Defining “greatness” is subjective, but not for books already categorized as Great American Novels.
From “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald to “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, books classified as Great American Novels, a phrase created by John William Forest in 1868, focus on a subject that looks at the essence or ideals of the United States.
To help clarify what makes a book a Great American Novel or “GAN,” Ray Moore, a retired high school teacher, leads the Great American Novel Discussion Group. It meets monthly on Zoom.
“It’s difficult to define (GAN),” he said. “It’s a novel that talks about the essence of America for the good or for the ill. All of it has been captured in the book.”
With a master’s degree in English from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, a passion for reading and extra time on his hands, Moore landed about 8 years ago at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E.
Main St. in Leesburg. Moore, who wanted to lend his talents as a teacher and avid reader to the community, decided with library staff to lead a reading group. He set out to look at books like “The Great Gatsby” and holding discussions about if the book should be labeled as “GAN.”
The group reviewed the story about Gatsby during its Feb. 3 meeting.
“This is an (GAN) because Gatsby’s life is seen as the American dream,” Moore said. “It pushes the idea that if you work hard anyone can be a millionaire. The story also really looks at human relationship versus materialism.”
Since starting the group, Moore said he sees how the discussion group creates a space for people to expand their understanding about the story and the world around them.
“The discussions have changed people’s opinion a lot,” he said. “People who participate get a completely different perspective about the book. Maybe if they didn’t like the book before, they leave going ‘I was wrong. I get it now.’”
Books that are being reviewed by the group are often older books that were required reading for high school and college students.
Though some in the group may have read the books, Moore said the discussions lead readers sharing about how the stories relate to their own lives.
“I often learn just as much as anybody else,” Moore said. “I’m not from America or Florida, but a lot of people can relate themes in the book back to their lived history in Florida.”
While reviewing “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin during the group’s January meeting, Moore said he learned how much of the book is still relevant to the positions of women today.
The next group discussion is from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 3 and will be about “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston. Copies of the book can be found at the Leesburg Public Library. Registration for the Zoom program is required and is open to anyone, regardless of whether they live in Lake County.
To register for the American Novel Discussion Group meeting, visit mylakelibrary.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
