With East of Eden, I have gained a new appreciation for Steinbeck. This novel was masterfully written; it demonstrates Steinbeck’s command of language, history, and socioeconomic/political events. As one who came into this novel familiar with, but relatively inexperienced in Steinbeck’s work, I must say that East of Eden does one thing every author must hope for: it leaves me craving more. I must admit that I had my doubts about Steinbeck’s ability to tell such a lengthy story. I had only experienced shorter works (Of Mice and Men
, The Pearl
) up to this point and, while I knew Steinbeck to be a brilliant and beautiful writer, particularly adept social commentary and the didactic, I couldn’t see either of those short works being successful as a longer novel. The reason for this, of course, is obvious – the novellas are perfect as they are. Steinbeck chooses every word carefully, so that none of his work is longer or shorter than it needs to be. East of Eden proves it, in that it holds ones attention just as raptly as a shorter work, and it’s proves continues to move the reader from page to page, right until the very last words. The characters are well-developed, the plot and sub-plots interweave seamlessly, the setting is beautifully displayed and expresses its importance to the work as a whole (imagining this novel to take place anywhere else is almost impossible). I can’t say enough about East of Eden
. I can say that it is more than just a beautiful, entertaining read. It is powerfully thought-provoking as well. Timshel will forever be something for which I strive to understand and to achieve.
Sad and comic autobiography of an outcast’s youth during America’s Great Depression. Vivid descriptions and honesty to the past are two of the “pros” for this novel. The “cons” include a lack of any real plot or character development (static, everyone) and humor that was too often infused with violence or sex. Overall, though, it is an enjoyable work for any fan of Bukowski, particularly those interested in Bukowski’s youth and home-life.
Goat: A Memoir by Brad Land
Interesting.. twisted at times.
The Order of the Poison Oak by Brent Hartinger
Not that great.
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
Wonderful young adult book about a boy growing up during the Revolutionary War. Fun fiction story which includes meetings with the likes of Ben Franklin, John Adams, etc.
A Son Called Gabriel by Damian McNicholl
Such a great find! I don’t remember where I came across this book, but I’m glad I did. Story about a boy growing up in Ireland during the war.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Kind of sappy, but good. Makes you think about the important thigns in life.
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
Very cute. Worth the read – it’s quick.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Wonderful, wonderful book. Highly recommended.
The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Probably one of my favorite Hawthorne novels. I think I like it even better than The Scarlet Letter.
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
Beautiful ‘writing back to empire’ book. Rushdie is pretty amazing.
Geography Club by Brent Hartinger
Simple. Kinda boring.
Jack Maggs by Peter Carey
This is another ‘colony strikes back at imperialism’ boko – like Wide Sargasso Sea. Jack Maggs takes on the story of the character Magwitch from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Beautiful and intelligent telling of the characters – cunningly writes a Dickens-esque character into the book.
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
This is a brilliant prequel to Bronte’s Jane Eyre. If you read Jane Eyre and liked it – read this book! Actually, read it anyway. I read it before reading Jane Eyre and still loved it.. but it’s definitely better to get the back-story first – makes you appreciate the symbolism and storyline even more. A wonderful ‘colonial’ book.