F Scott Fitzgerald

[flapflops]

I've never read any of his books but have read some absolutely beautiful snippets of his writing. What would you recommend as the best first book of his to read??

[KeiraTwiceKnightley]

Great Gatsby. It's his most famous for a reason - beautifully spare, clever, interesting characters (though you don't really LIKE any of them). Read it.

[PseuDenim]

The diamond as big as the ritz - great short stories. Also great gatsby as the pp said - so beautiful and so sad.

[Hassled]

Tender is the Night. It's heartbreaking but so beautifully written - not a word out of place.

[fluffiphlox]

The Great Gatsby
Tender is the Night (this is available in different editions, I think, with different chapter orders).
The Last Tycoon (unfinished I think though someone will be along shortly with chapter and verse)
Lots of good short stories.
Beautiful writing.

[SatsukiKusakabe]

Yes Gatsby and then Tender.

[awrightmylover]

Gatsby. This side of paradise is moderately witty in parts, but not as good.

[MsAmerica]

For quick fun, the short story, "Bernice Bobs Her Hair."

Of course, "Gatsby" is the big one, but for a good starter, I also like "The Beautiful and Damned," which I find livelier.

[IlsaLund]

Gatsby
The Tender is The Night
And short stories - I love The Diamond as big as The Ritz, Bernice bobs her hair and Winter Dreams

[Rockandrollwithit]

Tender is the Night is by far my favourite but I think Gatsby is a better starting place. Enjoy, Fitzgerald is fab!

[EllaHen]

I absolutely loved Tender is the Night. My uni boyfriend didn't think I'd like it as it was a difficult read, cheeky bastard.

The Great Gatsby is more fun but not as satisfying.