Goodreads | Of Mice and Men (Centennial Edition) by John Steinbeck

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Andy rated it:

(review of isbn 0140177396)

02/10/08

Read in February, 2008

It's the way Steinbeck describes things that gets me.

"Crooks, the negro stable buck, had his bunk in the harness room; a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn. On one side of the little room there was a square four-paned window, and on the other, a narrow plank door leading into the barn. Crooks' bunk was a long box filled with straw, on which his blankets were flung. On the wall by the window there were pegs on which hung broken harness in process of being mended; strips of ...more It's the way Steinbeck describes things that gets me.

"Crooks, the negro stable buck, had his bunk in the harness room; a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn. On one side of the little room there was a square four-paned window, and on the other, a narrow plank door leading into the barn. Crooks' bunk was a long box filled with straw, on which his blankets were flung. On the wall by the window there were pegs on which hung broken harness in process of being mended; strips of new leather; and under the window itself a little bench for leather-working tools, curved knives and needles and balls of linen thread, and a small hand riveter. On pegs were also pieces of harness, a split collar with the horsehair stuffing sticking out, a broken hame, and a trace chain with its leather covering split. Crooks had his apple box over his bunk, and in it a range of medicine bottles, both for himself and for the horses. There were cans of saddle soap and a drippy can of tar with its paint brush sticking over the edge. And scattered about the floor were a number of personal possessions; for, being alone, Crooks could leave his things about, ad being a stable buck and a cripple, he was more permanent than the other men, and he had accumulated more possessions than he could carry on his back."

None of this is relevant to the story, and yet a middle chapter opens up with this vivid scene. Steinbeck succeeds because the characters he paints in your head are exact. The first time I saw the movie that was made out of this story, it was just as I had envisioned it. Though the story great itself, the reason I will come back to this book is for the little things, the very things that have made me love Steinbeck so much.

I first read Of Mice And Men my sophomore year of high school, when it was a required reading in Mrs. Beeler's class. I recall disliking almost all required school readings up to this point (though admittedly I had skipped out on the summer reading project of "The Grapes Of Wrath"). When this book was assigned, I knew it was different. I blew through it, reading it in a day or two, even though I wasn't supposed to. For once there was a school book that I enjoyed. And all the credit in the world to my teacher, who chose other good books the rest of the year. So it's been 6-7 years since I've read this, and now, reading it for the second time, it's just as memorable as I remember. The story sticks with you, the imagery sticks. The characters are among Steinbeck's best, painted in such a crystal clear vision of the time.

It's a near perfect short story, and one that I will surely revisit throughout my life....less

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Embraced_evils rated it:

06/22/08

Read in March, 2008

recommends it for: Yes

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Usually when my father and I actually have conversations, it tends to revolve around some sort of argument. At times, even if I agree with him, I’d pick up the opposite side of the given argument just for arguments sake. When we agree we fall silent, and our relationship is based for the most part on silence the chance to argue is usually too good to pass up. When I was younger I’d end up in tears, frustrated that he couldn’t look beyond his own view points…in retrospect I suppose I coul...more

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Nathan rated it:

(review of isbn 0553131001)

09/17/07

bookshelves: fiction

Read in October, 1991

recommends it for: I'm so ronery, so ronery, so ronery and sadry arone.

"A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. It don't make no difference who the guy is, long as he's with ya'. I tell ya', a guy gets too lonely, and he gets sick." I first read Of Mice and Men at an age when I was learning to read. Not phonetically, but critically. This novel taught me what good literature could be, and it is one of a handful of novels that I measure all other novels by. As a result, I have turned into someone who can read five to ten nonfiction books in a month but read...more

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Dot rated it:

(review of isbn 0140177396)

06/10/07

recommends it for: people who haven't read it already

This is one of my favorites. It's not my favorite, because I had completely forgotten about it until I saw someone else had put it in their list, but it's definitely in my top five. Wait. Top ten; I haven't read it in nearly ten years. But I assume I still like it as much as I did.

Everybody knows the story by now, so I won't recap it. But I will say that the best part of the book is when you find out that the glove Curley wears all the time is filled with vaseline to "keep [his:] hand s...more

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Michelle rated it:

11/22/08

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in October, 2008

This short novel is written by the 20th century author and is set during the Great Depression. It is about two men, George and Lennie who travel around looking for jobs because Lennie keeps getting them into trouble. Lennie has mental issues and behaves like a kid, while George has to be the adult and take care of the both of them.

This story gives you a feel for how women are taken for granted during that time and how men were always so lonely. It also gives you an insight on the violence o...more

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Robert rated it:

(review of isbn 0141185104)

08/15/08

bookshelves: 50-novels-in-one-year, own

Read in August, 2008

As part of my *Steinbeck Special* (which in turn is part of my 50 Novels in One Year reading challenge) I’ve finished reading Of Mice and Men and despite its short length, I’ve got to say it’s a monumental piece of literature, with a story as powerful as anything I have, or am probably ever likely to read.

