Of Mice and Men (spoilers)

[aurora]

A while back in the 100 best books thread expectantsteelerfan mentioned Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (when I had said Steinbeck was just "Meh"). Well, in honor of banned book week - and because it was available as an audiobook from my library - I listened to it this week.

I did *not* remember how depressing this book was. I mean, I remembered a sense of discontent and part of the plot line, but I didn't remember how it ended, or the fact that without Lennie George says he's just going to lead a pretty listless life.

I also had trouble handling the part where they took Candy's dog out and shot it like it was nothing. I realize that's not the worst thing that happens in the book, but it was treated so cavalierly.

Anyway, obviously it got to me this time even if not when I was in high school.

What do you guys think/remember of this book?

[1yeartogo]

I read this along time ago but I remember being moved/haunted by it. I also remember that either when I was almost out of HS or very early on in college one of my English classes went to see a production of this (it was a small theater with people seated close to the stage on all four sides) after that I think it moved to a master work for me.

If you are wanting to give Steinbeck another chance read Grapes of Wrath. It is much longer and could be dry at times, but there was a scene near the end where I literally said "holy shit." I know that story will always stay with me. It was profound.

[stever]

I love Steinbeck but find all of his books super depressing. I read Of Mice and Men in junior high and thought it was just so grown up. Like, it was full of decisions my 14 year old self was saddened to learn ever had to be made. It's haunting. I call my kids Lenny when they hug things too hard. It's out of habit, but it makes me sad.

[aurora]

Sept 30, 2016 11:51:40 GMT -5 1yeartogo said:

I read this along time ago but I remember being moved/haunted by it. I also remember that either when I was almost out of HS or very early on in college one of my English classes went to see a production of this (it was a small theater with people seated close to the stage on all four sides) after that I think it moved to a master work for me.

If you are wanting to give Steinbeck another chance read Grapes of Wrath. It is much longer and could be dry at times, but there was a scene near the end where I literally said "holy shit." I know that story will always stay with me. It was profound.

I also read Grapes of Wrath in high school (around the same time as Of Mice and Men), but I remember very little of it besides that it was depressing. I'm going to need to read some happier books between them!