Of Mice and Men

Rating:
Summary: A Really Great Book
Review: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a wonderful book. After I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It contains only 107 pages and is a pleasure to read. This book really puts an insight on Steinbeck's theory of the perfectability of man. All this means is that he believed that nomatter how different people were that they all could make a difference in society. The two main characters are George and Lenny. George is a short, smart, muscular man. Lenny is a large, strong, man with the mind of a small child. This very unlikely pair get into alot of trouble, but all they bolth want is a place of their own with chickens, rabbits, horses, and other farm animals. But all of their dreams are ruined because Lenny likes to touch and pet soft things. But when he gets scared all he wants to do is hold on to the soft things. Whether it be a pretty soft dress, or a young woman's soft hair. This book seems so real. I actually forgot that it was fiction. It takes you through life changing events, mishaps, and dreams of two poor laborers who just want a place of their own. Steinbeck's ability to amaze you is as always astonishing.

Rating:
Summary: Shocking, but yet exhilarating
Review: Of Mice and Men is a thrilling book which grabs your seat and makes you want to read all the way till the last page of the book. A classic John Steinbeck novel, it never ceases to excite readers with its unpredictable story. Two main characters, George and Lenny, starts off the journey with a dream but without the resources, they are left with nothing but their dreams. Of all friendships that started, George and Lenny's were the most unpredictable one. George, a small built guy with brains, and Lenny, a big built muscular guy but is no where as smart as George, were complete opposites. Throughout the book, George has no choice but to control Lenny is everyway and Lenny, being the strong man that he is, is not able to control himself without George, Lenny is lost in his world of his own which makes total chaos. To me, it is without a doubt that the best part of Steinbeck's writing is his ability to get into people's heart and able to play with their emotions. Throughout the novel, there are many wicked twists and that's what makes this novel enjoyable. As I started reading the book from the first page, the feeling of happiness was what I felt, but as it heads for the end, I felt the feeling of remorse and sadness. The novel itself, has a complex meaning behind it, a meaning which cannot be expressed by words, but can only be expressed by reading it. This is perhaps one of the classic novels. The novel was and I think still is banned from a couple of places in the world, and sometimes, it gets you thinking, why would they want to ban a book? Is it something the government of don't want to reveal to the public? Whatever it is, this is a classic novel that will always be part of America's history in literature.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic: An Absolute Must Read!
Review: This is a wonderful story, superbly written, which centers around two men during the depression. One of them is "slow" and very lovable. It is a short book and a quick read.

Bottom line: Everyone should read this book. An easy and enjoyable way to get a classic on your reading list.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not a masterpiece
Review: This novel was part of our lit. study in English class, and the first time I had to read it I quite liked it. I thought it was well-written and vivid, and I was especially impressed by the ending. Going back to it on my own, I really can't say that Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" is anything above "good". Yes, the imagery is good, and its well written. Yes the book is "deep" and contains a lot of meaning.But somehow, I wasn't too impressed.

For one thing, Steinbeck's descriptions might be good, but it takes more to make a reader feel the writing than making it sound good. A picture can be pretty without compelling you to look at it for a long time. Well, this is how I would describe Of Mice and Men; the writing is sleek and polished,and, well , perfect, but I just felt that it was rather lifeless and lacking heart. The characters were wooden, and both the people and places within the novel never felt quite real enough to me.

I also found myself really annoyed with all the themes in the story. Obviously, for any novel to attain the status of greatness, a good theme, or "themes" must be present. However, Steinbeck doesn't simply present his themes, he shoves them down your throat, over and over and over and over again, until you just want to scream I GET IT ALREADY. When themes are too obvious, it takes away from the sincerity of the writing, and makes you too aware that you're reading a book, and good books should transcend that.

All in all, I semi-enjoyed reading this book the first time. It is well-written, and demonstrates Steinbeck's creative flare. However, the story just didn't get to me, and I put down the book feeling nothing for the characters or all that had happened.

Rating:
Summary: The greatest written documents since the Bible
Review: This story of two unfortunate guys from the heart land of america. This is a peep hole to the thoughts and actions of southern folks. The way steinbeck has the run ins with different people proves that we(southern people) may not be too bright but we may be strong as all get out. While others of us (george) may be super smart. I enjoyed reading this novel, it let me be proud to be a southern.

Rating:
Summary: Read It Again and Again
Review: We all read this one in high school, but it is one of those gems that you simply must read again and again. Great story and a great story teller.