John Steinbeck

[SFG75]

I bought a good Steinbeck "reader" book and plan on reading through his various works. I'd like to have a discussion going. Hopefully others will join in, if not, I'll just post seventy-five straight times and I'll have a good point of reference for future rumination. :lol: The order will be:

Cannery Row
Tortilla Flat
The Red Pony
Of Mice and Men

Feel free to add your thoughts, links, or interesting tidbits regarding Cannery Row. I for one will start posting tomorrow. Good luck to all, this should be fun :thumbs_up :banana:

[Wild Apple]

Have you read The Grapes of Wrath, or are you just not planning to read it this time around?

I recommend it if you haven't read it.

[SFG75]

Yes, I absolutely love The Grapes of Wrath. I'd be up for reading it again. :nod:

Bad news-the reader has only partial chapters from the first two works that I'd like to go through, how stupid is that? :mad: Yes, four chopped up works rather than two full and complete ones. :flare: Oh well, perhaps I'll go on to option number three and we can do The Grapes of Wrath after #4. What do you think? The editor was an absolute moron. :lol:

[Pensive]

I wonder if you have read East Of Eden. It is wonderful. We have its discussion going on in the Book Forum Club. You can check it out there if you like.

[Erna]

Are you still going to read Tortilla Flat? Bought the book last week and want to read it, so I would like to join that discussion. :)

[bluevictim]

Cannery Row is so far my favorite Steinbeck story. It's too bad your anthology only has part of it. Well, whatever you end up reading, I'm looking forward to reading your seventy-five straight posts about it.

[Maida]

I'm a big fan of Cannery Row, it's a great read. So is Of Mice and Men.

[subterranean]

Regarding Of Mice and Men, I suddenly thought and wonder why Steinbeck created some of the characters as people with disabilities. If I'm not mistaken, there's something wrong with Candy's and Curley's hands, and there's a character who has a crooked spine, and Lennie is definetly a mentally slow person.

[Martian Poet]

What would everyone consider their favorite work of John Steinbeck to be?

It is hard, considering how much greatness the man has written, but I'm going with either The Grapes of Wrath or The Moon Is Down. That of course is such a small sample of the greatness of Steinbeck, because I have yet to come across a Steinbeck story or novel I wasn't fond of. He isn't my favorite writer, but is up there.

[Nick Rubashov]

The only Steinbeck I've ever read would be Grapes of Wrath and The Pearl. Both are amazing pieces of literature and I'm looking forward to reading more of his work. In fact I just picked up tortilla flat yesterday and plan to start reading it soon.

[Pensive]

I have read East of Eden yet. I liked it very much. Steinbeck's description was very good, in a word, every sentence looked meaningful and gave the evidence of his good writing.

Hopefully, I would try his Grapes of Wrath soon. I have heard a lot of good things about it, I don't want to miss it.

[ennison]

'The Pearl' is remarkably well constructed. 'The Red Pony' is subtle and effective - an excellent example of showing - not telling.

[Cien]

I've read three things by Steinbeck (The Pearl, Of Mice and Men, and The Red Pony) and was not at all fond of the former two. However, I really love The Red Pony. I'm not sure why I like it so much better than the other two. I think it's the fact that, unlike the other two stories, we get to meet somebody (The Grandfather) who has achieved his dream (instead of the constantly striving characters I found in the other two books) and there is finally some resolution to all the wanting in Steinbeck's books even if that resolution is only the fact that maybe the wanting was worth more than the getting in the first place.

[masterlibrarian]

I've only read "of mice and men" long time ago. I've found it a very beautiful book with powerful themes.

[B-Mental]

I think that East of Eden is Steinbeck's best book, although Grapes of Wrath is a close second. Short Stories? I guess Cannery Row which is a collection of short stories (imo) is excellent, and was made into a very good movie.

[Lily Adams]

I think Tortilla Flat is hilarious, and the ending is so great. However, it is a little repetitive and it really doesn't have much meaning to it.

Of Mice and Men is the only other work of Steinbeck fiction (I've also read Travel With Charley, but that's his autobiography.) that I've read. It really did have powerful themes as said before.

