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??

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.

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

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

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.

Yes Gatsby and then Tender.

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

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.

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

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

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.