@Nicole – I’m glad I’m not the only one )

@Marny – I’ve heard about this ‘Steinbeck Mini Challenge’. It looks like a lot of fun and it’ll certainly give you an opportunity to redeem yourself for having never really got into Steinbeck before…shame on you )

@Sally – See my reply to Nicole ^^^

@Kat – ‘Papa’ is just too good to ignore when it comes to ‘favourite authors’ isn’t he? Although for me he doesn’t quite leapfrog Steinbeck to that coveted No.1 slot (it’s close though!).

@Beth – Thanks for the kind words and a hearty ‘high five’ for being a fellow Steinbeck fan.

@Yvonne – Thanks for taking the time to read it!

@Kathy – As good as Grapes of Wrath is, I was kind of disappointed with the ending. It left a lot open – my theory: he was planning a sequel but never got around to it.

@Pete – I’m glad you agree, although you so need to make a little more time for Steinbeck, but only if you can of course )

@Bluestocking – I think these authors can often come across as a little daunting but I promise you, if you read just one Steinbeck, it’ll touch your soul forever (provided of course the one you choose isn’t The Pearl ))

@Matt – Reading Hamsun leaves me breathless and Hunger is by far one of his finest – reading it is an unforgettable journey isn’t it?