I really should read The Grapes of Wrath because I've had it on my "To Read" list for ages and my own grandfather went through the Great Depression and became a hobo because of it.

So Of Mice and Men would probably take my vote for what little I've read of his because it has meaning to it.

[SaGe]

1.) Grapes of Wrath
2.) Of Mice and Men
3.) Tortilla Flat
4.) The Pearl
5.) East of Eden

All truly great though. Steinbeck's definitely one of the best writers.

[ennison]

I can see how the themes of 'The Pearl' might be a bit depressing and the violent end upsetting but if you look at the motifs and symbolism and the stylistic complexity built into such a short and apparently simple text I think you would admire it. 'Of Mice and Men' is a lesser text but also a hard hitting one.

[me_07]

the only steinbeck's novel i read is ''the pearl'' it was lil bit sad but i still admire it

[Mark F.]

I've only read "Of Mice and Men" and "Grapes of Wrath". The first is a very beautiful story but comes nowhere near "Grapes of Wrath" which is a true masterpiece. The only book that made me cry.

[mcgrunt]

I have read several od Steinbeck's books but I have literally worn out several copies of "Cannery Row" as my favorite . Rich in characters , splendid in description .

[Asa Adams]

Grapes of wrath, definately! Did you guys hear that steinbeck actually was soooo critical of his work, there is a piece of writing, a FULL book that he burned! Crazy, crazy, crazy.
asa

[ennison]

Lots of writers have been either very self critical or so depressed that they have destroyed chunks of their own work. I believe Steinbeck is an excellent example of the hard working tradesman/author - so is Norman Mailer whom I admire - up to a point. The point comes sooner than it does for Steinbeck.

[srpbritlit]

My favorite Steinbeck works are Of Mice and Men, The Pearl, and of course Grapes of Wrath, but I probably prefer Of Mice and Men amongst these three novels. I think The Winter of Our Discontent is one of his most disappointing works, because it does not quite live up to the great expectations of what a Steinbeck novel ought to be, in my humble opinion.

[littlewing53]

i really enjoyed tortilla flats and cannery row and of course grapes of wrath...they had a show on pbs last week abt american writers and american history....one of the writers previewed was steinbeck. they mentioned how steinbeck had burned one of his books...he asked his wife her opinion of the book and she didn't think it was up to par...great show...did anyone else see it?

[Redzeppelin]

Grapes of Wrath - hands down. Nothing else Steinbeck wrote can touch it. Of Mice and Men was very moving, and The Pearl is a neat parable.

[Lioness_Heart]

I've read The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men. I found both really amazing books, but I think that Of Mice and Men is my favourite because of its apparent simplicity, but the fact that it in fact contains so much meaning and insight. Also, the length makes it more accesible. He writes so beautifully; both books made me cry.

[Stieg]

I've read The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men. I found both really amazing books, but I think that Of Mice and Men is my favourite because of its apparent simplicity, but the fact that it in fact contains so much meaning and insight. Also, the length makes it more accesible. He writes so beautifully; both books made me cry.

Same here, these are the only works I've read from Steinbeck. I loved both of them equally well, Steinbeck's literary voice in these two stories are illuminating and brilliant.

I love how he draws up settings and characters.

I have just joined the Library of America book club and my subscription choices were three volumes of Steinbeck, HC with slipcase for just under $16.00 (including shipping).

[Lioness_Heart]

I went into the town library this morning and they have only 2 Steinbeck books!!!!! I'm really annoyed now... I want to read them but have no money left. I think i'll ask the school librarian if we can get some. This thread's really useful for finding which of his books people think are the best to read.

[Nossa]

I only read his East of Eden..and loved it..yet I can't really compare it to any other book of his, since I didn't read any of them...but so far for me, Steinbeck is def. on my list of fav. writers!

[AChristieFan]

My two favorite Steinbeck Novels are Grapes of Wrath & The Red Pony. I read The Red Pony in High School & Grapes in my college English class.

