One of my faves. Haven't read it in a long time. Same with Grapes of Wrath. We had an edition that had all of his stories in one. Big book, long gone now, unfortunately. I do have him in ebook format now. Great essay, Jim!
I have very strong Prussian ancestry roots in my family. So, I'm pretty much a Baltic Mongrel. I grew up knowing German and Polish fairly well (even a little Russian) but sadly through lack of use as I got older, I'm basically illiterate these days. I could ask for directions in Hamburg, order dinner and a beer in Wroclaw - and sound pretty authentic. I could get into trouble with a woman (or her jealous boyfriend) in Saint Petersburg, no doubt. I could not however read a book in those languages. I'd still be on page 4 after three days of reading. Haha.
Knowing enough to get around in a foreign country is a huge plus! When I came to France I spoke zero French. 20 years later I am “trying” to read Camus “La Chute” in French and it is veeeeeery slow going.
I did read that one in English before, so that helps, a bit. Speaking of Russian, I am currently reading (and recording) War and Peace (Maude translation) and keep wondering about the faithfulness of the translation, it’s my first read, but sometimes I would love to be able to compare with the original. When that happens, it’s usually because I notice it’s a translation, I guess, and it takes you a bit out of the story.
I don’t know about you, but I would put the difficulty of the Russian language with all of its scope, range and regionality, in second place only to maybe Mandarin or as something equally impossible, hehe.
Oh, I fully agree, besides working alongside Russian colleagues at my previous job, I have gathered enough not to attempt to read W&P (or anything else) in Russian. Since I am recording W&P, some of these super-long sentences do not roll easily from the tongue, and I don't mean the Russian names (easy enough phonetically for a German) but rather the sentence structure does not flow as well as it could when you read it out aloud, only some passages, though. Anyway, I am happy with the translation!
I read Of Mice And Men when I was around 14. It was assigned reading in my English class, and I was absolutely obsessed with it. It made such an impact on me that I still have my copy from school, and still think about it often. I also find myself saying "calm down Lennie" when people are being a bit heavy handed, which is often met with puzzled faces 😂
I haven't read any of his other works, I might need to change that - thank you for sharing the authors backstory, too, it was interesting to learn more about him. 📚
Charlotte! Always so great to hear from you. I'll admit I am a gushing fan of Steinbeck, but I feel that it's well founded. There really isn't a book of his that I wouldn't recommend. The top two rec's I would make are probably East of Eden and Grapes of Wrath, both relatively long books but oh so good and well worth it. Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat would be strong suggestions if you're looking for something shorter. The Red Pony, as excellent as it was and a sentimental favorite of mine because I was a very young when I read it, will rip your heart out - as a word of caution. Thanks again Charlotte for reading my post and commenting. Truly appreciate it. - Jim
Thanks for reminding me that this is on my TBR list, Jim. I read Grapes of Wrath a little while back and promised myself then that I'd seek out more of his works. Hopefully, my local library will be able to get me a copy.
Appreciate you reading and commenting Thomas. I'm biased when it comes to him, but I just don't think you can go wrong with Steinbeck. He was an incredible talent. Thanks again - Jim
I read Of Mice and Men whilst I was on the plane on my way to move to Australia back in 2009, which gives it a special place in my heart. It's been sat there on my bookshelf ever since and I've never returned to it, but I would like to/should read it again.
Hi Nathan, thanks so much for reading and commenting. Helluva book by a helluva writer. Proves that the number of pages in a book guarantees nothing but the quality of writing, no matter the length, means everything. I highly appreciate it you dropping by. - Jim
I read this for maybe the 5th or 6th time about a month ago. It remains one of my favorites. An absolute book of impact for sure. I look forward to seeing what other books are on your top shelf.
Thanks C.M., I've also covered several more including the greatest one hit wonder of all time To Kill A Mockingbird by the fantastic Harper Lee, Call of the Wild by Jack London, Lord of the Flies by William Golding. All are pure gold, as you probably already know. Dig in, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments. Thanks for reading, it means the world to me. - Jim
I love Steinbeck. Tortilla Flat and Cannery Row wowed me, The Red Pony gutted me (I don’t know if I can say I loved that one because it HURT). I have yet to read Of Mice and Men, probably because of the ouch factor. The emotions these books stir are big. Brilliant writer.
Hi Liz, Yeah I remember reading the Red Pony for school. I'm a blubbering fool when it comes to animals, especially horses and dogs. Steinbeck can tear your damn heart out. BUT, but Liz, you are EXACTLY who I write these posts for. I know you've read some others by him but you HAVE to read this. I demand it. Haha. BTW, how about East of Eden? Thanks so much for commenting, I really appreciate it. - Jim
I will read Of Mice and Men. You have thrown down the gauntlet! I read East of Eden when I was far too young to cope with it (I found it at my grandmother’s house, probably left behind by an aunt). I should definitely read it again!
Haha. I think it's only like a 107 or so pages, but damn. Anyway, thanks for humoring this preachy old man and granting his wish. Truly appreciate your support too. - Jim
Excellent essay, Jim. Steinbeck is also one of my favorites, and as he is native to the Central California coast ( as am I!), we are compelled to read every word! Thank you.
Thanks Sharron. Yes, he was just brilliant, wasn't he? My wish when I write these Books of Great Impact posts is that if just one young (or old) person reads a book and/or author they are not familiar with, then it's worth it. I knew going into this that the audience for these posts would be relatively small because of their immense popularity and that many would pass on it, because they've read them. You never know though, it could open a new door for someone.
One of my faves. Haven't read it in a long time. Same with Grapes of Wrath. We had an edition that had all of his stories in one. Big book, long gone now, unfortunately. I do have him in ebook format now. Great essay, Jim!
