Here's a breakdown of why:
* Lack of Depth: Gatsby's stories are filled with dramatic events and extravagant details, but they lack real substance or emotional depth. He doesn't go into the "why" behind his actions or the emotional toll they took on him.
* Fast-Paced and Superficial: Gatsby rushes through his stories, focusing on the exciting details without delving into the complexities or consequences of his choices.
* Multiple Narratives: Gatsby's stories are not a coherent narrative, but a series of disconnected episodes. Like flipping through magazines, each story is a self-contained unit that doesn't connect to the bigger picture of Gatsby's life.
* Lack of Honesty: Gatsby's stories are often exaggerated or fabricated, making Nick question their authenticity. This further contributes to the "skimmed" feeling, as if he's reading a superficial version of Gatsby's life.
In essence, Gatsby's stories are like "magazines" because they offer a flashy and fleeting glimpse into his life, lacking the depth and honesty that would allow Nick to truly understand him.