The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay

"Douglass sets a classic on fire with an inspired recasting that strips away time and all expectations." -- Rita Williams-Garcia, New York Times bestselling author of A Sitting in St. James

From New York Times bestselling author Ryan Douglass comes a gripping and tender reimagining of The Great Gatsby about the pursuit of happiness--and love--in a society built on cruelty and secrets.

Seventeen-year-old Nick Carrington wants nothing more than to leave Greenwood, Oklahoma, behind and make a name for himself in the papers. But when tragedy strikes, dreams turn into a twisted reality. Forced to start anew in Harlem, only a letter of acceptance from the prestigious West Egg Academy is able to pull him back into the world.

But the supposedly integrated private boys' school is more of a catchy headline than a fact, with the same prejudices Nick left behind back home. And his secret but growing feelings for the founder's wickedly charismatic son, Jay Gatsby Jr.-- who dances past society's conventions with practiced ease--only add more complications.

When Nick's cutting pen exposes dangerous truths about West Egg and leads to perilous consequences, he and Jay must decide whether to spend a lifetime outrunning trouble or be the ones to light the match. Can they not only fight back but triumph? Or will the powers that be win yet again?

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 01/27/2026
ISBN: 9780063312487
Pages: 384

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 10/06/2025
Booklist 11/01/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2025