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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 ⭐️
I was not expecting to have this much of an emotional reaction to a book under 115 pages long. It's pages show that there is a division among minority groups and marginalized people, a community that is split because of what they are taught.
The idea that the characters have this American Dream of owning their own land and doing what THEY want to do, but eventually succumbing to the reality that it won't is so moving and Steinbeck shows that in such easy to read prose. He shows that the "dream" is different for everyone, and it can be the simple things or the most elaborate, but we all have them.
A must read for those who like classic lit.
I was not expecting to have this much of an emotional reaction to a book under 115 pages long. It's pages show that there is a division among minority groups and marginalized people, a community that is split because of what they are taught.
The idea that the characters have this American Dream of owning their own land and doing what THEY want to do, but eventually succumbing to the reality that it won't is so moving and Steinbeck shows that in such easy to read prose. He shows that the "dream" is different for everyone, and it can be the simple things or the most elaborate, but we all have them.
A must read for those who like classic lit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Murder
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men left me in quiet ruin. Line by line, it is a masterwork of prose. The ending shattered me, as it would’ve done for anyone. But for me, it got a little more personal.
I see myself in George, because his experience with Lennie is very comparable to mine with my neurodivergent sibling.
I know what it means to walk through the world beside someone who doesn’t quite fit the mold—someone with a misunderstood heart, and a mind that moves differently, and yet whose soul you know better than anyone. And because you know them, you protect them and stick by them. Even when they make mistakes and hurt people. Even when the world recoils.
Steinbeck doesn’t romanticize that burden. He shows it plainly and painfully. Because this kind of love is not loud or perfect. Instead, it’s persistent, grieving, and human.
I see myself in George, because his experience with Lennie is very comparable to mine with my neurodivergent sibling.
I know what it means to walk through the world beside someone who doesn’t quite fit the mold—someone with a misunderstood heart, and a mind that moves differently, and yet whose soul you know better than anyone. And because you know them, you protect them and stick by them. Even when they make mistakes and hurt people. Even when the world recoils.
Steinbeck doesn’t romanticize that burden. He shows it plainly and painfully. Because this kind of love is not loud or perfect. Instead, it’s persistent, grieving, and human.
I don't cry very much...ever. But this...this made me tear up. Strongest book I've read in a while.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I must say, the ending is one of the best endings I've ever read. It stood out to me, in a way.
This is a "play-novella", owing to the fact that each chapter is set in one place. Each place is described beforehand, then the dialogue-heavy action begins. Every chapter is set in a new place.
The main characters are George and Lennie. They have known each other a long time, and travel together, working as itinerant farm hands. Lennie has the mental capacity of a child but is extremely strong. George tries to keep him out of trouble. The novella opens when the two have escaped a farm where Lennie got into trouble and they are arriving at a new workplace.
The writing is good, the characters are well drawn and the emotional impact is terrific.
The main characters are George and Lennie. They have known each other a long time, and travel together, working as itinerant farm hands. Lennie has the mental capacity of a child but is extremely strong. George tries to keep him out of trouble. The novella opens when the two have escaped a farm where Lennie got into trouble and they are arriving at a new workplace.
The writing is good, the characters are well drawn and the emotional impact is terrific.
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes