Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Margaret Mitchell's monumental epic of the South won a Pulitzer Prize, gave rise to the most popular motion picture of our time, and inspired a sequel that became the fastest selling novel of the century. It is one of the most popular books ever written: more than 28 million copies of the book have been sold in more than 37 countries. Today, more than 60 years after its initial publication, its achievements are unparalleled, and it remains the most revered American saga and the most beloved work by an American writer...

I saw the movie first, and thought movie-Scarlett was insufferably snotty and selfish. The book really opened my eyes - what a strong, capable person whose only limitation was that she was expected to be so feminine. I have a lot of respect for book-Scarlett.

I have a queue of new, unread books waiting for me, but for some reason picked up an old copy of Gone with the Wind and got sucked in. Despite its weaknesses, this is how you tell a story.

What a masterpiece.

The depths of characters. The relationships. The descriptions. The mix of action and drama. The beating heart of Tara. The constant fight and struggle to survive. The true magnitude of how people respond to war, trauma, and the need to survive.

Scarlett O'Hara is a self centered, spoiled southern belle. She's oblivious to around her and cares only for herself. But that self centerness is what pushes her into survival mode. It keeps her and those around her going. She destroys many, but also is the key reason why others survive.

The writing swept me away to Confederate south. I was in the rooms with Scarlett, Rhett, Melanie, Mammie, Pa, and the rest. Even the characters who swept in and out of the story had their own struggles and individual characteristics and drive.

There was depth in this novel that I have rarely seen in others. This is a book that can be read time and again, even though you know the ending.