Having finished Novel #7 in my 50 Novels in One Year reading challenge (I’ll post my thoughts on that book soon), I’ve decided to liven things up a bit and do something a little different for my next choice – to read a series of novels by the ‘legendary’ Mr. John Steinbeck.
Originally I had only planned to read Mr. Steinbeck’s The Pearl, but over the past few weeks I’ve heard and read so many good things about Mr. Steinbeck’s incredible writing prowess, that I came to the conclusion that it wouldn’t be doing him justice, if I didn’t read any more than only one of his novels.
Luckily my ‘trawl’ of second-hand bookstores and Ebay over the past couple of weeks has ‘come up trumps’, and I’ve landed a fine selection of four Steinbeck novels, which I’m planning to read in chronological order.( Edit: I’ve since added another title) The four five are as follows:
- Tortilla Flat (1934) | afterthoughts
- Of Mice and Men (1937) | afterthoughts
- The Grapes of Wrath (1939) | afterthoughts
- Cannery Row (1945) | afterthoughts
- The Pearl (1947) | afterthoughts
So it’s ‘game on’ for my *Steinbeck Special* and I’m really looking forward to the next week or two of reading. I began this 50 Novels in One Year reading challenge in order to learn how to become a better writer, and I’ve an inkling Mr. Steinbeck is going to be one of the best teachers I’m going to have on this journey. For that reason alone I’m beside myself with excitement 
) I’ll keep you all posted
About Rob
In the last few of months I went on a Steinbeck tear and read the following:
Cup of Gold (his first novel)
Pastures of Heaven
The Moon is Down
The Winter of Our Discontent
I had to take a break but will go back soon.
I just this minute finished “The Chrysanthemums” and found this link in looking for some comments on the story.
I read some time ago the books you listed and you are right that there is much, much more!
I hope you are enjoying your books!
says:
Theresa, thanks for stopping by. You’ve made my heart smile. Delighted that you are getting so much pleasure from undoubtedly the greatest writer who has thus far lived. This Steinbeck Special fundamentally changed my life back in 2008, and I have gone on to revere John Steinbeck to a level that I never thought possible.
As for The Chrysanthemums? What an utterly magnificent story, don’t you think? So few words and yet so much power, especially in the main protagonist. Wow, just wow.
Please stop by again to let me know how your journey into Steinbeck is progressing, and if you get the chance (and provided you haven’t done so already), I highly recommend picking up a copy of Steinbeck’s A Life in Letters. Therein, you’ll feel the beating heart of this truly magnificent writer.
Until next time, take care
Rob x