he got too greedy 💔💔

I got burned on Steinbeck in high school; I don't need to read something to feel depressed... when you get the chance, read The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. you may want to punch a hole in a wall during the read, but it's well worth it.

Agree!!!!!

Your posts make me so happy! I have always loved books, my Kindle has close to 5300 I’ve bought over the years! Keep reading!📚📖🥰

If you like that book you'll also really love The Good Earth by Pearl Buck!!

I prefer Steinbeck’s Cannery Row to East of Eden or The Pearl. It is just bliss.

I’ve always learned my whole life that when you have something good going on you should keep it quiet. Sounds like the moral of the story is exactly that. I’m gonna have to read this one.

The Pearl and Of Mice and Men are the two most depressing of Steinbeck's novels. The others are more positive.

This classic next

Chris, others have probably mentioned it but you’ve got to read Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. It’s sad and lovely and amazing.

I just finished reading it this afternoon (you mentioning it reminded me I'd had an unread copy on my shelf for literally decades) - it really is bleak, but very honest about exploitation, poverty & desperation. It feels like a fable but is very real, I think.

I love this book! I'll have to read up on Steinbeck's personal story as you're right. He does consistently write tragedies, but with life themes, lessons and truisms.

You can read Tortilla Flats not sad. But The Grapes of Wrath was my dad's favorite book.

I’ve never even heard of this book-thank you so much for the recommendation

Thank you, Chris, for another fine review. You made me want to read this one and Crime and Punishment!

I really appreciate your book reviews, Chris. So glad you are reading and sharing.

If you want sad try Flannery O’Connor. Or the short stories of O’Henry

If we had Prozac back in the day no one would know the name John Steinbeck.

I love your reviews so much! Please keep them coming !

I also agree with reading Pearl S Buck

I’m pretty sure Steinbeck was an alcoholic who struggled with depression. That likely has a lot to do with the tone and bleakness of some of his writings

I loved this book 📕!

Good question about Steinbeck.

I read this book this week too!

Cannery Row is the non depressing Steinbeck you're looking for Chris.

Nice smile at the end !

You’re gonna enjoy Great Expectations

💔

If you like Steinbeck, have you read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe? I found it on the bookshelf in my friend's parent's house in Kingston Jamaica when we were there for Christmas many years ago. I read it. Very much reminded me of Steinbeck.