[Stieg]

My only fault is I am abit of the reluctant Steinbeck reader, an impression that by all rights probably entirely unfounded and unwarranted that some of his other works might have decidedly less impactive and more partially inaccessible to me mainly due to the fact he raised the bar so high with the two works I have read.

Well, at least in theory. What stories does one recommend besides Cannery Row and East of Eden?

[Sancho]

I like all of his stuff although I haven’t read the war propaganda pieces. Here’s a sleeper: has anyone tried, The Sea of Cortez?

I was in Monterey about a year ago and Doc Ricketts old lab is standing down on Cannery Row. It’s all boarded up and there’s no sign or anything – but there it is – just south of Bubba Gump’s Seafood Restaurant.

Tidal pool exploring is still splendid there.

[Nick Rubashov]

I'm reading cannery row right now, good book so far.

[Richier]

After reading Grapes of Wrath, I read every Steinbeck I could get hold of. Tortilla flat stands out from the rest, as it seems to be written tongue in cheek. I enjoyed log from the sea of cortez, but not sure why as it was just the Author sailing up the gulf of california writing down the wildlife he saw. Not sure that Americans would enjoy 'in dubious battle' (I think that was the one) as it was less subtle than grapes of Wrath in its' apparent communist message. The Wayward Bus made me want to visit California, and eat apple pie from roadside diners (Never went though - sorry America). Didn't really take to the cannery row books.

[Pecksie]

Funny no one should mention 'The Moon is Down' --- a haunting, beautiful novella. I also second all those who mentioned 'Of Mice and Men' ---- a very forceful work, despite (or perhaps because) a very spare writing.

[hunterharry]

I've only read Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath. Both are absolutely phenomenal, but while I found Of Mice and Men an easier read (for obvious reasons), I found The Grapes of Wrath to be, ultimately, more rewarding. I need to check out East of Eden, The Pearl and Cannery Row soon.

[Richier]

The Moon is down was completely different to other works, I thought. It didn't feel like the other books, maybe because of the setting /era. Was it in Nazi occupied scandinavia if memory serves?
Has anyone any knowledge of the writer? Did he leave any riddles or comments on his books?
What has happened to the Okies? (hope that's not an offensive term) Are they Californians now?

[Alexei]

I haven't read all his works, but I've read his most famous works. My personal favourite is "The Grapes of Wrath". I am very close to calling it a masterpiece.
The second place is for "The Winter of Our Discontent". I really liked it, probably because it is so different from everything you expect from Steinbeck as srpbritlit said. Still, when I think of it I can't say it is very different from what I expect from him. I think the similarity is mainly in the details, in the descriptions. In my opinion the atmosphere for instance is very typical for his works.

[Richier]

Would it be fair to say Grapes of Wrath is Steinbeck's best? I'd be interested to hear arguments against that statement..!?

[book_jones]

Well The Grapes of Wrath is my all time favorite book so I would say that one, but besides that I would certainly say Cannery Row. That book is positively amazing. I love the mix of humor and sadness and his respect for even the lowest people in society. It is truly a remarkable novel, and not at all a collection of short stories. There's certainly a cohesive narrative in there.

[Mag Master 21]

Grapes of Wrath - hands down. Nothing else Steinbeck wrote can touch it. Of Mice and Men was very moving, and The Pearl is a neat parable.

It's funny, because I am one of the few Steinbeck fanatics that was disappointed with Grapes of Wrath. I thought the written language and descriptions were beautiful, but the story didn't do all that much for me.

East of Eden, on the other hand, I find to be his untouchable masterpiece. To those who haven't read it, please make a point of checking it out.


Would it be fair to say Grapes of Wrath is Steinbeck's best? I'd be interested to hear arguments against that statement..!?

I'll elaborate further for the cause for EOE over GOW. I found the character development, descriptive prose, plot, pace, and overall impression FAR superior in EOE. Other than the first 30 pages or so of GOW, I don't think anything in that novel can come remotely close.

[Niamh]

East of Eden is by far the best John Steinbeck. No other book has brought me as much grief and sorrow as this book did at the end.

