathetic. I would understand if everyone didn't feel this way, however. He's often lazy, wanting things to come easy to him, such as good grades and money, without working for them. He can be overly sentimental, falling in and out of love at the drop of a hat. And often acts without thinking of the consequences. But, he is an unfailingly good friend, capable of big thoughts, and a strong sense of what he considers right and wrong.

I can see how this would be the sort of book people could go crazy over. It's a little bit quiet, certainly quieter than Fitzgerald's more oft read novel ('The Great Gatsby', obviously), but it packs the sort of punch that leaves you thinking. And ultimately wanting more.