photo credit: robsettantasei
I’m so excited that I finally had an epiphany for California… John Steinbeck! Obviously! Now, if you’re thinking, “I think I read Of Mice and Men in school… pretty sad…” Well, that was me before I first read East of Eden at Oprah’s recommendation and then The Grapes of Wrath on the recommendation of one of my favorite ex-coworkers, Matt.
Not only does Steinbeck embrace the strange, ambivalent, complexity of California, but he didn’t shy from the politics unique to a state that is so fertile, magical and the neighbor of Mexico. He also creates memorable characters — each unique from the others — who will haunt you (in a good way).
photo credit: robsettantasei
I would recommend starting with East of Eden first, but be sure to tackle The Grapes of Wrath, too. They are very different from each other, but masterpieces nevertheless.
Here are a few quotes from the wisdom of Steinbeck…
A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.
I am impelled, not to squeak like a grateful and apologetic mouse, but to roar like a lion out of pride in my profession.
photo credit: robsettantasei
It seems to me that if you or I must choose between two courses of thought or action, we should remember our dying and try so to live that our death brings no pleasure on the world.
I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.
I’ve lived in good climate, and it bores the hell out of me. I like weather rather than climate.
32 states down…
Curious about what states we’ve done so far and which ones are on deck?
Photo by marxchivistFirst, from Melanie Jones:
Alabama: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out my To Kill A Mockingbird Sample Kit!) Michigan: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides Alaska: The Man Who Swam With Beavers by Nancy Lord Arizona: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver North Dakota: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Vermont: The Secret History by Donna Tartt Hawaii: Heads by Harry by Lois-ann Yamanaka Georgia: Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones And I went out on my own for…
Florida: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston Minnesota: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien Wisconsin: When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton Louisiana: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (Jones’ pick) and The Awakening by Kate Chopin (my pick) Colorado: Plainsong by Kent Haruf Maryland: Anything by Anne Tyler Georgia: Awakening by Kate Chopin Ohio: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Arkansas: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Virginia: John Grisham Idaho: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson North Carolina: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons Tennesee: Run by Ann Patchett New Jersey: Anything by Janet Ivanovich Texas: Anything by Elmer Kelton Connecticut: The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx Montana: The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie Utah: Edward Abbey South Carolina: Pat Conroy Iowa: Wallace Stegner Pennsylvania: John Updike and James Michener Missouri: Mark Twain New Hampshire: Robert Frost Kentucky: Robert Penn Warren
Wondering where your state is? Coming soon… In the meantime, weigh in on future picks!
Steinbeck is a perfect choice for California! I also read East of Eden after Oprah recommended it and loved it. But The Grapes of Wrath is still my favorite Steinbeck. Everyone should read it at least once.
Good job!
Julie took the words right out of my mouth! Steinbeck IS the perfect choice though.
The first book my club read was East of Eden – it was a challenge for some of the gals, but we took an entire summer to read and discuss it. EVERYONE thought it was fantastic in the end, and it’s a book we still refer to (even 3 yrs later).
Thanks, Heather and Julie!! I had been struggling to find an author that represented the complexities of California… Glad you both approve!
I loved East of Eden! I have yet to get to get to Grapes of Wrath.
I am an admirer of The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden is on my TBR shelf.
Grapes of Wrath was the choice for the one state one book program a couple of years ago.
I think you’ll enjoy Eden just as much, if not more — especially since you are a fan of characterization, CB!
I love The Big Sky for the Montana book, but I really think there is a better choice, both by Ivan Doig: Dancing at the Rascal Fair or English Creek. These are the first two of his trilogy covering 100 years of Montana history. The third member lacks a little of the first two. If you haven’t read Doig, do yourself a favor and give him a read–he has several which are outstanding.
Thank you, JD! I have 2 good friends who adore Montana — I can’t wait to recommend Doig’s books (and read them myself!)
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