East of Eden

John Steinbeck

Don't let Oprah's book club sticker keep you away from this masterpiece, and for that matter, don't...more

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.   hide

This book is a masterpiece. The opening pages start out slowly, but gradually you forget that as...more

This book is a masterpiece. The opening pages start out slowly, but gradually you forget that as you lose yourself in the rich descriptions and fascinating characters that spring from Steinbeck's prose. This book is one that, quite honestly, may just change your life. The characters are spectacular, and what's more: they're all real. The characters that suffer make you want to rip your heart out. The manipulative characters make you want to beat the snot out of someone. The wise characters make you smile proudly at their remarkable ability to stay smart in a world that throws so much in their way. This book is, quite simply, incredible. If I made a list of "most powerfully emotional books of all time," this would definitely occupy a high spot.   hide

I enjoyed this book so much I wish I could go back and read it over again twice. There are so many...more

I enjoyed this book so much I wish I could go back and read it over again twice. There are so many epiphany type quotes in this book, so much emotion, such turns in the path that I do not feel equal to the task of writing a review. But I enjoyed it; oh! did I enjoy it! post script: Carrie, I still understand your decision to abstain from this book, and support it knowing how you can be affected. ;) But I still think it is a good book.   hide

A modern day update of Cain and Abel told brilliantly. Remember how you have to read the dead pony...more

A modern day update of Cain and Abel told brilliantly. Remember how you have to read the dead pony and Grapes of Wrath or perhaps Cannery Row? Well, that's too damn bad because East of Eden is Steinbeck's best book. He dispenses w/ the misery of grapes and the long descriptions in Cannery Row to (Note: I love of mice and men...who doesn't?) and focuses on character. Characters who are depicted imaginatively and surprisingly. He twits the original Biblical archetype on its head. If you are going to read one of his works start here.    hide

"Cain & Abel Steinbeck's way", "2nd best book since Grapes of Wrath" - I agree with both reviews...more

"Cain & Abel Steinbeck's way", "2nd best book since Grapes of Wrath" - I agree with both reviews below. As Grapes of Wrath was to my 2006 novel reading, East of Eden is to my 2007. An outstanding story teller, novelist, with such attention to detail, characters, pathos and humanity. I can always re-read a Steinbeck novel or see it performed on stage, as I have done with Mice and Men. Highly recommended.   hide