Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Who doesn’t love Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck? What a wonderful little book full of big ideas.
George and Lennie are two itinerant farm workers traveling from job to job in Salinas Valley, California during the 1930’s. What Lennie lacks in whits he makes up in brute strength and George who is kindhearted and sympathetic watches out for Lennie at a time when nobody else will. Both have dreams of one day owning a little piece of land. This dreams occupies Lennie’s every thought, that is, when he’s not thinking of mice, rabbits, or puppies and other soft things to pet. While Lennie’s strength is admired in the field, it’s something to be feared because he doesn’t know the limits of his own strength. That strength and his mental disability come together in a tragic way and forces George to make a decision that will affect the both of them forever.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this one although I already knew where the plot was going having read the book and watched the movie once before. I couldn’t help but be really nervous. The writing is wonderful, the foreshadowing executed to perfection, and the relationship between these two men is described in such a way that you can’t help but love them.
Steinbeck is an amazing author and I remember with fondness the period during high school were I vowed I would read every John Steinbeck novel at my library. I can still picture the aisle where his books were shelved.
As soon as I finished reading this one, I pulled out the movie, which I enjoyed. I was happy to discover that it followed the book exactly, down to the dialogue. You can watch the whole thing for free on IMDB.
I read Of Mice and Men during Banned Books Week and it has me wondering why people are so crazy as to point the finger at this one. Some people just have way to much time on their hands. As for me, I loved it and I can’t imagine a world of literature where it didn’t exist.
What’s your response to people trying to ban this book?
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Category: Adult, Book Reviews, Fiction
Tags: banned, banned books week, book to movie, classics, Fiction, M-P Author, male author, Q-T Author
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I hate book banning! Just because someone doesn’t care for a book for whatever reason doesn’t mean they have the right to try to push those reasons onto everyone else! Good for you for reading a banned book this week (I really need to myself). I’m glad you loved this!!!
on September 27th, 2008 at 3:58 amDefinitely one of my favorite books ever. I, too, went through a Steinbeck reading year. That particular year I even got to go to Cannery Row and bought a copy of that book and Of Mice and Men there. Lovely memories. And the movie: WOW!
on September 27th, 2008 at 5:24 amI agree with the “people are crazy” statement. Part of me thinks they banned this book as it shows a relationship that deviates from the norm or mainstream, which I don’t really agree with.I almost feel as though people that are unsure about themselves, their lives or their friendships are the ones to judge others based on something they couldn’t possibly related to (or would want to try to relate to). More often than not, I think banned books teach valuable lessons and/or give guidance, and it’s a shame that someone wants to prevent others from reading it.
on September 27th, 2008 at 5:25 amI read this for the first time a few months ago and I LOVED IT! I will be seeking out the movie for sure.
on September 27th, 2008 at 5:56 amI was just looking at this book yesterday, thinking I ought to read it. I enjoyed The Grapes of Wrath and Travels with Charley, also. In fact, my cat and my internet alter-ego are named partly for Steinbeck’s dog.
on September 27th, 2008 at 6:03 amGreat review! I’ve only read East of Eden by Steinbeck, but have been curious about this book. I think I’ll add it to my TBR list. Thanks for posting it on Saturday Review.
on September 27th, 2008 at 6:46 amWell, I don’t think anybody should be banning *any* books! Book banning to me is just a sign of government or individuals trying to force their own ideology or view of the world (or morality) onto other people. If you don’t like something someone wrote, don’t read it. But to take away the opportunity for someone else to read it is just wrong. Freedom = Tolerance. I adore Steinbeck…and this is one of my favorites of his.
on September 27th, 2008 at 8:19 amI can’t believe I still haven’t read this book! The only Steinbeck I’ve read is Travels with Charley (memoir). I have East of Eden on my shelf, but it scares the crud out of me!! Could be a door stopper!!
on September 27th, 2008 at 9:15 amI just love Steinbeck too! It has been several years since I’ve read this, and I don’t remember it very well. Your review makes me want to re-read it! I also have several other Steinbeck books waiting for me on my bookshelf.
on September 27th, 2008 at 9:38 amI hope to get to this one next year. I’ve never read Steinbeck before. But I’m hosting a Steinbeck mini-challenge (read two books) for 2009.
on September 27th, 2008 at 9:58 amYou know, I don’t think I have read this book!
on September 27th, 2008 at 12:51 pmMust get myself a copy. And thanks for the link to the movie. I didn’t know IMDB had full movies and tv shows available to watch.
Ladytink_534 – Totally agree.
Smallworld – I’ve read Cannery Row as well but I don’t remember much of it anymore.
Dawn – I did read somewhere that it was challenged because the relationship did deviate from the norm. Since when is caring, loving, and watching out for somebody who is mentally handicapped not the norm? Scary.
Joy – You’ll enjoy the movie! It’s exactly like the book.
Charley – Steinbeck’s dog? What’s that story?
Sarah M. – You won’t regret reading this one. And it’s fast. An hour tops to read it.
Wendy – Well said! Yes, yes!
Trish – I read East of Eden in high school and remember liking it. It is really intimidating! That’s how I’m feeling about Ana Karenina right now.
Laura – I have a lot of his books as well that I’d love to reread. It’s been a long time.
