On New Year’s Day, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, The Great Gatsby, entered into the public domain. Fitzgerald’s words are now available to be published by anyone. In Michael Farris Smith’s case, prequels of characters can be written too. Smith wrote the new novel, Nick. It follows Nick Carraway, the character and narrator from Fitzgerald’s world-renowned book. Before Carraway moved to West Egg, he was a soldier in war, a resident of many cities, and subject to heartbreak, violence, alcoholism, childhood trauma, and deceit.
This book has an interesting sentence style and voice that reminds you of classic authors like Fitzgerald or Hemmingway, which allows it to fit right in with its predecessor. With 52 short chapters, this book is an interesting look at Nick Carraway from someone who did not originally create him.

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Comment author: Patti Cole
Comment text: Marie will be forever treasured in memories.
The memories remain of a soft-spoken, seemingly unassuming but determined individual who absolutely knew what path she wanted to take in life, and followed it.
Her instinctive reactions, which highlighted her steadfast level of love and caring for her family, friends and all living things found in nature, hold lessons for us all.
An unexpected splash of her self-deprecating humor, coupled with uncanny timing, will always bring a smile.
For me, Marie lives on in the sighting of a Black-crowned night heron in the tules, the bloom of a beautiful spring flower and, most poetically, in the struggle of wildlife photographers handling their very large camera lenses.
Comment publication date: 8/15/26, 9:31 AM
Comment source: Obituary-Marie Dong Ko
Comment author: John Chaney
Comment text: I just figured out that Betty was my 1st cousin. Her dad Ted was my dad's brother. I never knew Ted or Betty, but I wish I did. I am 73 and live in IL. I am building my family tree and see where Betty has fit in. Blessings to you Curt and family.
Comment publication date: 8/14/26, 11:04 AM
Comment source: Obituary - Betty Lou (Chaney) Anderson
Comment author: Karen Webb
Comment text: I am so sorry to hear this. I loved coming to the carwash to see John! He always made my day. Prayers for all of his family during this difficult time.
Comment publication date: 8/11/26, 8:56 PM
Comment source: In Memory of John Evans
Comment author: Laura Ivey
Comment text: I am so very sorry for your loss of John. He always made my day when I went to the car wash. I will miss his joyous personality and that smile.
Comment publication date: 8/10/26, 9:52 AM
Comment source: In Memory of John Evans

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