The Grapes of Wrath: John Steinbeck Centennial Edition (1902-2002)

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Summary: Very insightful!
Review: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck is one of the deepest, most insightful explanations of the dustbowl period. Each chapter has a double meaning, one of the Joad family, and one of every family and the high and lows they experienced at that time. The novel masterfully shows the changes in human nature during the course of the western move, and the corrolation between the turtle chapter and the family's new way of life or Jim Casy as a Jesus Christ related figure (J.C.) was absolutely wonderful. I loved this book!!!!!!!

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Summary: Give it Time - Or - How I Grew Up And Read A Classic
Review: The book is vital. It is not a book for the immature, and Steinbeck applies all the sensitive subjects that Knee Jerk Right Wingers see fit for book banning. Farming, profanity, sex, farming, immigrants, highways, farming...It is a kind of Third Testament that trash-heaps organized religion and reveals that love for humanity is nothing like the air-headed effluviam of Haight-Ashbury, but a potent, permanent and honest personality trait. It is a book of stregnth that makes you wise. It is a blessing that America produced a writer so intelligent, compassionate and courageous. In other words, it ain't the same book you read in high school. Amen.

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Summary: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory...
Review: First of all, I'm a Steinbeck cheerleader. I can't help it. But this is true: "Grapes" is America's greatest novel, and nothing is its equal. I love this book for its form and style, its language, its simplicity, its symbolism, its characters, plot and dialogue and its meaning layered on meaning that never disappoints; each new reading reveals something new and profound about you, the reader; we, both as a formed society and as human beings as a timeless whole, and the forces outside of ourselves that compel us to either make choices or just hang on until the ride is over. My last reading gave me the impression that "Grapes" illustrates that, at bottom, human beings are both the best and worst of all creations, and that the choice is always ours which of those characteristics we will put forth in any given instant in our lives; whether or not life favors me today, I can still choose to give my best to others and myself. Our free will cannot be quashed. In this fatalistic world, I appreciate Steinbeck's demonstration of this through the Joad family, who, when the indifferent world asked them to die and get it over with, refused, and went gallantly on. This is life-affirming art at its best, a classic that fits the definition: it rewards reinspection.

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Summary: I loved this book!!
Review: This is one of the best books I have read. It may have taken a while to read but it was definitely worth it. If u can really get into it, you realize all the things we take for granted now a days. Definitely read this book.

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Summary: To the reader from NM who wrote on 2/9/99
Review: That kind of review is to be expected from someone who can't even spell "description" correctly. Yes, to illiterate people, this book might not be so interesting, but to everyone else, it is a story about a huge part of America's history. The reason there is so much description is because Steinbeck wants to take the audience to this point in time, and show us how the family dealt with this tragedy.

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Summary: boredly written
Review: I cannot believe that this was John Steinbeck's best novel. I can understand why he wrote the book, but I just cannot understand why he had to make it so boring!! I heard all about this book and how it was good. I did not realize until i read it that i found out it was boring!! The style of course was magnifisant. He explains too much in detail though. That is why his novels are so long.

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Summary: A Must Read!!!
Review: I had to read this book in English class, and I am glad I did! Anyone studying the great depression and the dust bowl must read this book to get a "first hand" view of the life of a family in it. This was probobly the best required read I have ever read.

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Summary: 1 star reviews are WRONG
Review: if an 11 year old kid can read this book in 3 days than all of you people complaining about it should check yourself. Details are what makes a book. grrrr. there is so much more in this book than your naive, narrow-minded, thick skulled brains have identified. Love stories- serious reading? yea right. and grapes of Hooey person- you don't got to analyze it that much. Just read the freaking story, without thinking about whether the author was a greedy politician or whatever. Tom- what a hunk! grapes was a good book.

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Summary: An enthralling masterpiece of epic scope, truly American!
Review: The Grapes of Wrath may be too cumbersome for some readers who demand more action and suspense, but if carefully read, you can't help soaking in the concatinations of themes. Steinbeck exploits the journey and growth themes to their full potential in the story of the Joads' trip to the promised land and the tribulations they face. Life and Death have never been painted so blatantly and thoroughly in modern literature.

Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking
Review: I have not read the book, but the play was captivating. I'm going to runout and buy the book as soon as possible. Ma Joad's strength was amazing. Throughout the whole play, I could hardly breath. Casey was my favorite character. The guy who played him (Tom Key) did a sensational job. I hope the book is just as good as the play!