For this, my third year doing the challenge, I am going literary. For every letter of the alphabet I will talk about a book, an author or a character from fiction or myth that made an impression, was inspirational, or caused me to think.
I'm not sure how old I was when I first "discovered" John Steinbeck.
It must have been around 9th grade when we were required to read "The Pearl" or "The Red Pony."
Steinbeck... when I read Steinbeck I was immediately dropped into the story, dropped into the hearts of the characters.
Early on I read CANNERY ROW, followed by SWEET THURSDAY and TORTILLA FLAT, OF MICE AND MEN. From there I went on to read just about everything I could get my hands on, including EAST OF EDEN, TRAVELS WITH CHARLIE and THE LOG FROM THE SEA OF CORTEZ.
The only classic of his I haven't read is THE GRAPES OF WRATH. Should I be ashamed? It's just that I know how terribly tragic it is and I can't bring myself to read it. I know his writing would tear my heart to pieces.
As a teen I had a longing to write like him. I practiced imitating his style. But it wasn't long before I realized, his style was not mine. Sigh...
To read a letter of advise from him to us, writers one and all, click HERE.
He said, "Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love."
Is there an author you longed write like?
S is for John Steinbeck Other S influences include: Robert Louis Stevenson, The Secret Garden, The Spider and the Fly (a poem), Soul Catcher by Frank Herbert
Go ahead and read The Grapes of Wrath, because nothing can get more tragic than Of Mice and Men, and if you could get through that, you can get through anything!
ReplyDeleteI read The Red Pony and Junius Maltby for the first time in the last two years. Last year I picked up a copy of Once There Was A War - Steinbeck's reports from Europe and North Africa for the New York Herald Tribune during WWII. This is some of the best tight writing I have ever read. Everyone should read it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever read a Steinbeck novel. He was not an author my high school English teachers ever assigned and I wasn't the sort to ever pick him up for fun.
ReplyDeleteI long to write like George R.R. Martin, Maggie Steifvater (at least her last novel) and John Green.
You know, for as much as I like him, I haven't really read enough by him. I guess that can be my new project.
ReplyDeleteHe's my favorite author, Bish. That man had a way with words. Oh that I could write like him. I've read all his books. And you're right. It would tear your heart to pieces. But you must read it sometime, my friend. You simply must! All his quotes are awesome, love the one you have up. I heart him! And you. :-) Be safe, pal.
ReplyDeleteI've been enthralled with Steinbeck. Almost like a mysterious yearning to know him on a personal level. What's that? A love fantasy?
ReplyDeleteMy writing goes way back and I wanted to write like Dickens. Very clasical. Just happy I didn't end up like Miss Haversham. Ha.
Steinbeck was and is a favorite of mine. The first thing I ever read of his was The Pearl, and I immediately grabbed all of his books--one after the other. His stories stick in my head like no other realist of that period.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I want to write like her, but Margaret Atwood's prose is something I fall into and hate to leave.
Grapes of Wrath is a heartbreaker, but stunning. You won't ever forget it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't enjoy The Grapes of Wrath when forced to read it in high school but I'd probably appreciate his work more now.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Of Mice and Men...how sad is that story! But it's still one of my favorites! great S...
ReplyDeletei really need to read him more---my daughter just finished one of his
ReplyDeleteOh, Bish, Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors, and you will love Grapes of Wrath. He'll break your heart, but he'll also heal it. After Mice, it's my next favorite book of his.
ReplyDeleteThe Pearl was brilliant. Actually, I haven't read it in a long time. I might read it again.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry, I haven't read the Grapes of Wrath either, lol.
I also longed to write like someone else as a teen.
ReplyDeleteGreat S author. I love Steinbeck.
Here is another renowned writer I haven't read.
ReplyDeleteJust was talking with a writer friend about Steinbeck and that after all these years it was time to revisit him. Unforgettable at the very least.
ReplyDeleteHi Bish! I'm familiar with Of Mice And Men and The Grapes Of Wrath.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me of this wonderful author! I agree with the other comments about the Grapes of Wrath. It isn't an easy book to read, but beautiful & one I've come back to many times over the years. Great post :)
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