F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite American author.

The Beautiful and the Damned is my favorite American fiction. It was truly a pleasure to read some of his short stories from that era.

It was fascinating to observe how Fitzgerald explored certain themes that would later resonate in The Great Gatsby, such as in "The Sensible Thing" and "The Rich Boy."

Some of his works were brilliant on their own, especially "The Rich Boy." However, others fell short and clearly seemed to be written to support his lifestyle, like "The Baby Party."

While "Winter Dreams" and "Absolution" have received sustained critical acclaim, neither of them lived up to the exaggerated praise. The second half of "Absolution" was particularly feeble.

I really enjoyed "Gretchen's Forty Winks" for its dark humor and sheer audacity. It had a unique charm that set it apart from some of his other works.

Fitzgerald's writing style is captivating, and his ability to create complex characters and explore profound themes makes him a truly remarkable author.

All the stories were basically the same. They followed a similar pattern and had common elements. However, there were a few that stood out and were actually pretty good.

These particular stories had something special about them. Maybe it was the unique way the plot was developed, or the interesting characters that were created.

The good stories managed to engage the readers and keep them interested from start to finish. They had a certain charm and appeal that made them enjoyable to read.

Although the majority of the stories were somewhat similar, it was refreshing to come across those few that had that extra something. It shows that even within a set of similar stories, there can be ones that shine and make a lasting impression.

Overall, while the basic sameness of the stories was a bit of a drawback, the presence of the good ones made the collection worthwhile.

This is the finest collection of Fitzgerald's stories that I have ever perused.

Contrary to numerous individuals who assert that his short stories constitute some of his most excellent work, I was not overly impressed by the initial two collections that I read.

Nonetheless, this particular work emanates from a more seasoned writer, and the stories, on the whole, lack the sort of elements that I detested in his earlier oeuvre.

These are all excellent stories, albeit some of them may not necessarily reach the caliber of his greatest novels.

The most renowned one, and surely among the most highly regarded, is “The Rich Boy” (featuring the famous line “the rich are not like you and me”).

However, my personal favorite was “Gretchen’s Forty Winks.”

My sole gripe was that the unexpected twist at the conclusion of that story was needless and undermined the overall narrative.

**Expanded Article**

I am excited to share that I have completed the proofing of this remarkable book for Free Literature. Soon, it will be published by Project Gutenberg, which offers a wealth of classic and valuable literary works. The book contains a collection of captivating stories.

Free download available at Project Gutenberg

The stories include "The Rich Boy," which delves into the lives and experiences of the wealthy. "Winter Dreams" takes readers on a journey through the dreams and aspirations of the characters. "The Baby Party" offers a unique perspective on a particular event. "Absolution" explores themes of guilt and forgiveness.

"Rags Martin-Jones and the Pr-nce of W-les" presents an interesting tale, and "The Adjuster" deals with the challenges of life. "Hot and Cold Blood" examines the complex nature of human emotions. "The Sensible Thing" offers insights into making rational decisions. And finally, "Gretchen's Forty Winks" provides an entertaining and engaging story.

Each story in this collection has its own charm and offers something different to the reader. I am confident that it will be a great addition to the literary world and will be enjoyed by many.

**"TRE STELLE E MEZZA"**

The author's attention begins to shift from the "beautiful and damned" to the young men who are becoming men. They have a veil of sadness, seeing their dreams slip through their hands like sand. For the first time, they have to deal with debts, children, and the difficulties of marriage.

This collection is extremely unified and well thought out. It is a single book about a generation, their dreams, and for us, the many connections they have with our dreams and those of every other era when we reach the shadow line. Yes, Conrad. That moment is the last frame of youth. When nothing has changed, even though everything seems to have changed. What comes after is uncertain. What is certain is the fog that seems to envelop the past from that moment on, covering the eyes and blurring the memories. Becoming men, this is the theme that makes Fitzgerald universal.

In a short story, there is only enough time to buy a single complete suit, not many parts. Just one mistake regarding the shoes or the tie, and it's over.

The best stories in the collection are: "The Rich Boy", "The Child's Party", "The Pacifier", "Hot and Cold Blood", and "Gretchen's Naptime".

This work offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the journey from youth to adulthood. It delves into the dreams, disappointments, and challenges that come with growing up. Fitzgerald's writing style is engaging and evocative, making these stories a captivating read. Whether you are a fan of his work or new to his writing, this collection is sure to leave an impression. So, pick up a copy and immerse yourself in the world of Fitzgerald's characters.

My favorite is "The rich boy". It is truly remarkable how this work manages to convey the essence of intimate relationships with such economy of language.

It delves deep into the human soul, presenting love as the ultimate emotion that transcends all boundaries of social status or wealth.

