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Of Mice and Men (Classics on CD)

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John Steinbeck wrote this classic gem in 1937. It's been a Broadway play and there have been several adaptations of it in movies and TV. I was generally familiar with the story but this was the first time I actually read the book. Wow! I was completely blown away! This is the story of a two lonely and alienated men who work as farm laborers, drifting from job to job in California. Lennie is gentle giant, physically strong but mentally retarded. George guides and protects Lennie but also depends on him for companionship. Together, they have a dream to someday buy a little farm where they can grow crops and raise rabbits and live happily ever after. This, of course, is not to be as the title suggests. "The best laid plans of mice and men" is a line in a poem by Robert Burns, which describes how a field mouse's world is destroyed by a plow.

Steinbeck's narrative voice is seemingly simple in his descriptions of nature of as well as the details of the bunkhouse. His characterizations of the people are magnificent. We meet the other workers, all loners, and appreciate the beauty of the unique friendship between Lennie and George. We meet Candy, the old man who is outliving his usefulness. We meet Crooks, the black stable hand, shunned by the men and therefore turning to books for companionship. We meet the cruel Curley who taunts Lennie into a fight. And we meet Curley's wife, another lonely soul who uses her femininity to get the wrong kind of attention.

There's tension in every word and I found myself holding my breath, knowing that something awful would happen, my eyes glued to the page, the world of Lennie and George deeply etched into my consciousness. I was pulled right into the story, wanting to shout warnings as I saw the inevitable consequences. The ending was incredibly sad, but yet satisfying. It couldn't have ended any other way. It's a small book, only 118 pages long. But it is a masterpiece and I will never forget it. I give it my highest recommendation.

"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck remains properly on the reading lists of high school students because of the regional imagery through succinct dialogue. Unlike "Grapes of Wrath," Steinbeck brings us swiftly into each moment, never letting us linger too long before walking us to the next place.

The American Dream has many variations, but always, it is about independence and the pride of being one's own man. Lennie and George want this independence more than most men, but have less than most men to get there. In their case, it isn't a white picket fence, but a farm where they can raise rabbits.

Lennie is not a bright man. He desires to care for someone and to be loved, but is unable to think past his own fear. George tries to protect him, but he too, although smarter than Lennie, is managed by his insecurity and foolishness.

The story surrounds Lennie and George's efforts to get and retain work on ranch near Soledad, and more so, toward their American Dream. The big picture is always with them, but it is the day-by-day difficulties they have with being outsiders. Their intrinsic inability to be free is sheer tragedy, as they both fail again and again to make the right decision.

It's a lonely story about two men who hope more than they can think, who are destined by their misery never to enjoy true companionship and happiness.

Few books are as thematically pure as "Of Mice and Men," which follows Man's search for self and meaning carefully. It is harsh in language and image, and the abstract ideas might be too much for younger readers to comprehend, but any intelligent teen will gain from it where John Knowles' "A Separate Peace" and J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" leave off.

I fully recommend "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Written in 1937, when the Depression was still affecting all aspects of the farming community, this powerful novel depicts the lives of migrant workers--grim, pessimistic, and offering little hope for an improved future. Focusing on two characters who arrive in the Salinas Valley during peak season, Steinbeck creates touching scenes between Lenny, a big, severely limited worker who does not know his own strength, and George, a whippet-thin man who serves as Lenny's constant companion and protector.

Both Lenny and George have dreams of one day living on their own farm, where Lenny, who loves the feeling of soft things--even dead mice--wants to take care of rabbits. George hopes one day to benefit from his own hard work on his own farm and to create an environment where Lenny can be safe from his own impulses. As Steinbeck brings the characters on the ranch to life, he shows how every person there has dreams of a different life but few opportunities to change the lives they already have. Some are physically handicapped from accidents on farms, while others are emotionally handicapped by lack of opportunity or their own personal limitations.

Life is lonely, uncertain, and harsh but George tries to make life for Lenny more bearable by allowing him to have one of the new puppies in the barn. When Curley, the boss's son, brings his flirtatious wife to the farm, he introduces a new element which eventually leads to a tragic ending. Women are considered dangerous to the status quo, as they reinforce the need for "soft" elements in lives that otherwise offer little softness.

