Of Mice and Men

Reviews (See all 9,397) Write a reviewfor this

It's a hit!

This is a true favorite of mine. Steinbeck is a genius, and this book is proof. I suggest that if you hated reading it in high school, you pick it ... (show more)

This is a true favorite of mine. Steinbeck is a genius, and this book is proof. I suggest that if you hated reading it in high school, you pick it up again and read it on your own. The ability to read this without forced constant analysis of every word will let you really open your mind to the story. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

No, it's a flop!

I had to read the book for my Honors Freshmen English class as summer reading. We deeply analyzed and through that the symbolism became more real ... (show more)

I had to read the book for my Honors Freshmen English class as summer reading. We deeply analyzed and through that the symbolism became more real and more powerful. But I feel that through constant and deep analyzing, the story it self became ruined. I never like the book much when i was reading it, but having to look at it deeply everyday and class and having to write about it truly killed to book.
This book is a prime example of the pursuit of the American Dream. His analysis of the time is superb, accurately portraying what life would have been like for George and Lennie.
As i look back upon the reading, I can appreciate it more for what it represents and what it is trying to say about life in America at that time. But, the plot of the novel itself is shaky. For how good the intent it, it could have been executed much better than it was.
I think that it should be read for the plot and for the symbols and motifs, but not over analyzed as to kill it. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

More Reviews

• 
  

  Steinbeck explores some very important issues in this novella. The obvious one, of course, is that of the dream--the unreachable goal that people keep pushing towards, despite all the odds against them. However, this is only the most superficial of the issues; he also notes the dangers of alienation, the connection between understanding and love (a familiar theme for those who have read "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card), and the plight of the landless proletarian subjected to a ca... (show more)

  Steinbeck explores some very important issues in this novella. The obvious one, of course, is that of the dream--the unreachable goal that people keep pushing towards, despite all the odds against them. However, this is only the most superficial of the issues; he also notes the dangers of alienation, the connection between understanding and love (a familiar theme for those who have read "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card), and the plight of the landless proletarian subjected to a capitalist class system. Most interesting, though, is the absolute lack of any character that obviously speaks with Steinbeck's own voice. In fact, Steinbeck takes as close to a non-judgmental attitude as possible in his narration--a brilliant move, since the problems caused by rushing to judgment and failing to even attempt to understand are frequently seen in the novella. Some might accuse Steinbeck of misogyny for his portrayal of Curley's wife, but this misogyny appears to be more a reflection of his character's worldviews than his own. One could even argue that it plays an important role in developing the aforementioned theme of understanding, since the early portrayal of her as nothing but a temptress and "floozy" is clearly shown to be inaccurate during her long monologue right before her death. The novella has its problems; Steinbeck's writing style is rather odd, and the rare scenes dominated by apparently meaningless imagery can be positively dull. These are only minor flaws, however, and do very little to detract from the work as a whole. Overall, it is an excellent and, above all, valuable read. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Mar 13, 2009 at 12:18AM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• 
  

  Overall a very well written book. It says so much in just a few pages. Here is an examination of loneliness and what it means to have friends. The story of George and Lennie is a tragedy in every sense of the word. The story starts a little slowly, then inevitably and swiftly moves to its conclusion. Steinbeck does a good job of putting us on a farm in 1930's California and of making the characters likable and realistic. Everybody's dreams seem to be shattered in this novel, including t... (show more)

  Overall a very well written book. It says so much in just a few pages. Here is an examination of loneliness and what it means to have friends. The story of George and Lennie is a tragedy in every sense of the word. The story starts a little slowly, then inevitably and swiftly moves to its conclusion. Steinbeck does a good job of putting us on a farm in 1930's California and of making the characters likable and realistic. Everybody's dreams seem to be shattered in this novel, including those of Curley's wife. Lennie is a victim of his own unescapable strength and his weakness for soft things. He is the gentle giant extraordinaire. The kids in my English class liked the book to a degree, but I wonder if they really understood the importance of the concept of family in the novel. The un-traditional family in the novel drives the plot and pushes the characters to their individual destinies. (show less)

   

   

  by Michael John Smith on Nov 19, 2009 at 02:58AM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• See all reviews
  Write a review