Reviews

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

hazifer's review against another edition

4.0

i’m devastated

gigilovescats's review against another edition

2.0

“I actually don’t think I’ve felt happiness since finishing this book. The ending is traumatizing. Someone please explain to me why we were like fourteen years old and our English teachers were telling us that Curly’s Wife was a whore because she had red fingernails.”
- Jack Edwards, booktuber, on Of Mice and Men
My feelings exactly, Jack

libraryofdreaming's review against another edition

3.0

Continuing my intention to read more Steinbeck I finally got my hands on Of Mice and Men. Overall, it was emotional and poignant. Strangely though, I did not enjoy it nor was I as moved by it as I was by The Grapes of Wrath. The book was so short I don't think Steinbeck had the time to weave his usual magic. The setting felt less rich and the characters less developed. There was a lot of animal death and I was also a bit unnerved by the sole female character and her negative portrayal.

While the ending had me in tears, I feel like it would have packed more punch if there had been more time. I was also spoiled for the final scene (by Longmire, no less) which did lessen the impact. Perhaps it was this foreknowledge that decreased my enjoyment. Although, can you truly ~enjoy a book with such harsh themes? I don't think so. I suppose it was the shock and drama that I missed. When one thing is spoiled, the rest of it is plain as day.

I'm glad to have finally read this classic, but some of it didn't live up to my expectation. I only wish I had remained unspoiled... :/

kiirah's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kyliepro13's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

benjy697's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

beckca03's review against another edition

5.0

One of the first books I can remember reading and crying at the end. Adam would tell you that it started quite an entertaining trend, since I now cry (and laugh) aloud to just about everything I read these days! One of Steinbeck's masterpieces...

beckmstar's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

coffee_lover905's review against another edition

dark hopeful sad slow-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

2.5

jayseewhy's review against another edition

5.0

Steinbeck’s writing here was simple yet elegant. He created characters that felt unique and incredibly genuine. This was a real emotional journey.