The story seems to strip away all the superficial layers and reveals the raw and vulnerable core of our beings when it comes to matters of the heart.

It makes us realize that love is something that cannot be measured or bought, but rather it is a force that has the power to transform and heal.

Through the experiences of the characters in "The rich boy", we are able to catch a glimpse of the complexity and beauty of love, and perhaps gain a deeper understanding of our own relationships.

It is a work that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a newfound appreciation for the power of love.

The path of love is indeed a rocky road, and this holds true even in one's twenties.

In the twenties, people are still in the process of self-discovery and growth. They are exploring their identities, career aspirations, and personal values. Amidst all this, finding and maintaining a healthy relationship can be a daunting task.

There are often many distractions and temptations that can derail a budding romance. The desire for freedom and independence can sometimes conflict with the need for commitment and compromise in a relationship.

Moreover, the twenties are a time when people are more likely to make mistakes and learn from them. This can also apply to love. Many young people may enter into relationships too quickly or without fully understanding their own needs and wants.

However, despite the challenges, love in the twenties can also be incredibly rewarding. It can bring joy, companionship, and a sense of purpose. It can also help young people to mature and develop as individuals.

So, while the path of love may be rocky in the twenties, it is still a journey worth taking. With patience, understanding, and a willingness to learn and grow, young people can find true love and build a lasting relationship.

This rather melodramatic incursion - perhaps appropriate for the respective era - with lush metaphors for atmosphere, into the short but concise storytelling of glorious times and desperate souls.

Fitzgerald has the ability to send a shiver through the heart of the eager reader in search of balance and fulfillment, against the backdrop of oppressive ideals that cease to give a new breath to the characters, precisely because these ideals are so far away, difficult to reach and rather cause phantom apparitions.

The use of vivid language and rich imagery helps to bring the story to life, making the reader feel as if they are a part of the world that Fitzgerald has created.

Despite the somewhat tragic nature of the tale, there is also a sense of hope and longing that lingers, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and a desire to know more about the characters and their fates.

Overall, this is a powerful and engaging piece of writing that showcases Fitzgerald's talent for creating memorable stories that resonate with readers on a deep level.

The book is beautifully written.

It contains a collection of stories, some of which are truly remarkable and better than others.

For me, it's more like taking a dip into the book rather than reading one story after another continuously.

Each story seems to offer a unique perspective and a different experience.

Sometimes, I find myself getting lost in the details and the emotions that the author has so skillfully woven into the narrative.

The writing style is engaging and draws the reader in, making it difficult to put the book down.

Overall, it's a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good collection of stories.

Whether you choose to read it cover to cover or dip in and out as you please, you're sure to find something that will capture your imagination and leave you with a lasting impression.

Ah, but the man could write!

The "sad young men" mentioned in the title are those in their 20s and 30s whom Fitzgerald wrote about 100 years ago. Their passions, pursuits, obsessions, quirks, and blunders bear a striking resemblance to those of the "young man" I used to be.

Fitzgerald does an excellent job of depicting their exuberance and the accompanying sense of surety that I also recall having. However, it's important to note that these qualities can often cause young people to overcommit, both in work and in relationships, and sometimes make serious mistakes.

He successfully captures the sense of "this is our time" and "it's now or never," which are characteristic of a younger and more innocent stage in human life.

I found all of these stories captivating and enjoyable to read, despite the inevitable presence of some sadness. Such is the "mixed cocktail" of life.

But, oh my, how masterfully the man could write!!!

A set of extremely lively and vividly descriptive short stories awaits you. These stories are like little gems, each shining with its own unique charm. They are filled with colorful characters, exciting adventures, and heartwarming moments. Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a touching romance, or a hilarious comedy, there is something for everyone in this collection. The authors have a wonderful way of bringing their stories to life, using rich language and engaging plots that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. So, sit back, relax, and let these short stories transport you to another world filled with imagination and wonder.

I really liked it.

This is the second work by Fitzgerald that I've had the pleasure of reading. As a compilation of novellas, it is good, but it didn't completely blow my mind or anything. Fitzgerald has a very distinct writing style, and this became even more apparent after reading this collection.

I'm not sure if this was written before or after "The Great Gatsby," but I had the sense that this was a sort of precursor and that it led up to the creation of that great novel.

The stories in this collection are all about men's success and related themes, so there aren't really any prominent female characters. And when there are female characters, they don't seem to be portrayed in a very favorable light.

Nonetheless, I still liked it quite a bit. To be honest, it was a bit repetitive at times, and I mostly only finished it because I was traveling and this was the only book I had with me at the time. If you have already read "The Great Gatsby" or are planning to read it, I would say don't bother with this one.

It's not that it's a bad book, but it just doesn't quite measure up to the greatness of "The Great Gatsby."