Don't let Oprah's book club sticker keep you away from this masterpiece, and for that matter, don't let any grade school experiences with Steinbeck keep you away, either. East of Eden can, and will change your life after you read it. The story takes place in Californai's Salinas Valley, following two families, one of which is doomed to repeat the story of Cain and Abel in their bloodline. Every character in the story carries a different spiritual outlook which shapes how they interact with the other people who populate the valley, and the valley itself. Profoundly spiritual, but never preachy, Steinbeck manages to paint beautiful and empathetic characters, as well as providing the reader the most beautiful and accurate descriptions of the Northern California landscape possible. By the end of the novel, you realize that not only did Steinbeck know how to live his life, but he also could see how much beauty lay in the world around him. On a more personal note: this is the book that made me realize how beautiful literature can be. Don't pass it up if you can help it. Give it a chance, and just remember the all-important word: Timshel.