The first book that made me cry. I was in the ninth grade. Boys at that age are not supposed to cry. Glad I was at home when I finished it. Read it again 40 years later. After 1000 novels and a half century of living, I can say that it was even better the second time through, and a true classic of American Literature. ( )

I liked a lot but really need to know what happens next! ( )

This was not as bad as I had originally thought it would be. I knew what would happen before I started this book, so there were few surprises for me. Overall not a satisfying story for me, but a classic nonetheless. ( )

it's telling what i remembered, and what i didn't from this beautiful little book. i hadn't really remembered this analysis of community and how people need each other. how he compares these solo white men who work a few weeks here and there, moving from place to place, never really making connections or stability, with the cast-out black men and the white women who aren't allowed in, aren't given space, aren't made welcome with the white men. their loneliness is different but born of similar places, and it was interesting to think about. he handles that well. it was surprising to me that i hadn't remembered the important part of the inciting incident that made lennie run. that i remembered the death of the pup, but not the woman, says something about me. certainly i didn't remember that she dies right after she's given some real humanity, when we come to understand her so much better, and to see in her the sadness and loneliness she carries. i also didn't remember how the shooting of candy's dog so perfectly sets us up for the shooting of lennie, not just in foreshadowing, but in the way you can find a reason to do something like that.

he says a lot in a really small number of pages. (3.25 stars)

from may 2014: i hadn't read this since high school a little over 20 years ago and hadn't remembered the powerful punch this little book packs. it's not a flawless book but it's got good commentary on race, gender, migrant workers, loneliness, and it nearly knocked me over even though i should have seen the ending coming a mile away. (3.5 stars) ( )

Stienbeck at his best. ( )