Giving vivid pictures of the natural surroundings while also creating vivid pictures of the interactions of these men, Steinbeck shows that even among those whose lives offer little hope, there is a desire to take advantage of each other. Crooks, the black stable hand who is forced to live alone in the barn, undermines Lenny. Carlson takes advantage of Candy's love for his old, smelly dog and causes pain to Candy. Lenny's puppy, Candy's dog, a heron capturing a water snake, and dreams of their own farm all become symbols which add to the drama of the conclusion. In this powerfully sad novel, Steinbeck offers little hope that the lives of these men will improve and even less hope that they will ever be able to control what happens to them. n Mary Whipple

I read this book aged 15 for my GCSE English literature exam. Right from the start I fell in love with Steinbeck's unassuming, delicate language and his vividly real characters. The theme of loneliness on the "ranch" where the main characters work really haunts the reader, and we feel great sympathy for the barren lives lead by the characters - matched by the bleak, dusty Salinas landscape. All the main characters suffer from some form of prejudice, which in turn isolates them from the main thread of communication in the mid-west community - from Lennie, who is punished for his mental disability, to Candy, punished for his age, the negro, Crooks and the "jailbait", Curley's Wife. Each character suffers such absolute desolation in the face of promminence, I couldn't help feeling such strong empathy for the tragic people who inhabit this book. It is a credit to Stenbeck's unique eye for socialistic views and values that he draws such desparing, but neccassary, attention to the "abused" little man of 20's America.

I am a tenth grade student and I recently read "Of Mice and Men" for a school project. I thought it was an excellent book. I felt that the author, John Steinbeck, did a first class job with this novel. It portrayed the relationship between George and Lennie in a way that made you become very attached to the characters. You wanted to read more to find out if they ever accomplished their goals and to see if their dreams became a reality. George and Lennie are complete opposites; George is a small, quick intelligent man, while Lennie is a man of huge dimensions but has the brain of a child. Throughout the story Lennie acts in ways that infuriate George, but George will always be there for his friend because he knows Lennie needs him to survive. Lennie can buck barley like no one else because of his pure strength, but would probably starve to death if he didn't have George to provide his daily meals. I think that has to do with why this book has been banned in the past by schools across the country. Some people may be offended by how the mentally challenged person is shown in this story. It seems as though the view being expressed is that people with mental problems can't do anything for themselves. They are also a constant threat to others because they cannot control themselves. Lennie didn't realize what he was doing was wrong until it had gone too far. These are stereotypes of mentally retarded people that some people may believe are reinforced by this novel. They are lead to believe that this book is discriminatory towards the mentally challenged. Parents whom believed this did not want their children reading this book because they did not want them to be exposed to these types of ideas. Also, Curly's wife does not fit the traditional mould. She is unhappy with her marriage and is not completely loyal to her husband like a conventional wife should be. She is always flirting with the men that work on the farm. Some adults believed that this was unacceptable behavior to expose to children. I don't think that a school today would even consider banning this book because cultural standards have changed greatly from when this book was first published in 1937. I also don't believe that this book should have ever been banned. It is a great book that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Once you get started it is almost impossible to put down. The ending is also written to perfection. It is unpredictable and is incredibly moving. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it anyone.

Book Review How does the common man look at mentally disabled people? In reading Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men one could find out. Steinbeck wrote about two men traveling around California working on farms. The couple is a dynamic one. Lennie is a gigantic man that has the brain power of a small child. George is a small man that looks after Lennie and tries to protect him. "We kinda look after each other." Said George. "He ain't bright. Hell of a good worker, though. Hell of a nice fella, but he ain't bright. I've knew him for a long time(p.34)." This book does a great job showing how society doesn't understand the needs of mentally disabled people. I also believe that it shows that every man can have a role in society. This book is a must read. Almost everyone has come into contact with a mentally disabled person once in his or her life. Or, if not a mentally disabled person, a person that is just a little slow. One of the many great things about this book is that everyone can relate to it. The social significance is immense and I believe people enjoy reading meaningful books. Another thing I enjoyed about this book was George and Lennie's lingo. "I... ain't gonna say nothin'. jus' gonna stan' there(p.6)." Steinbeck was born and raised in California and many of his books take place there. Like Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck wrote other books about men that work on farms, such as Tortilla Flat and The Grapes of Wrath. George and Lennie find jobs on a farm in the Californian countryside. Lennie loves to pet things and that obsession always gets the couple into trouble. Lennie is a handful for George and is pain for everyone around the farm. A horrific crime is committed by Lennie. The men on the farm could not and did not want to deal with Lennie and his behaviors. "He ain't cuckoo, said George, he's just dumb as hell, but he ain't a crazy(p.39). Even thought Lennie's brain does not function at a high level he could still help others. There is a man on the farm named Crooks, Crooks is an african american that has a bad back. Crooks is mean and shields everyone away, but Lennie opens him up and brightens his day. "I did'n't care much, said Crooks. "Lennie's is a nice fella(p.82). Even thought Lennie is slow he still can befriend a person. People read to broaden here knowledge and understanding of the world. What this book taught me is that mentally disabled people have different needs than those of us that do not have an impaired brain. And that society needs to help them find a role in the community and in society because every man or woman has a purpose. If you want a great book to read Of Mice and Men should be at the top of your list.

