<p>So apparently we have to read The Great Gatsby, and write an essay and answer some questions plus attend 2 discussions sessions. What happens if we don't do any of that stuff?</p>
<p>^ that is the most retarded book ever.</p>
<p>most people don't do it. some first year writing seminar profs actually collect the essays, most do not.</p>
<p>that is not true....those essays, are handed into this contest thing, the FWS professors never see them</p>
<p>there's a slight chance your FWS professor will ask you to use the book in future essays....I only know one person this happened to.</p>
<p>At the very least, read sparknotes.</p>
<p>Oh comon, you can read that book!! Just do it and don't risk a sucky start at Cornell! -or sparknotes would probably be just as good to tell you the truth lol</p>
<p>I think they said the profs won't grade those essays...at most, just use them to assess your writing level.</p>
<p>Some professor do grade those essays!</p>
<p>The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books, read it!</p>
<p>is this for incoming freshmen? b/c i didn't get anything that said i needed to read anything for the summer <_<</p>
<p>You get the book free in the mail. I'm gonna be an orientation leader so I have to read it too. I'm supposed to discuss it with you guys and take you to some discussion sessions on it... I wrote the essay but not everybody did. It's a good book, just read it.</p>
<p>enevlopes, just check the tab saying,:"Great Gatsby" at co2010 site.</p>
<p>is just just for incoming freshmen or transfers too?</p>
<p>It's strange that it is being used for college analysis since it seems to be a common high school book...I guess you must look into it even more...</p>
<p>"It's strange that it is being used for college analysis since it seems to be a common high school book...I guess you must look into it even more..."</p>
<p>These books are usually easy reads for several reasons. Not all students are prospective English majors, not all students have had the same preparation/opportunities in the field of literature. The book has to accomodate the entire entering freshman class. It has to be accessible. The Great Gatsby isn't horribly difficult to read, but it is still compelling. It's a good balance for a summer reading assignment.</p>
<p>mm good point</p>
<p>Yeah but still... I read the book twice back in 8th grade, and I don't think I'll be reading it again. I'm guessing many, many other people have already read it too. They could have set a book that wasn't as well-known.</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree, that's its only pitfall, heythatslife. The Great Gatsby is a little bit too well-read by most high school seniors.</p>
<p>It's a good book for Cornell specifically... there's a lot of Long Island kids and economic diversity.</p>
<p>haha, nice mercury.</p>
<p>ok, so 1. the great gatsby is one of the best novels of the 20th century. it's also a fun, entertaining, easy to enjoy story, so quit your whining.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>don't worry if you haven't gotten it yet (or never get it and end up buying your own paperback) you can read it in like 2 days.</p></li>
<li><p>don't stress about the essay. i did mine in 30 minutes...the 30 minutes before my book discussion.</p></li>
<li><p>while they threaten that your writing prof will analyze your writing through the the essay, that only happens in a couple seminars. most professors will have their own introductory assignments.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>ESSENTIALLY: read the book, write your little thing, and don't worry about it.</p>