[Dr. Hill]

I loved The Grapes of Wrath.

[Richier]

I am going to try to get a copy of East of Eden and re-read it based on the recommendations in this forum. I did read it, but have little recollection of it apart from the cover (with pic of James Dean on it?).

[crjs1]

I have only read 'Of Mice and Men' (a long time ago) and 'East of Eden'. Loved both and consider East of Eden one of my all time favourite novel's a definate masterpiece! I must read Grapes of wrath.

[Niamh]

I have only read 'Of Mice and Men' (a long time ago) and 'East of Eden'. Loved both and consider East of Eden one of my all time favourite novel's a definate masterpiece! I must read Grapes of wrath.

East of Eden is also one of my all time favourites. I'm not really a fan of his other works.

[bounty]

i see east of eden made it on to a number of posts; i do remember enjoying it. i recently finished grapes of wrath and got quite caught up in the book but was a bit disappointed with the ending. for impact's sake, id have to say of mice and men.

stieg, since you mentioned "impact" and thats the very word i used in my post-reply to this thread, i encourage you to try of mice and men and the pearl.


My only fault is I am abit of the reluctant Steinbeck reader, an impression that by all rights probably entirely unfounded and unwarranted that some of his other works might have decidedly less impactive and more partially inaccessible to me mainly due to the fact he raised the bar so high with the two works I have read.

Well, at least in theory. What stories does one recommend besides Cannery Row and East of Eden?

[[D]]

Cannery Row. wrote the most ridiculously good paper on it. ha

[mona amon]

I've only read Grapes of Wrath, but I didn't like it. I felt nothing at all as I read. I felt so detached from the events of the book.

Started Cannery Row and thought it was pretty good, but never finished.

[Tallon]

I think i've only read Of Mice and Men, Grapes Of Wrath and Tortilla Flat. Of Mice and Men and Tortilla Flat are really good, Grapes of Wrath is as good as anything i've ever read.

[eyemaker]

I read almost all of Steinbeck's and I liked them. But I think "Grapes of Wrath" is Stenbeck's "masterpiece">:)

[sublimeation]

yes i agree :D ive read grapes of wrath but wasn't able to finish. i finished 'to a god unknown' though. and i have on my shelf 'of mice and men' :)

[eyemaker]

yes i agree :D ive read grapes of wrath but wasn't able to finish. i finished 'to a god unknown' though. and i have on my shelf 'of mice and men' :)

"Of Mice and Men" is actually the second on my list of Steinbeck's!
By the way, I'm a Filipino too myself.:D

[1n50mn14]

I haven't read Grapes of Wrath yet. It's one of those pieces of literature that I want to save, because once you've read it, you've read it and that first experience of a new book is gone forever. I want to savour and enjoy it.

So, I'm going to have to go with The Red Pony. It touched me on a very deep and personal level.

[Allannah]

I've only read one Steinbeck- so, strictly speaking, I shouldn't really be posting in this thread ^^ But I think that [although this may sound a little presumptious and naive] the one I've read- The Long Valley- would be my favourite even had I read all his work, for it has some of the most beautiful imagery in it and it's one of my favourite books (:

[Richier]

Don't think I've read 'The Long Valley'? Where's the setting, is it 50s california?

[Mockingbird_z]

I have only read the Grapes of wrath and it impressed me much.
want to try read some of his other works too.

[Zee.]

Do you guys have any recommendations? i've read Of Mice and Men, but that was atleast 4 years ago and I was too young to appreciate it.

I've heard East of Eden was his most prized work, should I start with that?

[1n50mn14]

I think you can start anywhere with the Steinbeck books, LimaJean- no matter where you start or end off, you won't be dissapointed. It is certainly a twisting journey, and while I haven't read all of his works, the diversity of them is amazing, but the quality is always fantastic.

[Zee.]

Something is telling to try East of Eden - i'll give that one a go :)

[Mopey Droney]

I think Cannery Row was hilarious but really I have to say Grapes of Wrath is his best novel, and probably my favorite American novel outside of Henry James.