Becky – No Steinbeck?! You have a lot to look forward to!
on September 27th, 2008 at 2:05 pmI’m sure people have lots of reasons for wanting to challenge this book. The only one I can think of is that advocates for the mentally challenged do not like the way Lennis is protrayed or how others treat him.
on September 27th, 2008 at 2:07 pmI read this one a while ago but watched the movie recently and loved both. I completely disagree with book banning. If it’s something offensive to you, then don’t read it.
on September 27th, 2008 at 2:08 pmI can’t imagine why anyone would want to ban this book. I can think of dozens of more controversial ones. My first exposure to Steinbeck was Grapes of Wrath in high school- I went on to read this one, The Red Pony and East of Eden. When I got to Cannery Row I struggled a bit more, and never did make it through that one.
on September 27th, 2008 at 2:11 pmAmber – I know that is one of the reasons, which in my opinion is just ridiculous. I actually think Lennie is treated with a lot of compassion and sympathy. This book was published in the ’30’s at a time when those with mental challenges were sent to institutions and not streamlined into society as contributing individuals. If anything Steinbeck should be applauded for the way he portrayed Lennie. I also know some find the use of the “N-word” offensive which in this case is pure historical context.
Darlene – That’s what I say, don’t read it.
on September 27th, 2008 at 2:12 pmJeane – When I finished this one, I thought the same thing. What?! What’s wrong with this book. It’s amazing!
on September 27th, 2008 at 2:14 pmI have not read a great deal of Steinbeck but he is an author that I have a nostalgic connection to because of books I did read as a child. I remember reading Red Pony in elementary school and Of Mice and Men was a book that my junior English teacher introduced us to (as well as having us watch a film version after we read the book) and both are very fond memories for me.
on September 27th, 2008 at 3:22 pmI liked both the book and the film version. Great review
on September 27th, 2008 at 4:15 pmI think that it is funny that here it is, 2008, a time where everyone is talking about free speach and some people want to “ban” a beautiful piece of literature like this.
How can you “ban” any book?? Isn’t the world we live in part of free choice and free will?
This book is a classic, and one I loved. It was heartbreaking and was one of those “keep you on the edge of your seat” kind of books.
book banning ~bah~
on September 27th, 2008 at 8:47 pmInteresting. I listened to this one on cd’s sometime in the last couple of years. It was read by Gary Sinise so even though I haven’t seen the movie, I could picture him as George in my mind. I actually didn’t like it that much. I can understand why it’s great literature and I’m very glad I read it but I didn’t like it that much. I wonder if reading it rather than listening to it would have made a difference.
on September 29th, 2008 at 10:30 amI loved the book. I don’t get the book banning thought process. I get that not everyone enjoys the same things. I get that people may be offended at certain topics or ways of presenting those topics. But the idea that because I find a book offensive or of no quality it should be pulled from the shelves so nobody else gets to make the decision to read it or not read it? I just don’t get that.
on September 29th, 2008 at 10:25 pmI really loved Steinbeck when I was in High school and read several of his books but have not read any of his books in at least a decade. I really need to do some rereads and read some of the ones I never did read. Too many books!
on September 30th, 2008 at 11:43 ami’ve read this one as a freshie in high school and i thought it was okay and we watched part of the movie and i didn’t really like the bloody parts… idk if we watched the same movie but then again it was for english and i hate all of those “deep-thought provoking” questions. they annoyed me so much because i always think of the wrong answer from what they were looking for and it only ever made sense to me so .. i didn’t particularly like it all that much. = p i might have to read it again.. without the questions. lol. =]
on September 30th, 2008 at 1:37 pmWow! You’re going to be done with the Lit Flicks Challenge well before February. I love this book and the movie too! You said it so well: “What a wonderful little book full of big ideas.”
on October 1st, 2008 at 11:36 amI am currently studying Of Mice and Men with my eighth grade Pre-AP students. Some have already finished it and were quite surprised. So far, the discussions have been quite interesting.
on October 2nd, 2008 at 7:02 pmCarl V. – This was similar for me as well. After reading all of Steinbeck’s books in high school it was fun to revisit this one.
Bookworm – I liked how the movie was spot on from the book. Great adaptation.
Jenn M. – Well said! I’m glad I don’t live in a country that supports banning. Think of all the wonderful things they are missing out on.
Kim – I actually would be interested in listening to Gary Sinise narrate Of Mice and Men.
Traci – I don’t get it either.
Jeanette – To many books and not enough time.
Ginger – I do admit that when I was in school I had a hard time getting through assigned reading as well. I could read them fine but disliked analyzing them so much.
Jessica – I know, I know. I don’t know how I did that. I realized most of my reading for Banned Books Week have all been made into movies. So how come people don’t try to ban the movies?
English Teacher – Do the kids like it? Hate it? Thoughts?
on October 3rd, 2008 at 11:14 pmI too like the book by John Steinbeck, my daughter who is in the sixth grade just started reading it. I too as a parent, who did not get a chance to read the book until a freshman in highschool, do not believe for this book to abe appropreiate book for sixth graders. The cuss words and the dialog is hard for ten and eleven year old students to follow.
on November 20th, 2008 at 5:49 pmM Hunt – I do believe that there is a time and place for every book and that not every book is appropriate for every child at any age. As a parent, we know what our children our capable of handling and should monitor their reading closely.
on November 20th, 2008 at 10:29 pm