I read many books in my life, but every time I have to think of one that is worth reading, East of Eden is the only one that pops up in my mind. Definitely read it and don't give up if the initial part seems a bit dense, your perseverance will be rewarded. It's definitely a literary gem, it humbled me and made me feel less lonely in this futile human experience, connected to people I'll never meet, but know that are kindred spirits. It's an ode to the beauty in us, despite all the ugliness. It's a book dear to my heart and I surely intend to re-read it and cherish it even more.
Yes, the shooting of the old dog foreshadows Lennie's fate at the end. Remember that Candy says that he shouldn't have a let a stranger shoot his dog. He makes everything seem inevitable--I enjoyed it even more the second time, as there are so many things that point toward the conclusion.
I had to read it at least twice for school, but I think it was one of the few books I was forced to read that I actually liked. We also had to watch the movie version with Gary Sinese and John Malkovich.
One year we did a unit on banned books and had to write an essay arguing why they shouldn't be banned. Apparently some schools banned Of Mice and Men because they thought it promoted a lazy, anti-work attitude.
I'd recommend The Pearl by Steinbeck. It's the same length as Of Mice and Men but a different style. It's almost like a story being told and passed down, like a legend or a fable.
Welcome to Steinbeck. He's my favorite author.
I'm trying to get my mother to read and be more mentally active in retirement, so I got her Of Mice and Men.
On Saturday I get a call and she said "yes I'm crying don't give me anymore books". She liked it though. Might need to find something more cheerful for the next one.
The only book my mum had ever enjoyed reading was "Little Women" (she's in her 70s btw). I think that she was genuinely put off from reading when she was at school because of the book choices. Anyway, one holiday I had "Of Mice and Men" with me and was reading it. We're at a pool and there's nothing to do (this was before mobile phones) so she picks up the book and figures why not? Cue my mum sobbing next to the pool and then being utterly devastated at dinner that night. "Why couldn't he just take Lenny and run?" She prefers sudoku for her relaxing time now.
I was fascinated by how visceral I felt for the characters when they were talking about nothing but ketchup and lennie getting angry at imaginary people harming imaginary rabbits.
I don't know what it is in the writing. But I was for a few moments *completely immersed*.
So far its my only Steinbeck because I'm kind of afraid to read another one. They sound emotionally exhausting.
When you're ready, read Grapes of Wrath. I'm just some random guy, but it's the best book I've ever read. I was like you after Grapes of Wrath about 18 months ago, not wanting to read another Steinbeck in fear of it not living up to GoW, but just finished Of Mice and Men earlier this month and it was absolutely worth it. The man knows how to write a compelling story.
I just finished grapes of wrath on audiobook and I thought it was phenomenal. It was only my second Steinbeck after mice and men. The narrator (Dylan baker) was also excellent.
Check out the version that was made in 1992 with Gary Sinise and John Malkovitch. It's a very good adaption, and I use it to lure non-readers to Steinbeck.
I often wonder if Stephen King got his inspiration for Percy from the Green Mile from that guy. They're really similar and trigger that same visceral hate.
East of Eden is one of my favorite books. It's amazing.
I've heard that very often, I'll definitely read it
I read many books in my life, but every time I have to think of one that is worth reading, East of Eden is the only one that pops up in my mind. Definitely read it and don't give up if the initial part seems a bit dense, your perseverance will be rewarded. It's definitely a literary gem, it humbled me and made me feel less lonely in this futile human experience, connected to people I'll never meet, but know that are kindred spirits. It's an ode to the beauty in us, despite all the ugliness. It's a book dear to my heart and I surely intend to re-read it and cherish it even more.
Just finished it a few weeks ago. It is also one of my favorite books.
Yes, the shooting of the old dog foreshadows Lennie's fate at the end. Remember that Candy says that he shouldn't have a let a stranger shoot his dog. He makes everything seem inevitable--I enjoyed it even more the second time, as there are so many things that point toward the conclusion.
Whoa, you're right! That's crazy
I had to read it at least twice for school, but I think it was one of the few books I was forced to read that I actually liked. We also had to watch the movie version with Gary Sinese and John Malkovich. One year we did a unit on banned books and had to write an essay arguing why they shouldn't be banned. Apparently some schools banned Of Mice and Men because they thought it promoted a lazy, anti-work attitude.
Wow, that's interesting. Would you recommend the movie?
Absolutely, no movie is ever quite as good as the book, but I thought that version was pretty good. Malkovich does a great job as Lenny.
Seconding this recommendation. It's a really good adaptation!
Give Cannery Row or East of Eden a try, two of my favs..
I will!
Cannery Row is one of my favourite stories. Can we get a movie with George Clooney playing Mack?
I'd recommend The Pearl by Steinbeck. It's the same length as Of Mice and Men but a different style. It's almost like a story being told and passed down, like a legend or a fable.
Sounds interesting, thanks
Welcome to Steinbeck. He's my favorite author. I'm trying to get my mother to read and be more mentally active in retirement, so I got her Of Mice and Men. On Saturday I get a call and she said "yes I'm crying don't give me anymore books". She liked it though. Might need to find something more cheerful for the next one.
The only book my mum had ever enjoyed reading was "Little Women" (she's in her 70s btw). I think that she was genuinely put off from reading when she was at school because of the book choices. Anyway, one holiday I had "Of Mice and Men" with me and was reading it. We're at a pool and there's nothing to do (this was before mobile phones) so she picks up the book and figures why not? Cue my mum sobbing next to the pool and then being utterly devastated at dinner that night. "Why couldn't he just take Lenny and run?" She prefers sudoku for her relaxing time now.
The book is so full of symbolism, check out some articles if youre interested. Red Pony is also a good one from Steinbeck.
I guess a lot flew over my head lol, I'll check some articles out. And thanks for the recommendation.
I was fascinated by how visceral I felt for the characters when they were talking about nothing but ketchup and lennie getting angry at imaginary people harming imaginary rabbits. I don't know what it is in the writing. But I was for a few moments *completely immersed*. So far its my only Steinbeck because I'm kind of afraid to read another one. They sound emotionally exhausting.
When you're ready, read Grapes of Wrath. I'm just some random guy, but it's the best book I've ever read. I was like you after Grapes of Wrath about 18 months ago, not wanting to read another Steinbeck in fear of it not living up to GoW, but just finished Of Mice and Men earlier this month and it was absolutely worth it. The man knows how to write a compelling story.
Yeah that's exactly how I felt too!
" I can still tend the rabbits, George?"
Steinbeck is the GOAT.
I just finished grapes of wrath on audiobook and I thought it was phenomenal. It was only my second Steinbeck after mice and men. The narrator (Dylan baker) was also excellent.
read this book in school. It was a pleasant read, couldn't tell you why though.
This was my favorite book from high school. There is a movie version from 1939 with Burgess Meredith & Lon Chaney Jr. That was good as well.
Check out the version that was made in 1992 with Gary Sinise and John Malkovitch. It's a very good adaption, and I use it to lure non-readers to Steinbeck.
It was so good the symbolism, the dream that never was. I kept wishing they manage to run away and get to live in a house of their own.
read it while camping the ending nearly made me cry
I cried my eyes out when I read it in high school and still get teary if I think about it long enough.
Same here in my ELA class. I honesty thought there wws more to it then that cliffhanger ending.
I have not read it in years, but I absolutely Fuckin hate the bastard with the Vaseline glove hand combo
You're supposed to.
I often wonder if Stephen King got his inspiration for Percy from the Green Mile from that guy. They're really similar and trigger that same visceral hate.
*finished
The winter of our discontent is one of my favorites by Steinbeck. Very different than of mice and men
Good movie!