The Grapes of Wrath

One of my favorite books is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. I highly recommend this book for any reader. Though the number of pages may seem staggering, once you begin reading, you're hooked and will not be able to put the book down. I believe this is one of the greatest books ever written for several reasons. First, I LOVE the turtle chapter (Chapter 4)! That's what I call it, the turtle chapter. Not only does he use this chapter to foreshadow the story of the Joads, but he uses my favorite animal, the turtle, as a metaphor for life. When I feel life is weighing too heavy, I read this chapter and I feel better. This chapter is only two and a half pages, but is so rich in imagery and message, you can not help but be amazed at the artist and his craft. (Read just that little bit and see if you agree with me.) Second, Steinbeck's portrayal of the American Dream gone awry is as valid now as it was 70 years ago when the book was written. As we face a recession, and the possibility of a depression, it is important to look back and see what mistakes were made when we were last in this situation. It is important that we learn from the past, and not repeat it. When The Grapes of Wrath was published, it was both attacked and praised for its content. The book was banned in some places, yet it won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Not only did this book win awards (and was made into an Oscar winning movie), it brought about social change. Now that is powerful writing. Next, John Steinbeck is my favorite god of writing and this was his masterpiece. I have much in common with him; he was a native Californian, he grew up in a valley, he loved Monterey, he enjoyed stories of King Arthur, and he believed that a writer "is charged with exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement." Many of his stories are set in California, in places I know, so I feel a connection to the stories that I do not feel with other writers. Best of all, you can go to Salinas in less than an hour and visit the National Steinbeck Center! It is a wonderful museum, full of animated and interactive exhibits, all of which deal with John Steinbeck and his stories. After you've read the book and visited the Center, check out and watch The Grapes of Wrath with Henry Fonda. It's not the whole story (they leave the best parts out-Hayes Commission, you know), but it is good.

(originally posted at: uhh... her blog)