I am kicking myself for not reading this book prior to this. The previous comments about Fitzgerald writing the story at age 26 and that it may mirror his and Zelda's life provide another layer to this story that is truly remarkable.

While the main characters are so self-absored (think Scarlet O'Hara), it's hard not follow this story to its conclusion. Its universal theme makes it easy to compare Anthony and Gloria with today's heiresses, young popstars, and general bad behavior of the idle rich. His writing allows me to see them not from the bottom looking up, but right in the eye with sadness that they may never see life as the true gift it is.