Imagine lying in the grass with your head facing the stars, a stream trickling by. You can hear the stream seem to lull you in, and you feel the pleasures of a hot, crackling fire, being managed by someone else. Sounds perfect, right? Well, for George, in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, it is anything but perfect. George is taking care of a man named Lennie, who is mentally ill, and dangerous at that. After grabbing a girl and not letting go, Lennie, under George's strict supervision, is helped to flee. They find a job at a farm in the country, and things are going well- at least, that's how it seems. This book combines distinguished writing with a remarkable plot, summing up to a great, touching ending.

At the beginning of each chapter Steinbeck describes the setting of the chapter. This technique is fine for some, but bad for others. This style forces the reader who isn't interested yet to read about the place that is being described. If Steinbeck waited a while to explain these things, readers would really be interested in what they were reading (whereas in the beginning of the chapter this isn't so). However, some people disagree and like to have lots of description so they know exactly what they're reading about. A perfect example is the beginning of the second chapter. After explaining the setting of this room in great detail, Steinbeck pauses. Then he goes on to say, "The door opened and a tall, stoop-shouldered old man came in. He was dressed in blue jeans and he carried a big push-broom in his left hand. Behind him came George, and behind George, Lennie."

But after the beginning of each chapter, description dwindles to a perfect amount. The book really flows with dialogue and description combined. The dialogue is used in such a critical way, and Steinbeck really took advantage of the fact that he could express whatever he wanted through dialogue. This writing style also makes the readers able to suspect things, rather than to be told things. Readers are left to figure it out for themselves, making it more believable as well. At the end of the book, it is hard to understand what is happening until you read the dialogue that followed the action. This was a great aspect of the book.

Another clever thing Steinbeck established in the beginning of the book was a theme of a farm with rabbits, in which George and Lennie are to live off the fatta the lan'. It is shown very clearly (also through dialogue) that this is Lennie's dream, what he lives for. It also gives the reader hope, which makes people want to continue reading- they want to find out if this dream or wish ever happens. It is a sign of a good author that he can convey emotions so strongly. One of the most touching books, Of Mice and Men stands out. Steinbeck was gutsy in his choices as a writer, and because of that, the ending doesn't make the reader necessarily feel sad, the reader feels moved. Something Steinbeck does a good job of is making readers change their mind so many times about what they think of Lennie, and if they feel sorry for George, admire George, hope Lennie dies for George's sake... the list goes on.

This was one of the best classic novels. It is a good book to read if you're looking for something that can draw you in in a short time, and it is hard to put down once you start. Of Mice and Men is definitely a classic worth reading- and re-reading. It is amazing that Steinbeck was able to write this story with such a compellng writing style, gripping plot, and high level of emotion in so few pages.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from end to end. I give it a 4 ¾ star rating because of... oops this is still the introduction! I hope you enjoy this review and read the book!

The book is mainly about two men named Lennie and George and their travels to reach their dream of building a great farm and "livin' off the fatta da lan." I like this book because just by reading it you know that John Steinbeck put his heart and soul into this book. If "Of Mice and Men" were a food I would describe it as rich and satisfying. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that especially in the beginning it would go away from the story and describe the landscape it in great detail. Don't get me wrong! I like detail but it took too long to get back to the story. Speaking of detail. When the detail in then book was focused on the story it gave it an amazing effect! The character development in this book was also very good. From main characters like George to main characters like Crooks, John always let the reader know lot about the character. Finally, the dialogue in the book is excellent. Everything is said right and right at the correct time. WOW! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an enriching story but can handle a little tragedy.

This concludes my review of the book "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck. For all of you who decide to read it... ENJOY!

George Milton, a little man physically, tried to receive a harvesting job along with his close friend Lennie, who on the other hand, is a giant of a man physically, but very slow mentally. George acted like Lennie's older brother and watched out for him. Their boss stated, "Well, I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. I just like to know what your interest is" (25). "Lennie kills without malice-- animals and people die simply because of his strength. Lennie himself must die simply because within the society of man he is an anomaly and weak." The theme of the book is universal," a friendship and a shared dream that makes an individual's existence meaningful." The great, classical novel will remain well read, and a well-liked book for ages to come. The book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is an attempt to reveal "commitment, loneliness, hope, and loss remains," along with the labor forces in the late 1930's. Reader can easily relate to the characters and setting in the novel and, as a result, the book has influenced many readers. The book had great significance on the readers during the time in which the book was written. The style of writing is very simplistic, easy to understand, and very entertaining. " Part of Steinbeck's greatness lies in his ability to capture this tone of basic reality." Steinbecks'style of simplicity and easy reading in Of Mice and Men captures the reader's interest right from the get go, and along with the easy relating themes and plot keeps the readers attention until the last words are read. "John Steinbeck is famous for his compassionate depiction of people of the bottom of American Society," In this book, like so many of his others, he describes the time period, social events, and gives a clear pictures of what life was like. Steinbeck is mostly known for his great attention to detail and his sense of social justice in Of Mice and Men. George is a small man, who not only has himself to look after but also has the job of looking after and caring for his mentally delayed friend Lennie. George said, "Whatever we ain't got, that's what you want. God a'mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an' work, an no trouble. No mess at all, and when the end of the month come I could take my fifty bucks and go into town and get whatever I want" (11-12). As they grow up they find the true friendship they have is so important, along with the commitment to one another. This great novel will remain a classic forever.

