The Great Gatsby is a classic, so for that reason I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed the writing and the ease with which I was able to read it, but I didn't like the characters. With the exception of Nick the characters were either privileged with a horrific sense of entitlement, they lacked character and integrity, or their priorities were all wrong, or any combination thereof. 
 I'm not sure why this book would be required reading in our nations school. In my mind there is nothing deep or thought provoking that would challenge students. In fact, from my perspective, it's just the opposite... shallow.