The quote describes a passionate admiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald's works by someone who was deeply engrossed in reading everything he wrote upon finishing high school. This individual started with "The Great Gatsby" and moved on to other novels like "Tender Is the Night," which profoundly impacted them, followed by their fascination with "This Side of Paradise," which they kept close for an extended period.
Beyond its literal meaning, this quote speaks to the transformative power of literature in shaping personal experiences and emotional connections. It highlights how certain books can have a profound influence on readers, becoming more than just sources of entertainment or information but also objects of affection and reverence. The act of sleeping with a book under one's pillow symbolizes the deep connection between the reader and the text, suggesting that reading is not merely an intellectual pursuit but an emotional journey.
The quote is from A. Scott Berg, an acclaimed American writer known for his biographies of prominent figures such as Charles Lindbergh, Katharine Hepburn, and Samuel Goldwyn. His extensive work in literary biography underscores a deep appreciation for authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, evident in the passionate way he recounts his own experience with Fitzgerald's novels.