Hey Alexander, appreciate you stopping by! Thanks for reading and commenting. Try East of Eden, if you haven't already. Thanks again - Jim
Yep, I have but only in German, need to read it in English at some point.
I have very strong Prussian ancestry roots in my family. So, I'm pretty much a Baltic Mongrel. I grew up knowing German and Polish fairly well (even a little Russian) but sadly through lack of use as I got older, I'm basically illiterate these days. I could ask for directions in Hamburg, order dinner and a beer in Wroclaw - and sound pretty authentic. I could get into trouble with a woman (or her jealous boyfriend) in Saint Petersburg, no doubt. I could not however read a book in those languages. I'd still be on page 4 after three days of reading. Haha.
Knowing enough to get around in a foreign country is a huge plus! When I came to France I spoke zero French. 20 years later I am “trying” to read Camus “La Chute” in French and it is veeeeeery slow going.
I did read that one in English before, so that helps, a bit. Speaking of Russian, I am currently reading (and recording) War and Peace (Maude translation) and keep wondering about the faithfulness of the translation, it’s my first read, but sometimes I would love to be able to compare with the original. When that happens, it’s usually because I notice it’s a translation, I guess, and it takes you a bit out of the story.
I don’t know about you, but I would put the difficulty of the Russian language with all of its scope, range and regionality, in second place only to maybe Mandarin or as something equally impossible, hehe.
Oh, I fully agree, besides working alongside Russian colleagues at my previous job, I have gathered enough not to attempt to read W&P (or anything else) in Russian. Since I am recording W&P, some of these super-long sentences do not roll easily from the tongue, and I don't mean the Russian names (easy enough phonetically for a German) but rather the sentence structure does not flow as well as it could when you read it out aloud, only some passages, though. Anyway, I am happy with the translation!
I read Of Mice And Men when I was around 14. It was assigned reading in my English class, and I was absolutely obsessed with it. It made such an impact on me that I still have my copy from school, and still think about it often. I also find myself saying "calm down Lennie" when people are being a bit heavy handed, which is often met with puzzled faces 😂
I haven't read any of his other works, I might need to change that - thank you for sharing the authors backstory, too, it was interesting to learn more about him. 📚
Charlotte! Always so great to hear from you. I'll admit I am a gushing fan of Steinbeck, but I feel that it's well founded. There really isn't a book of his that I wouldn't recommend. The top two rec's I would make are probably East of Eden and Grapes of Wrath, both relatively long books but oh so good and well worth it. Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat would be strong suggestions if you're looking for something shorter. The Red Pony, as excellent as it was and a sentimental favorite of mine because I was a very young when I read it, will rip your heart out - as a word of caution. Thanks again Charlotte for reading my post and commenting. Truly appreciate it. - Jim
Thanks Jim, I'll get myself to the library!
Thanks for reminding me that this is on my TBR list, Jim. I read Grapes of Wrath a little while back and promised myself then that I'd seek out more of his works. Hopefully, my local library will be able to get me a copy.
Appreciate you reading and commenting Thomas. I'm biased when it comes to him, but I just don't think you can go wrong with Steinbeck. He was an incredible talent. Thanks again - Jim
I read Of Mice and Men whilst I was on the plane on my way to move to Australia back in 2009, which gives it a special place in my heart. It's been sat there on my bookshelf ever since and I've never returned to it, but I would like to/should read it again.
Thanks for the great thoughts, Jim.
Hi Nathan, thanks so much for reading and commenting. Helluva book by a helluva writer. Proves that the number of pages in a book guarantees nothing but the quality of writing, no matter the length, means everything. I highly appreciate it you dropping by. - Jim
I read this for maybe the 5th or 6th time about a month ago. It remains one of my favorites. An absolute book of impact for sure. I look forward to seeing what other books are on your top shelf.
Thanks C.M., I've also covered several more including the greatest one hit wonder of all time To Kill A Mockingbird by the fantastic Harper Lee, Call of the Wild by Jack London, Lord of the Flies by William Golding. All are pure gold, as you probably already know. Dig in, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments. Thanks for reading, it means the world to me. - Jim
I love Steinbeck. Tortilla Flat and Cannery Row wowed me, The Red Pony gutted me (I don’t know if I can say I loved that one because it HURT). I have yet to read Of Mice and Men, probably because of the ouch factor. The emotions these books stir are big. Brilliant writer.
Hi Liz, Yeah I remember reading the Red Pony for school. I'm a blubbering fool when it comes to animals, especially horses and dogs. Steinbeck can tear your damn heart out. BUT, but Liz, you are EXACTLY who I write these posts for. I know you've read some others by him but you HAVE to read this. I demand it. Haha. BTW, how about East of Eden? Thanks so much for commenting, I really appreciate it. - Jim
I will read Of Mice and Men. You have thrown down the gauntlet! I read East of Eden when I was far too young to cope with it (I found it at my grandmother’s house, probably left behind by an aunt). I should definitely read it again!
Haha. I think it's only like a 107 or so pages, but damn. Anyway, thanks for humoring this preachy old man and granting his wish. Truly appreciate your support too. - Jim
Excellent essay, Jim. Steinbeck is also one of my favorites, and as he is native to the Central California coast ( as am I!), we are compelled to read every word! Thank you.
Thanks Sharron. Yes, he was just brilliant, wasn't he? My wish when I write these Books of Great Impact posts is that if just one young (or old) person reads a book and/or author they are not familiar with, then it's worth it. I knew going into this that the audience for these posts would be relatively small because of their immense popularity and that many would pass on it, because they've read them. You never know though, it could open a new door for someone.