Date: 26 March 2021
Location: Zoom
Was Mike Right?
A beautiful, incredibly written book that was so difficult to read because there is almost too much truth in it. You are forced to internalize the concept of today- the haves and the have- nots. The book is lyrical, poetic in its minute observations of nature. The character development is extraordinary. You understand motives of the individual as she/he grows off the page into your mind to become almost a second skin. The story is so intense that the chapters/pages discussing the surrounding nature, or social realties are a relief to read as tension is released.
I normally read as I eat breakfast. Said habit was no way possible while engaged in this book. I also often read several books at the same time. So glad I have developed this habit as I really needed the escape from this book’s intensity.
How was it possible for Steinbeck to make this story so real? I found newsreels showing how this book flew off the bookstore shelves in 1939. Word of mouth must have been a powerful motivator.
I am glad I read it. It will float around my mind much longer than most of my reads.
— Gina
Gina’s title to her above remarks refer to our former member, Mike’s, remarks from many (maybe twenty) years ago.
At that time I suggested reading The Grapes of Wrath and Mike had immediately responded, “Hell, no!”.
Well, we finally got around to reading it, and, in spite of Gina’s remarks, I personally think Mike was absolutely right!
It was a most unpleasant read.
— Bob