Reams have been written on this epic, powerful novel, so I will not attempt a pithy little summary or analysis here. But what a revelation—that a classic work of literature can be read and enjoyed entirely outside of an academic setting, and that the reader can spend hours of pleasant reflection on the book’s meaning and themes without having to produce a paper on them. Perhaps it is time to rediscover literature outside of the glass jar lowered over it by academia.

This is one of my favorite books. I recommend this to everyone.

May 2004 book club selection for www.eaforums.com.

NOT an Oprah person, but it’s Steinbeck and the Oprah edition was the prettiest (and 20% off at B&N)

I guess with Oprah it’s a love or hate thing. I come out on the love side. This book is fantastic, and she’s right: it is a great summer read. If you’re willing to put a bit of thought into it it can be profound, but if not, it’s still a damn good story!