The Grapes of Wrath

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Summary: Biggest piece of propaganda ever
Review: I wouldn't even give this book 1 star. IT was horrible. IT was boring. IT was over-exaggerated. It is total communist propaganda. John Steinbeck was a communist and he is trying to infest our lives with his ideals by making everyone hate owners, and want to strive toward a collective society.

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Summary: meg stinks
Review: the charactor in this book, meg bernard was a bad charactor I hated her, but other than that the book was great Naama is awful

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Summary: One of the finest American novels ever written.
Review: It is astonishing to me and quite sad that so many of the negative reviews posted here find the book "hard to relate to." One (rather callow) reviewer writes there is nothing but "useless dialogue." (Lord, help us!) Another condemns Steinbeck as an "anti-American." (McCarthyite, a touch, wouldn't you say?) Since when is it considered "anti-American" to empathize with the restless and downtrodden? ("Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses," anyone?)If one cannot relate to the plight of the destitute and the hungry (which is far too often the case in our society, especially among our youth), that is precisely the reason why one should read Steinbeck's masterpiece. My, how the Reagan years have warped us into heartless, moneygrubbing solipsists!!

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Summary: Probably the best book I've ever read.
Review: I was about to put the book down until I came accross the chapter where the whole family prepares to start towards Califirnia. They pack up everything , cut the pigs - all of this was so facinating and so realistic , I could literally see Tom , Pa and Uncle John cutting the pig , salting it etc , Al checking his truck and Ma putting the mattresses , utensils and stuff. I was not reading lines but it was as if I was watching a movie and every line was a scene. I visualized every character , the truck and even the food they cooked. I could see the grease on there pans and the dirt on Ruthies and Winfeilds face and Rosesharns swollen belly.Such was the sheer force of this marvellous work of art. A must read. Highly recommended.

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Summary: An amazing accomplishment
Review: The Grapes of Wrath is one of the best books of all time. Every time I read it I find new things to admire. It should be among the works of "required" reading in our schools. Steinbeck was unquestionably a master of the written word.

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Summary: So excellent, deserves 6 stars
Review: I think the reason why I love this book is because 60 years after it was written, it still has a place in our society. While some books come and go, this one remains. Replace the "Okies" with Mexican immigrants, and you have todays society. This book is excellent and shows us a side of America we may not like, but need to see.

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Summary: Wonderful classic about people sticking together.
Review: At first I thought this was another book I had to read during vacation. I was reluctant to even open the book. As I read this wonderful novel it made me realize how hard things were during the Depression and how badly the "Okies" were treated. Eventhough they were white. It is a wonderful book that gives you a sense of not so much heartache but hope. If anyone ever has an opportunity to read it they should.

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Summary: A Beautiful Piece of Writing
Review: I first read this book two years ago and reread it this past winter as I taught it to my junior American literature course. "The Grapes of Wrath" is, for me, the Great American novel. YES it might seem boring in parts and YES you might not know the symbolism of the turtle and YES you will have to know what "intercalary" means...but so what? To experience the Joads' journey is to discover the absolute joy of literature itself. And, on a side note, if you pick this up, get yourself a copy of "Working Days: The Grapes of Wrath Journals" that was published about ten years ago. You wanna see a real genius at work, and also answer the question "How did Steinbeck write this book in only five months?" If so, then get that volume, too.

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Summary: I love this book!
Review: I loved this book! It tells us about how life was in the depression. The symbolism is great! the American dream was a major part of Steinbeck's writing becuse it was a major part of his life. It stresses the importance to follow your dreams!

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Summary: Very insightful, gave a realistic view on Great Depression
Review: John Steinbeck's novel, The Grapes of Wrath, is a story showing America's hardships during the Great Depression. It is shown through the eyes of a farm family from Oklahoma, the Joads. This family suffers through the dust bowl and looses everything. They are forced to compete for slave-wages, a place to sleep each night, and are painfully discriminated against. John Steinbeck has retold the story of this nation and taught me the reality and feelings of those who suffered in our society in the thirties. This family faced great hardships while migrating to California and while struggling they failed in society. Their goal was to keep the family together and survive, but the depression got the best of them. The Joad family were outsiders and lived with a constant fear of being beaten or run out of town. In the end they did not find what they were looking for and had no other choice but to live each day trying desperately to survive. In my opinion this novel was extremely realistic and well written. It gave the reader a very clear description of the Great Depression, and made them actually feel the pain and suffering of the Joad family. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if it was not so depressing.