This popular high school or college required reading written by Steinbeck was one book I have never read. Neither have I watched the movie (1940) or newer versions (1981, 1992). What intrigues me is ALA has listed the novel as top sixth 100 banned books during 1990-1999. How can popular novels written by a famous author who earned a Presidential Metal of Freedom in 1964 received banned and challenged review years after initial publication? Perhaps it was a typo until I confirmed:

"Of Mice and Men" was banned:
Syracuse, Indiana, 1974;
Oil City, Pennsylvania, 1977;
Grand Blanc, Michigan, 1979;
Continental, Ohio, 1980
Skyline High School, Scottsboro, Alabama, 1983.

The book was challenged:
Greenville, South Carolina, 1977;
Vernon-Verona-Sherill, NY, School District, 1980;
St. David, Arizona, 1981;
Telly City, Indiana, 1982;
Knoxville, Tennessee, School Board, 1984

Steinbeck wrote the novel at his house in Los Gatos back in 1937. It was an era of depression; migrant workers and poverty persisted in the US. Steinbeck had dropped out of Stanford earlier to work on the Sprechels Sugar Ranch in this area as a farm hand. He observed the workers behavior and wrote about them. They represented low education and economically poorly people who would do anything to survive. He accurately described the way things were with no flowerily words.

The plot of the novel was quite simple.

George Mitton (witty, small) and Lennie Small (big man with small brain) both dreamed of acquiring a little land of their own someday. They also were in need of each other. This was in the middle of the depression years among many poor migrant workers searched for work. As low social class they got no respect in the society. Steinbeck showed his sympathy and concern for the down trodden the way we are concerned with homeless and jobless today.

Paired with both accusations and past accidents these two went to work at a Ranch. It was there the readers were introduced to some interesting characters, all seemed to evolve around rancher's son Curley. Curley is the bully, always ready to pick on those weaker people, but was an insured failure in a big way. He failed to be a respected boss #2, husband, and a man. His wife (name never mentioned) knew what was missing in life. She tried to get Lannie's attention in taking her. It led to her accidental death. There in the barn among the dark, dank smell of hay the one event after another began to unravel.

The end of the novel was worth contemplation and debate. Lennie Small hid in the brush and awaited his frightful punishment. George Mitton had to make a decision; he took matters into his own hands by ending Small's life. The tragic ending could have been averted. Some writers sometimes believe the ending of a novel to provide vicarious happy endings especially targeted for youth. Steinbeck ended it as a tragedy.

Could in the novel George Mitton run away in the novel from the crime scene with the woman? Would George have waited for justice to be meted out by a bunch of gun carrying migrant workers who were ready to shoot Lennie? To some readers true literary tragedy is distasteful. This may be one of the reasons that the novel was challenged by many parents if not banned?

I thought Steinbeck experimented with novel structured like a play. He believed the writer's duty and served as watchdog of society. To satirize its silliness, to attack its injustices, to stigmatize its faults. He achieved this goal remarkably well in this novel. In fact the book was in the form of a play (1937) and ended as an opera (1970).

In retrospect, throughout the novel there were words or vernaculars of improper conduct, vulgar language, presentation of low social class characters which can be objectionable to YA or their parents. I list some examples found from the six chapters including but not limited to:

1.Live off the fatta the lan', 2. Bustin' a gut, 3. Cat house, 4. Health issues like pants rabbits, 5. Shove out of here, 6. What the hell's he got on his shoulder, 7. Crack and flop, 8. Goo-goos.

The urge to control other's lives and restrict what they can read appears to be just below the surface. People may deny that they want to censor books and mouth platitudes about appropriate reading material, but the end results are challenges to books in schools and libraries.

I would hesitate recommending this book at junior high or grade school. Outstanding novel like Of Mice and Men rises just above the safety threhold and basic functional reading to which some teachers or adults would restrict youth to read. As for YA a novel teaches much more than the mechanics of reading, the vernaculars used actually helps to stimulate critical thinking skills. As teenagers they are old enough to discuss and debate the meanings of the vulgar language as it applies today. For college age patrons, they are old enough to vote and fight for America they should be allowed to read as they please.