I just reread this, mostly on the train down to Chicago and back. I'm not sure why I like it — the plot is depressing but the writing is incredible — that probably explains it. I also like Nick's character, even though he's just the narrator.

Gatsby was a poor wanderer who fell in love with Daisy. He went off to war, and Daisy married Tom. Gatsby couldn't deal with it and determined to make himself into the man he thought she wanted. He got involved with crooks and became wealthy, then moved near Daisy on Long Island and plans to go off with her. Tom has an affair with Myrtle, but gets angry when he finds out about Daisy and Gatsby. When Tom and Gatsby have a confrontation, Daisy chickens out. On the ride home, with Tom and Daisy in the car and Daisy driving, Myrtle is hit and killed. Tom tells Myrtle's husband that Gatsby did it, so he kills Gatsby, then himself. None of the hundreds of people who used to come to Gatsby's parties come to his funeral.