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Matthew's Reviews > Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men
by
by
Matthew's review
bookshelves: 2020, audio, classic, historical-fiction, library, favorites, required-reading-high-school, read-more-than-once
Jun 30, 2020
bookshelves: 2020, audio, classic, historical-fiction, library, favorites, required-reading-high-school, read-more-than-once
I know that this is a reread for me, but I never had Of Mice and Men marked as read in Goodreads. I am pretty sure it was required reading in high school and I know I enjoyed it the first time around. And, as luck would have it, I enjoyed it this time as well.
I can sum it up by saying that Steinbeck can write (and that is an understatement)! I have loved every book I have read by him. The descriptions are vivid, the characters are richly developed, and stories are powerful. Of Mice and Men is no exception. In fact, if you have been wanting to try Steinbeck but find the size of Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden daunting, this is a great place to start.
Even if you have never read this book, you have probably seen many tributes/homages to its main characters George and Lenny; cartoons, movies, tv shows, etc. George is the gruff and scrappy brains of the operation while Lenny is a mentally challenged giant who does not know or understand his own strength. Their relationship is an odd one but kind of beautiful. Without it, this story would just not be the same.
Also, this book has one of the most (view spoiler)
This is a classic that I feel everyone should read. And, I feel like Steinbeck is an author that everyone should read at least once. The writing is just too amazing to miss out on and it is so awesome how consistently amazing Steinbeck was.
I can sum it up by saying that Steinbeck can write (and that is an understatement)! I have loved every book I have read by him. The descriptions are vivid, the characters are richly developed, and stories are powerful. Of Mice and Men is no exception. In fact, if you have been wanting to try Steinbeck but find the size of Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden daunting, this is a great place to start.
Even if you have never read this book, you have probably seen many tributes/homages to its main characters George and Lenny; cartoons, movies, tv shows, etc. George is the gruff and scrappy brains of the operation while Lenny is a mentally challenged giant who does not know or understand his own strength. Their relationship is an odd one but kind of beautiful. Without it, this story would just not be the same.
Also, this book has one of the most (view spoiler)
This is a classic that I feel everyone should read. And, I feel like Steinbeck is an author that everyone should read at least once. The writing is just too amazing to miss out on and it is so awesome how consistently amazing Steinbeck was.
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Reading Progress
June 28, 2020
–
Started Reading
June 28, 2020
– Shelved
June 28, 2020
– Shelved as:
2020
June 28, 2020
– Shelved as:
audio
June 28, 2020
– Shelved as:
classic
June 28, 2020
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
June 28, 2020
– Shelved as:
library
June 30, 2020
– Shelved as:
favorites
June 30, 2020
– Shelved as:
required-reading-high-school
June 30, 2020
– Shelved as:
read-more-than-once
June 30, 2020
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-16 of 16 (16 new)
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Kevin wrote: "This gritty parable is most definitely a classic that everyone should read. Wonderful symbolism throughout!Superb review, Matthew."
Thanks, Kevin! Any chance I have to spread word of Steinbeck's work I do - glad I could get another full review of one of his works up on Goodreads.
I wasn't a reader back in High School but I loved this book too. I hope I can read more Steinbeck.
Elyse wrote: "This is one book that I’ve read at least three times. Once myself and once with each one of my kids and there may have been a fourth time. It was so gut wrenching every single time I read it. Perf..."
Thanks, Elyse! It did feel like the right time to read it. And, reading it right after Forrest Gump it was interesting to see the different ways authors handle characters with mental challenges.
Great review. This is one of my favorites! Steinbeck is superb reading.
Will wrote: "I wasn't a reader back in High School but I loved this book too. I hope I can read more Steinbeck."This is one that I don't mind they made me read! (I was jaded about some required reading back then, and look at me now!) :)
Lori wrote: "Great review. This is one of my favorites! Steinbeck is superb reading."Thank you, Lori! I am glad you like this one and Steinbeck, too!
Lisa wrote: "I adore this book!"Yes! Worth your adoration!
Isn't it amazing?! I'm glad you liked it :)
Terris wrote: "Isn't it amazing?! I'm glad you liked it :)"It is! And, Steinbeck in general is amazing! 😃
I totally agree! :)
Terris wrote: "I totally agree! :)"I can't believe I have not read all of his books yet, and I am desperately in need of a Grapes of Wrath re-read!
Hi, Mathew . Don't miss Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden...two more superb literary adventures. I really think that you will never forget them.
Lori wrote: "Hi, Mathew . Don't miss Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden...two more superb literary adventures. I really think that you will never forget them."Those are two of my favorites! I red East of Eden a couple of years ago, but it is since high school since I read Grapes of Wrath - that is why I am thinking a reread is in order.
The big ones I am missing are:
Tortilla Flat
Cannery Row
Both of them are good,too. In fact ,I think even Steinbeck 's grocery list would have a certain sort of flair!
Lori wrote: "Both of them are good,too. In fact ,I think even Steinbeck 's grocery list would have a certain sort of flair!"Ha! I can imagine. It's like saying that you like an actor so much they could read the phonebook to you and you would be enthralled! Great analogy, Lori! :)
Superb review, Matthew.