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Summary: Classic Steinbeck...
Review: East of Eden is easily one of Steinbeck's best novels (and that's saying something considering how many great books he's wrote). The novel itself is an allegory following the Biblical accounts about the fall of man in the garden of Eden and Cain and Abel set in rural California. Although the book is quite long, its a fast and easy read. The only problem I had with the book is that Steinbeck, at times, tends to make the themes (free will vs. destiny) and the allegory a bit overly-obvious. But this is a minor point and its a great book (Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize shortly after this novel). I would highly recommend it and am glad that Oprah has brought this book out of the required reading lists for high school english and back into the public eye.
Rating: 
Summary: East of Eden - not so universal
Review: While of course East of Eden is a great novel, brilliantly written with strong characters and great economy of language, and plot development, it's content is extremely sexist and thus limited in it's appeal. All of the characters are either male, or perjoratively female with the exception of Abra Bacon, the final female character who's role in the novel is minimal. Although Steinbeck's intent is to reveal the true meaning of life in his modern world by analyzing the biblical tale of Cain and Able, he effectively ends up giving an Episcopal sermon endorsing the male dominant themes of the Bible itself. Too bad he had no knowledge of or respect for women.
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Summary: Steinbeck fare without the weight
Review: Cain and Abel, Steinbeck captures the tragedy of the human experience in all his characters in East of Eden. I'm a life-long admirer of Steinbeck. That's caused me to go back and re-read each of his books several times over the years. I find my tastes have evolved. Some of my favorites in 1960 have become least favorites. Not so, East of Eden. I loved this book as a young man and love it still as a curmudgeon.
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Summary: Still can't compare to Grapes of Wrath
Review: I hadn't read this book in years and years, so I just picked it up again recently. I have to admit, I didn't enjoy it as much the second time around. And it is not as good as "Grapes of Wrath" or "Of Mice and Men." Still, even though it is not Steinbeck's best, it is better than most books I have read in my life (were this by any other author, it probably would have gotten five stars). I thought the story was captivating, and I didn't want to stop reading. I just loved the characters, even though they are a bit one-dimensional. The book often alludes to the Bible, but don't worry about missing the hidden themes, Steinbeck lays them all out in the open. If I have one major complaint, it would be that the ending lacked drama. Other than that, this is Steinbeck at his near best.
Rating: 
Summary: Can Be Slow At Times
Review: Without a doubt, this is good writing. This is a wonderful book for school reading and book club discussions. However, if you want to kick back and enjoy a fun book, I don't think this is it. There were times when I was bored. At times when I had to put the book down, I found it hard to pick it up again. Once I considered giving it up completely.There are quite a bit of profound discussions (about life, morals, family, etc) between the characters Lee, Samuel, and Adam. Half the time, I haven't a clue as to what they're saying (I may not be an intellect, but I'm not dumb either). I had to re-read some of the lines or paragraphs to get a better understanding, only to find that some of the verbiage was irrelevant to the story. It seemed such a chore having to constantly interpret what they said into simple English. Steinbeck sets up each scene by giving us some insight into history, or by describing the land and people. For most part, I found it to be overly descriptive; some parts either too long and dragged out or simply unnecessary. Also, much of the descriptions are repetitive. It's burnt into my brain that Cathy has tiny pointed teeth, that Aron has a pretty face, that Ethel is dumb. I must admit though, however boring it was, it did helped to paint a clear picture in my mind as I was reading the book. I guess that's what makes it good writing!!! All in all, I'm glad I read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Glad to Read It, Glad to be Finished
Review: I feel almost guilty for not liking this book more. I was excited to read East of Eden. I think it is fabulous that Oprah decided to reinstate her book club with a focus on the classics. In addition, "Of Mice and Men" and "Grapes of Wrath" were highpoints in my junior and high school English classes. Even the themes, Cain versus Abel, good versus evil, destiny versus free will, seemed so potentially powerful, juicy and deep. Yet I found myself only mildly immersed in the novel. The symbolism seemed overdone, the dialogue unnatural, the character development lacking. A very masculine read, most of the female characters, with the exception of Abra, were either extremely unlikable or underdeveloped. If Cathy's role as the evil temptress is a nod to Eve in the Bible, it seemed a bit extreme. To be honest, the story does weave the themes throughout the story in an interesting way. Steinbeck's descriptive narrative can be beautiful, but can also be a bit long winded. Sam Hamilton, the wise, bumbling lover of words and dreams, and Lee, the Trask family servant and subtle family advisor, were interesting characters. At times, I felt that Steinbeck was looking for opportunities to brag about his ancestry and these side bars were not always of much value in the long saga. In a nutshell, I felt reading this book was an accomplishment, one that brought relief when it was over.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece -- plain and simple
Review: The second great novel I've read so far this month (the other novel being THE LOSERS' CLUB by Richard Perez). EAST OF EDEN is a great read of one man's epic interpretation of the battle between good and evil and the victories men can achieve when they have been passed through the crucible and emerge purified. A timeless masterpiece!
Rating:
Summary: This book would make Shakespeare proud!
Review: I just finished this novel. And I am totally speechless and in awe of Steinbeck's writing. I am also wondering why I have never read it before! This book would make Shakespeare proud! As most English Lit majors in college would know ~~ that Shakespeare is the world's most acclaimed playwright ~~ he writes about every emotion under the sun known to man and he makes the audience see and feel the stories that is very familiar to mankind. Steinbeck's East of Eden should be regarded in the same category. This may be a drama, but it is a reflection on humankind ~~ men who seeks to find the gold in their dreams and experience everything that is known to mankind. These men, Charles Trask, Adam Trask, Cal Trask, Aron Trask, Samuel Hamilton, Lee have sought happiness at their whim and some succeeded and others didn't. They reacted to whatever life throws their way ~~ either with strength and courage or with cowardice. No man is alike in this book and yet they are. Even the women handled things differently in this book. There is Cathy/Kate, the eternal whore and there is Abra Bacon, the eternal mother-figure. Please don't be discouraged by the long descriptive pages that Steinbeck employed to introduce his characters. They only serve to enrich the novel and make these people come alive between these pages and in your imagination. This is a classic book and it flows easily between the pages. It is also one of the most lyrical writing I have yet to read. Steinbeck's talent is that he makes people come alive and tell their stories of their struggles with guilt, sin and love. It is a book that will touch you immensely and you will not forget these people. It's a definite must-read for any serious reader. 9-5-03
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Summary: Good Pick Oprah
Review: This book was very good. Its an all time classic. Oprah did a good job picking this book out for her books club. It was a sad book in the end.
Rating:
Summary: It's a classic for a reason. Read it!
Review: Who am *I* to review this book? John Steinbeck is only the most revered American author, and East of Eden is only his best book. Can there possibly be anything new to say about it? I doubt it. That said... Oprah's book club prompted my reading, and MAN am I glad! It gripped me beginning to end. The love. The hate. The betrayals. The hope. The secret. The friendships. The struggle of good vs. evil. At its core, that's what it's really about: good vs. evil. Are we born good or evil? Or can we choose? Read this book, and you'll have the satisfaction that reading excellent books brings AND the bonus of having read one of the most significant works of fiction of the 20th century.
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