Since you’ve read East of Eden, I think the obvious recommendation would be Of Mice and Men. Many years ago I read In Dubious Battle and I continue to think about it now. It is a lot like The Grapes of Wrath.
I absolutely hate 'The Pearl' haha -- you should check out 'Travels with Charley', it's a nonfiction account of Steinbeck's road trip across America with his dog Charley. It's very sweet, and I believe he wrote it when he was a bit older, so it's very reflective but still Steinbeck at his best.
love this as always. so glad i could join for rock paper grenade. and really excited for your new WIT idea in particular, what a fun resource that'll be !!! re: steinbeck, i just purchased the winter of our discontent so i propose you read that one with me (during the winter?) but i'm not sure if that's a logical next step.
I also really loved John of John, as we’ve previously discussed, however it was my first Stuart and very intrigued to see how I find shuggie bain in comparison. I particularly liked John of John as someone who went to art school as did Stuart himself, the attention to detail of his class mates and the textile elements was an area I loved. When he does the crochet number to send in his letter I cackled, such an art student move!
I know you’ve read east of Eden but have you listened to the podcast “book club” on it? I really enjoyed their dive into Steinbeck, not sure if they make any comments or suggestions on any other of his works - but might be worth checking out!
Happy newsletter anniversary, Martha!!! Thank you for all the time and care you put into each piece. It so clearly shows it's a labor of love!
Also - sad to hear that you didn't love John of John. I am late to the Stuart party and was thinking that maybe this is the book that introduces me to his writing .... but maybe... not??
Since you’ve read East of Eden, I think the obvious recommendation would be Of Mice and Men. Many years ago I read In Dubious Battle and I continue to think about it now. It is a lot like The Grapes of Wrath.
I absolutely hate 'The Pearl' haha -- you should check out 'Travels with Charley', it's a nonfiction account of Steinbeck's road trip across America with his dog Charley. It's very sweet, and I believe he wrote it when he was a bit older, so it's very reflective but still Steinbeck at his best.
love this as always. so glad i could join for rock paper grenade. and really excited for your new WIT idea in particular, what a fun resource that'll be !!! re: steinbeck, i just purchased the winter of our discontent so i propose you read that one with me (during the winter?) but i'm not sure if that's a logical next step.
I’m so excited to read Cathedrals!
I also really loved John of John, as we’ve previously discussed, however it was my first Stuart and very intrigued to see how I find shuggie bain in comparison. I particularly liked John of John as someone who went to art school as did Stuart himself, the attention to detail of his class mates and the textile elements was an area I loved. When he does the crochet number to send in his letter I cackled, such an art student move!
I know you’ve read east of Eden but have you listened to the podcast “book club” on it? I really enjoyed their dive into Steinbeck, not sure if they make any comments or suggestions on any other of his works - but might be worth checking out!
Happy newsletter anniversary, Martha!!! Thank you for all the time and care you put into each piece. It so clearly shows it's a labor of love!
Also - sad to hear that you didn't love John of John. I am late to the Stuart party and was thinking that maybe this is the book that introduces me to his writing .... but maybe... not??