One great way to connect modern readers to classic texts is through retellings.
I know. I know. I’ve heard from many die-hard classic lit fans that retellings are evil. Okay, maybe they don’t go that far, but many classic lit fans are very much against retellings. Nothing but the original will do for these readers. And that is perfectly fine. I get it. I prefer the originals, too.
However, I don’t see retellings as disrespectful or plagiaristic or even unimaginative. In fact, I think it’s just the opposite. When a writer’s character lives on so deeply in a reader’s mind that she brings that character back to life in a different time, place, or situation–what could be a bigger compliment?
Also, I know for a fact that many retellings have led readers directly back to the first, fresh, beautiful telling of the original story. I hope Just Daisy does exactly that.
Here are some resources for book clubs or classrooms who want to dive deeper into Just Daisy, especially as it pairs with The Great Gatsby. Please share them, tweak them, enjoy them. I’d love to see these resources in action on Twitter or my Facebook Reader Group.
