John Steinbeck's of Mice and Men (Max Notes) [Abridged] [Paperback]

Joseph E. Scalia (Author), Lena Shamblin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 1995

MAXnotes offer a fresh look at masterpieces of literature, presented in a lively and interesting fashion. Written by literary experts who currently teach the subject, MAXnotes will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the work. MAXnotes are designed to stimulate independent thought about the literary work by raising various issues and thought-provoking ideas and questions. MAXnotes cover the essentials of what one should know about each work, including an overall summary, character lists, an explanation and discussion of the plot, the work's historical context, illustrations to convey the mood of the work, and a biography of the author. Each chapter is individually summarized and analyzed, and has study questions and answers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

REA’s MAXnotes is an insightful series of literature study guides covering over 80 of the most popular literary works.

MAXnotes study guides are student friendly and provide all the essentials needed to prepare students for homework, discussions, reports, and exams.

Our MAXnotes for John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men study guide includes an overall summary, character lists, explanation and discussion of the plot, overview of the work’s historical context, and a biography of the author. Each section of the work is individually summarized and includes study questions and answers.

Our Of Mice and Men MAXnotes study guide is a handy resource when preparing for exams or doing homework, and it makes a great companion to the original work.

The Of Mice and Men MAXnotes is also an invaluable resource for English teachers who are teaching the original work and need a refresher. Each MAXnotes includes topics for term papers with sample outlines.

About the Author

Joseph E. Scalia, M.A., teaches English at Hicksville High School, Hicksville, N.Y.

 

Lena T. Shamblin, M.A., teaches English at West Bolivar District High School, Rosedale, Miss.

 

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 91 pages
• Publisher: Research & Education Association (June 12, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087891997X
• ISBN-13: 978-0878919970
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,099,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > General

More About the Author

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joseph E. Scalia was raised by wolves. That prepared him to teach junior and senior high school English and Creative Writing, which he intended to do only a few years until he wrote a best seller, appeared on the 'Tonight Show,' became rich and famous, dated beautiful models and drove a Porsche 9-11! Thirty-three years later he retired from teaching, published a YA novel, 'FREAKs,' followed by his second novel, Pearl,' a year later. Scalia now lives on Long Island and drives a 1989 Ford Probe.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steinbeck's Best, March 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: John Steinbeck's of Mice and Men (Max Notes) (Paperback)

This is a book that I was recently "forced" to read in school. Traditionally, I am not a fan of having to read anything (especially something that was written fifty years before I was born). But this ended up being the best book I've ever read (okay, so maybe it's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest). The best thing about this book is that it's not too long (so that those who arn't crazy about reading won't feel like giving up), and it's not hard to understand, like some of Steinbeck's other stuff. If you want to read a book by him, this is a great first choice. Read it before you pick up anything else by Steinbeck. And the ending...un-freaking-believable!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic, by God, June 1, 2000

By 

S. DEMILLE "All Purpose Nerd" (N. Las Vegas, Nevada USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Steinbeck's of Mice and Men (Max Notes) (Paperback)

The book will always be a classic, for it rings with such authenticity. Like The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men portrays the struggles of California farm laborers in the 1930s. The workers often travel from farm to farm, working sixteen-hour days---bucking wheat, picking cotton, picking fruit---always as employees but never as employers. The men are victims of their society and one nourishes little hope for them. They yearn for things they cannot have, such as social positions, money, land; but they never get them (at least they never hold on to them). Their dreams remain unfulfilled. As a result of their hardships, they become bitter and hardened.

Steinbeck's characterizations are superb, and each person is a unique and vital element in the story. The dialogue resonates with truth, the setting and the descriptions are sharp and picturesque, and the symbolism is effective in its foreshadowing of the poignant and gruesome climax. Only criticism I have of the book is Steinbeck's tendency to "tell" rather than "show." He had such talent with description but he insisted on preceding his dialogue with such things as "Candy went on excitedly..." and "'I ain't so sure,' said George skeptically." Other than these distracting "tellings," the book was touching and will certainly remain as one of my favorites.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars OF Mice and Men, May 17, 2000

By 

Kevin and Mike - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Steinbeck's of Mice and Men (Max Notes) (Paperback)

"Of Mice and Men" is a great book for anyone interested in the wild wild west. Lennie and George, the main characters, tell their story about how they go to and from their jobs. The book was short and easy to read. You will be embraced in the books conflicts and never want to put it down. It brings laughs and tears to the reader as he/she progresses to the end. If you are in the mood for a short and fun all around story, choose "Of Mice and Men."