[Pewnut]

East of Eden (incidentally one of my two favourite books of all time, the other being To Kill a Mockingbird)

[tscherff]

the real hidden steinbeck gem---mentioned only once in this thread--is the Wayward Bus
classic americana
also try travels with charlie

[*Classic*Charm*]

So, I'm going to have to go with The Red Pony. It touched me on a very deep and personal level.

Funny...I just listed this in the "Least Favourite Novel" thread.

[AshleyEliz]

John Steinbeck, oh, my heart melted when I saw this thread. I absolutely adore his writing - it's positively beautiful.

My favorite is our timeless "East of Eden."

I'd never read any of his work, besides the mandatory 10th grade reading of "The Grapes of Wrath," when my teacher recommended the book to me. I fell in love with it, and I read it every six months or so to this day.

[bazarov]

Just finished Grapes of Wrath and I didn't like much as you. I am not even sure what was writer trying to say. Describing problems of poor farmers? Saying that people without hope can became very angry?

[Richier]

I believe "Grapes of Wrath" is depicting the betrayal of people, the luring by false promises, exploitation and ultimately hope and survival.
Did these points come across to others?

[Mag Master 21]

Just finished Grapes of Wrath and I didn't like much as you. I am not even sure what was writer trying to say. Describing problems of poor farmers? Saying that people without hope can became very angry?

Check out East of Eden if you haven't... MUCH stronger novel in my opinion (as well as many others in this thread).

[bazarov]

I mean, I understand the book; but he didn't made it on some extraordinary way.

[AshleyEliz]

Check out East of Eden if you haven't... MUCH stronger novel in my opinion (as well as many others in this thread).

Agreed.

Steinbeck considered it his best book, and I think he was right.

[Mariamosis]

I thoroughly enjoyed ... (and probably in this order) ...

1. The Grapes of Wrath
2. Sweet Thursday
3. Travels with Charlie
4. East of Eden
5. Tortilla Flat
6. Winter of Our Discontent
7. The Pearl
8. The Red Pony

[dfloyd]

East of Eden, a novel about a good wife, or
Grapes of Wrath, a navel about a bunch of Oakies going to California in a spent out truck with a sick grandpa

[semi-fly]

Of Mice and Men
The Grapes of Wraith
The Pastures of Heaven
A Russian Journal

[Equality72521]

My favorite of Steinbeck is no Steinbeck :p

[AshleyEliz]

I believe "Grapes of Wrath" is depicting the betrayal of people, the luring by false promises, exploitation and ultimately hope and survival.
Did these points come across to others?

For me, yes.

Just like the fact that East of Eden is the modern retelling of the Book of Genesis, and the story of the struggle between brothers.

Steinbeck is genius.

[five-trey]

To A God Unknown.


I just started reading Steinbeck a little while ago so I haven't read Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden, but let me say that if you have not read To A God Unknown, you are missing out on an incredible novel.


The prose is what you expect from Steinbeck but the novel is so deep, with so many meanings and themes. When I read the ending, I just picked my head up and realized just how ambitious of a novel it is. It touches on so many religious themes and just human nature.

I recommend it to anyone who likes Steinbeck's works.


Of Mice and Men was also a pretty good read, although I wasn't as impressed.

[atena_63]

i love his " East Of Eden ".:)

[PoeticPassions]

Not to promote redundancy or anything... but I will have to concur and say East of Eden, hands down

"Our species is the only creative species, and it has only one creative instrument, the individual mind and spirit of a man. Nothing was ever created by two men. There are no good collaborations, whether in art, in music, in poetry, in mathematics, in philosophy. Once the miracle of creation has taken place, the group can build and extend it, but the group never invents anything. The preciousness lies in the lonely mind of a man.
And now the forces marshaled around the concept of the group have declared a war of extermination on that preciousness, the mind of man. By disparagement, by starvation, by repressions, forced direction, and the stunning blows of conditioning, the free, roving mind is being pursued, roped, blunted, drugged. It is a sad suicidal course our species seems to have taken.
And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual. This is what I am and what I am about. I can understand why a system built on a pattern must try to destroy the free mind, for it is the one thing which can by inspection destroy such a system. Surely I can understand this, and I hate it and I will fight against it to preserve the one thing that separates us from the uncreative beasts. If the glory can be killed, we are lost."

