Eric Puchner has written a story about his father that’s quite reminiscent (in storyline and style) of Fitzgerald’s classic tale of a man trying to overcome his station in life. But while Gatsby was a tragic figure who we could all relate to, Puchner’s father seems like kind of like a monster. This piece is so rich in its descriptions and in its vivid evocations of hope and promise that I didn’t want it to end. Beautiful.