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

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Summary: To Those Who Did Not Understand This Book
Review: As I read these reviews, I came upon two that disregarded the finest book of all time as "boring", and "without a point". I was saddened to realize that the crucial message so eloquently produced by John Steinbecks' fine pen, was lost on so-called "AP" students. (For starters, "real" AP students would have developed more profound literacy arguments than those stated.) I was first exposed to this jewel of literature as a freshman AP student in high school. As a senior in college now, the depth of this story only grows with each reading. Perhaps most disheartening in the disdain of these readers, is the ignorance to the storys' ending, the very crux of Steinbecks' message.
Despite the grevious hardships endured at the hands of her fellow human beings and the stunning death of her infant, Rose of Sharon offers her breast to a dying man without hesitation. This clarifies Steinbecks' hope; not just for the dying man or the Joad family, but for humanity itself. A poignant symbol such as this is obviously lost on a few young reviewers, but valued by others. My suggestion for the young readers who so obviously do not understand or appreciate this moving piece of literature is to start out with something more at their pace; Hardy Boys perhaps?

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Summary: Grapes of wisdom
Review: I was going to start out my review saying, "Why bother with a description of this book since most people have given one already and the rest of us have read it," then I . . . well, read one of the other reviews. Even so, I'll let other's descriptions of this epic novel stand. Suffice it to say that this is one of the best novels ever written. The only better one is Steinbeck's EAST OF EDEN. And my reason for this is based purely on the subject matter. That said, GRAPES is a must for anyone interested in serious literature and a major period in our country's heritage. It's because of Steinbeck's talent that we're captivated about anyone for X number of pages, let alone people who are poor, destitute, and trying to survive the dustbowl. This brilliant work deserves its place among the classics and hopefully will continue to be read in the years to come. After all, it's stood the test to time this far. Would also recommend Steinbeck's other work (of many) THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT and a book called THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD by an author named McCrae

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Summary: What More Can Be Said
Review: "The Grapes Of Wrath" is an American Classic. You've got to read this one. Although it isn't as colorful as much of Steinbeck's work, it is a wonderful story of a very important part of our nation's history. It's very much worth your time.

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Summary: A classic
Review: "The Grapes of Wrath" a true American Classic is one of the most outstanding books that I have ever read. It does not fail to leaves its mark on a reader. This serious master-piece has its setting during the "Great Depression" and gives a general view of the 1930's. John Steinbeck who may be the greatest chronicler of this cataclysm wrote this THE GRAPES OF WRATH which is about the struggles of the poor during this time. In the story, the Joad family endures many struggles on their way to find work in California and their lives are a microcosm of struggles of the poor during this time. Like thousands of other families, they encounter hunger, violence, betrayals, setbacks and despair. Yet the Joads maintained dignity, courage, and hope to recover. America was fortunate in that the poor did maintain these virtues which kept their hopes alive and made them not to rebel and throw the nation into anarchy. The nation was also lucky with the ascension to power of Roosevelt. THE GRAPES OF WRATH shows how a people with hope and a leadership committed to its people can overcome disaster to become strong again.

Also recommended: DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, OF MICE AND MEN, WAR AND PEACE

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Summary: Simply put...extremely awful
Review: I am a Junior in High School and am instinctually drawn to literature. This novel was a required reading, but that didn't spoil the story for me. The story did that itself. I have never been so bored in my life. Honestly, I'm astounded to find that so many people "loved" this book. While the story did have a great moral to go along with it, it was about dirt! Dirt and migrating. Dirt and migrating and more dirt. I couldn't even sit down to read it for more than 15 minutes before dozing off. What an awful summer read. I even think I chucked it out the balcony once. But please, decide for yourself. Opinions on literature are very diverse, so make your own, and make sure not to operate heavy machinery while reading this one. Things could get drowsy.

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Summary: Excellent Book and Depiction of the Depression Era
Review: I can't say enough about this book or the author, John Steinbeck. "The Grapes of Wrath" is a heart-wrenching story about a family and its struggles and perseverence through the Depression. It is so well written it makes you feel like you're there.

Bottom line: One of the best books I have ever read. Put it at the top of your "To Read" list.