East of Eden

[mona amon]

Just finished Grapes of Wrath and I didn't like much as you. I am not even sure what was writer trying to say. Describing problems of poor farmers? Saying that people without hope can became very angry?

I couldn't see much point in either. But I skipped every alternate 'philosophical' chapter, so that's not so surprising.

[Madhuri]

East of Eden. I liked it more than Grapes of Wrath.

[rozreads]

I haven't read them all, but I have read quite a few...Mice and Men, Grapes of Wrath, Cannery Row, Winter of Our Discontent. East of Eden is my favorite because of the great in-depth exploration of the characters and the beautiful descriptive writing.

[The Comedian]

I've read The Grapes of Wrath, The Pearl, The Red Pony, Travels with Charley, East of Eden, and Of Mice and Men. And I liked Travels with Charley the best. The reason? More personal taste than anything -- I generally prefer non-fiction to fiction.

[phoenix151]

The Pearl, although a brilliantly crafted story, was just too depressing. East of Eden was very dynamic in that it explored in depth just about every emotion ranging from meloncholy to jubilation . The characters were superb as well. Until I read East of Eden, I regarded "On The Road" and "The Great Gatsby" to be the "Great American Novels".
-Steinbeck is now the author I hold in the highest regard.

[sunshine_enl]

I've actually only read The Grapes of Wrath(i intend to read more Steinbeck though).Anyhow Grapes of Wrath makes my top5 and I just want to say what I got from it;by the end of the novel Tom realizes that his part of the oversoul,he understands that his soul is just a fragment of the greater soul of humanity.Also,like all modern writers S. uses mythology(Biblical allusions-California=Promised Land)which alone makes the book interesting to read and ofcourse analyze!That said I plan on picking up East of Eden very soon,since so many people seem to recomend it.

[Tallgren]

New here and I thought I'd start by joining this Steinbeck discussion.

I've read the majority of his works, though still not classics such as East of Eden or Of Mice and Men. He is certainly one of my favourite authors, so I plan to read everything he's written eventually.

Anyway, favourites? Grapes of Wrath stands out, with its supreme match of message, political concern and fantastic settings and descriptions. I also thoroughly enjoyed Cannery Row, Tortilla Flat and The Moon is Down.

One book that has not been mentioned often in this thread is The Pastures of Heaven, which I believe is Steinbeck's first work and a collection of interrelated short stories. Beautiful, typical of his style and with several gripping stories. Not as good as his best but I'd definitely recommend it.

[Richier]

I have just re-read (nearly completed) East of Eden.
Before re-reading this time, I couldn't remember a jot about it, but as I've progressed it all looks vaguely familiar.
I hadn't noticed before that Steinbeck is himself a character. Are the biographical passages correct? I wonder which characters were real? I would guess the Hamiltons/Steinbecks were real and the Trasks were fictional.

[DeTamble]

I've only read East of Eden, but I love it. This thread has reminded me to go to the library and check out some more Steinbeck!

[Marmelodov]

Probably Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden. Or course those are the only two I've read so far.

[beroq]

East of Eden, definitely. The picturesque depiction of the eternal fight between the good and the evil.

[loe]

My favourite is Cannery Row. I just love the atmosphere of this book. :)
Travels with Charley is also absolutely great.

Best regards

[Dimitra]

Of Mice and Men is my favourite.

[Stargazer86]

Since I noticed there was almost nothing on lit net in reference to John Steinbeck, I wanted to start a thread in case anyone wanted to discuss his works.

John Steinbeck was born Feb 27,1902 in Salinas, California. He wrote 16 novels, 6 non fiction works, and several short stories throughout his career. In 1962 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. 4 of his works were published posthumously.

While California (primarily central/coastal California which was prominent for it's agriculture) was a large influence and a setting for many of his works, politics, WWII, the Great Depression, and the history of the Hispanic culture in what is now the U.S also provided great inspiration to him.

