First, I must admit that I have read only two John Steinbeck novels - The Pearl and The Grapes of Wrath, and I disliked both of them. But I remember them well enough to know that Steinbeck is a really evocative writer who understood the times about which he was writing. I just didn't really enjoy the books at all. I plan to give East of Eden a try one day, and I feel like that day may be coming sooner or later because I read this blog post, with a letter that Steinbeck wrote to his son on different types of love. And it is just so generous and good and kind that now I want to read more Steinbeck and fall in love with him because I know that he would understand exactly the sort of love that a reader can feel for a book, and that is just lovely.
In case you don't want to click over, I'll just tell you the key line from the excerpted letter:
And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.
You are doing better than me. I have only read Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck.
ReplyDeleteI have read none ;)
ReplyDeleteYou might want to read Steinbeck's novella THE MOON IS DOWN.
ReplyDeleteOh, I've never even heard of that one! Thanks for the suggestion.
DeleteBoth you and Zibilee today - must be a Steinbeck day! I'm reading Crow right now by the way! I skipped your review until I am done. I'll probably finish today - can't wait to hear what you had to say! :--)
ReplyDeleteOoh, yay! I can't wait to hear what YOU have to say :-)
DeleteOk, in school and outside I read The Pearl, Of Mice and Men and...something else I don't remember. And I hated them. Then when I was like 22 I picked up East of Eden and OMG FAVORITE BOOK. It's amazing. And if you like his thoughts on love, I think you'll enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteOk, ok, it is sitting on my shelf, so I will have to pick it up!
DeleteEast of Eden is an incredible book, Aarti - it's the only Steinbeck novel I've read so far, and that was only a few months ago. You'll definitely enjoy it, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I'll go back and look for your review, in case I missed it. Clearly, this book is very popular!
DeleteIf anyone else is interested - this is mine:
Deletehttp://the-book-addict.blogspot.com/2011/12/east-of-eden-by-john-steinbeck.html
I totally didn't know that you were posting something about Steinbeck today, so it seem like you and I are on the same mental track! I loved East of Eden, but hated Of Mice and Men. I need to read more of his work to really see what I think, but I will be checking out this book of letters when I can. Very cool post today!
ReplyDeleteI have disliked the Steinbeck writing that I have read (Of Mice and Men & the beginning of East of Eden). My experience has been that his writing is skilled but that he likes to rip the reader's heart out, crush it and then tear it to shreds. Not my idea of fun reading times.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Alyce on Steinbeck. I also just HATED The Pearl. I mean, I understand that there's lots of good to be said about him, but... just not a fan. Though I also have East of Eden sitting here and I suspect I really should give it a try.
ReplyDelete