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Summary: FELT BY MANY TO BE REQUIRED READING - I AGREE
Review: Certainly over the past several decades this book has been reviewed and rereviewed and I doubt if I have much to add that has not already been said. In many places, schools, classes, etc. it is required reading and I agree that it should be. It would be difficult to understand the evolution of American Literature without at least a cursory study of this work. It is quite likely in the top fifty of the works by American authors. I have made several readings of this book over the years and am still captivated by it. I must admit to amusement though. This work, like all other great works, goes through phases every few years. You will find periods of times when the literary elite like to pontificate endlessly as to their perceived weakness of this work. These folks eventually graduate from their freshman year and go on to admit in later years, that it is indeed a great work. Highly recommend this edition and certainly recommend this one be added to anyones reading list.

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Summary: Great book
Review: The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful, heart-wrenching story of a migrant family's struggle to find a better life in the "Promised Land." It begins with Tom Joad getting out of jail on parole, and coming home to find that his family was moving west to get out of the Dust Bowl.

Believing that California would be the land of opportunity, they left Oklahoma in search of a better life. The journey was difficult, and the difficulty they faced did not end as they entered California. Rather than finding themselves in the land of opportunity, they had to endure horrible living conditions and low wages.

Throughout all of this, Tom Joad is running from the law because he violated his parole by leaving California. Although he has broken the law, he dedicates his life to doing good. The lives of the Joad family are filled with overwhelming disappointment and anguish, but there is a small spark of hope for the future and for humankind which transcends this sorrow.

The story will captivate you, but to appreciate this masterpiece you must read his words, not only his ideas. The Grapes Of Wrath is not just a novel; it is a flawless piece of artwork filled with figurative language, brilliant characterization, illustrative description and euphonic, melodious words. The structure of the story is very interesting as well. There are interchapters, short stories giving some background about this time period, woven throughout the entire story, and they are reflected in the later chapters.

This was the most interesting and most beautifully written story that I've read in a long time. Buy it.

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Summary: Best book I've read.
Review: The Grapes of Wrath is a long book about the 1930's. It involves the main character of the story, Tom Joad, leaving prison and going back home to his family's house in Oklahoma, when he finds out they've left because of the dust bowl. When he catches up with them, they're packing up to go to California. A lot of the book is about them going to California, and them trying to settle down. Some of the chapters in the book are symbolic, and represent Steinbeck's leftist ideals. A lot of the people here seem to give the book a 1 star review because they can't appreciate the symbolic meaning of the turtle, and of other things.

If you're intelligent enough to grasp the concept of symbols, you will definitely like this book.

And yes, there is a lot of cussing in here. And know what? They're just words. Calm down.

One last thing. The ending of the book is really, really shocking. Enjoy.

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Summary: an interesting perspective of america in the 30's
Review: steinbeck's wonderful novel following the hardships faced by the joad family during the 1930's. the story juxtaposes the personal story of the joads to the generic experience of others in the same circumstances. in doing so we get a much broader picture. we see how the migrants are taken advantage of by many. we also, however, see great acts of kindness between the have nots and between the haves and have nots. the conclusion is that the strongest unit of all is the american family. the greater family of others in need, also works hard together to share with each other what little they have.

the joad's are forced to leave oklahoma during the dust bowl of the 1930's when the bank takes their land. they are lured to the lush land of california by the promise of jobs and prosperity. when they get there they find discrimination and abuse. the story ends ironically with nature again providing the further blow of floods from too much rain.

during the travels we meet mrs joad, the matron of the family and the glue that holds it all together. the story shows how her strength keeps the family together and moving forward. the women in the story are the true heroes. the co-operation of the migrant workers to help each other provides the reader with the faith that mankind can prevail under almost any circumstances.

although thought by many to be a cry for socialism by steinbeck, i see the story as an affirmation of what makes america great. yes, the migrants were abused and the thirties were a time that demanded the unionization of workers for protection. however, it also shows the determination of the american family to work hard to succeed; take risks for opportunity; and never give up. just look at california today to see what happened to all these migrants.

an excellent historical piece of a very troubled time in america. one of steinbeck's best.