He died Dec 20, 1968 having made a lasting impression on American literature and filmmaking.

Works (list copied from Wikipedia):

Cup of Gold (1929)
The Pastures of Heaven (1932)
The Red Pony (1933)
To a God Unknown (1933)
Tortilla Flat (1935)
The Harvest Gypsies: On the Road to the Grapes of Wrath (1936)
In Dubious Battle (1936)
Of Mice and Men (1937)
The Long Valley (1938)
The Grapes of Wrath (1939)
Forgotten Village (1941)
Sea of Cortez: A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research (1941)
The Moon Is Down (1942)
Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team (1942)
Cannery Row (1945)
The Wayward Bus (1947)
The Pearl (1947)
A Russian Journal (1948)
Burning Bright (1950)
The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951)
East of Eden (1952)
Sweet Thursday (1954)
The Short Reign of Pippin IV: A Fabrication (1957)
Once There Was A War (1958)
The Winter of Our Discontent (1961)
Travels with Charley: In Search of America (1962)
America and Americans (1966)

Posthumous:

Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters (1969)
Viva Zapata! (1975)
The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights (1976)
Workings Days: The Journals of The Grapes of Wrath (1989)


What is your favorite Steinbeck work and why? Or your least favorite? Do you think he was a worthy recipient of the Noble Prize for Literature although he himself didn't feel that he was?

[keilj]

Since I noticed there was almost nothing on lit net in reference to John Steinbeck, I wanted to start a thread in case anyone wanted to discuss his works.

John Steinbeck was born Feb 27,1902 in Salinas, California. He wrote 16 novels, 6 non fiction works, and several short stories throughout his career. In 1962 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. 4 of his works were published posthumously.

While California (primarily central/coastal California which was prominent for it's agriculture) was a large influence and a setting for many of his works, politics, WWII, the Great Depression, and the history of the Hispanic culture in what is now the U.S also provided great inspiration to him.

He died Dec 20, 1968 having made a lasting impression on American literature and filmmaking.

Works (list copied from Wikipedia):

Cup of Gold (1929)
The Pastures of Heaven (1932)
The Red Pony (1933)
To a God Unknown (1933)
Tortilla Flat (1935)
The Harvest Gypsies: On the Road to the Grapes of Wrath (1936)
In Dubious Battle (1936)
Of Mice and Men (1937)
The Long Valley (1938)
The Grapes of Wrath (1939)
Forgotten Village (1941)
Sea of Cortez: A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research (1941)
The Moon Is Down (1942)
Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team (1942)
Cannery Row (1945)
The Wayward Bus (1947)
The Pearl (1947)
A Russian Journal (1948)
Burning Bright (1950)
The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951)
East of Eden (1952)
Sweet Thursday (1954)
The Short Reign of Pippin IV: A Fabrication (1957)
Once There Was A War (1958)
The Winter of Our Discontent (1961)
Travels with Charley: In Search of America (1962)
America and Americans (1966)

Posthumous:

Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters (1969)
Viva Zapata! (1975)
The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights (1976)
Workings Days: The Journals of The Grapes of Wrath (1989)


What is your favorite Steinbeck work and why? Or your least favorite? Do you think he was a worthy recipient of the Noble Prize for Literature although he himself didn't feel that he was?


I love many of his books, but Grapes is my favorite. To me the book tackled the very essence of what it is to be human - it got down to the basics of humanity and what every person should be entitled to (as well as the forces that deny those basic things, what can happen when those things are denied, so on). Also, after reading Grapes, if felt I had really moved forward in my maturity as a human being for having read it - more so than any other book I have read

Least favorite - I've liked most all of them. maybe Cup of Gold - but it is still a really good book

He was a worthy recipient. He is the greatest American author (aside, perhaps, for Twain - becasue Twain was kind of a "founding father" of American authors). Steinbeck produced novel after novel of stories that explored the human experience in its most grounded and earthly forms. It was as if Steinbeck kept his fingers wrapped in the soil of the human experience. His last novel, Winter of Our Discontent, still reflected this