The story centres around George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant workers who are scouring the Californian countryside in search of work. Again, as was other Steinbeck novels, I ha...more As part of my *Steinbeck Special* (which in turn is part of my 50 Novels in One Year reading challenge) I’ve finished reading Of Mice and Men and despite its short length, I’ve got to say it’s a monumental piece of literature, with a story as powerful as anything I have, or am probably ever likely to read.

The story centres around George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant workers who are scouring the Californian countryside in search of work. Again, as was other Steinbeck novels, I have been mesmerised by Mr. Steinbeck’s profound ability to create characters that are wholly ‘stick in the head’ memorable. Lennie, despite being a bit of a ‘man mountain’ and a ‘hell of a good worker’ suffers from a high level of mental disability. His only motivation seem to be that one day he’s going to own a farm with George, solely so he can care for a load of rabbits. Lennie loves to pet soft cuddly things, but as you’ll find out if you read Of Mice and Men, this passion ends up being quite detrimental to him at times.

George acts as a kind of mentor or carer for Lennie. It’s obvious he has a real affection for Lennie (and he apparently made a promise to Lennie’s aunt that he would care for him after she passed away), but one has to wonder to what extent George may be exploiting Lennie’s strength and ability to work. George like to proclaim to potential employers, the fact that Lennie can do the work of many hands, and this seems to be a good ‘bargaining chip’, provided Lennie can keep his mouth shut at the ‘interview stage’ for securing work.

George and Lennie may be the primary ‘players’ in Of Mice and Men but Mr. Steinbeck has also created a whole host of characters that are equally interesting. It would be giving way too much of the plot if I went into detail so suffice it to say that characters such as Candy, Slim, Crooks and Curly will remain unforgettable to the reader of this novel.

The story, although powerful is, as I’ve found with a number of Mr. Steinbeck’s books, fairly linear and not hugely plot-driven. I often see the plot and settings of Mr. Steinbeck’s novels to be more a stage for his characters rather than anything else, but that’s no bad thing, given that his characters are so well put together. However what Mr. Steinbeck does do well throughout this novel is to infuse suggestions of an ulterior motive for George and Lennie’s nomadic wanderings (it isn’t just to find work), which becomes clear near the end of the story.

Of Mice and Men is proclaimed by many as being one of the greatest works ever written, and after reading it I can see why. For anyone wishing an introduction into the novels of Steinbeck, this title is ideal. It’s short enough to complete in one or two days, and while the characters in Of Mice and Men are profoundly realised there are only a handful of them, and each is presented in an uncomplicated and straightforward way. I’m sure there aren’t too many people who haven’t read Of Mice and Men sometime in their life, but if you’re one of them then I highly recommend picking this book up. I know you’ll enjoy it....less

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Anitta rated it:

(review of isbn 0140177396)

05/09/08

Read in May, 2008

recommended to Anitta by: School Assignment
recommends it for: Junior/Senior status students

The role of man’s inhumanity towards man plays a significant role in today’s society. This role can be the discrimination between color, status, or mental capacities. John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, validates this belief and confirms the way men inhumanely treat their brothers. This fictional story expresses the loneliness, friendship, and American dreams sought by many in the Salinas Valley of California. The book depicts life in the 1930’s for an itinerant farmer with clear de...more The role of man’s inhumanity towards man plays a significant role in today’s society. This role can be the discrimination between color, status, or mental capacities. John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, validates this belief and confirms the way men inhumanely treat their brothers. This fictional story expresses the loneliness, friendship, and American dreams sought by many in the Salinas Valley of California. The book depicts life in the 1930’s for an itinerant farmer with clear detail and astounding reality.
George Milton can be described by several physical characteristics. Every part of him is defined from his strong features to his small stature and bony nose. His loyalties for his friend, Lennie, show his true demeanor. He serves as a protector for Lennie and dutifully fills the position of ‘big brother’. George’s behavior is motivated by his desire to eventually own farmland and raise rabbits with Lennie. Though it is George who often weaves the tale of a future farm, it is Lennie’s childlike faith that allows George to believe in the safe haven.
Lennie Small’s inability to fend for himself, because of his mental state, leaves him vulnerable to the outside world. His massive size and undefined features compliments the strength he retains. Many of the scenes involving Lennie foreshadow events to come. The character’s Lennie and George meet on their journey further proves the themes of the book. Because of Lennie’s childlike nature and faith in a better world, Steinbeck uses this character as the ultimate example of man’s inhumanity.
Slim is a skilled mule driver working on the ranch of which George and Lennie are meant to report to. He seems to be the only character actually in tune with himself. With his ability to understand human behavior, Slim often finds himself giving counsel to the other ranch hands. His best characteristics are caring, understanding, and being very respected. Slim’s respected position gives the reader the sense of a hero in this American tragedy. He cares for friends and enemies alike. Slim is the only person, besides George, who understands Lennie’s odd behavior.
The story of the George and Lennie begins with the two hiking. The two men have just left the town of Weed due to circumstances. Because of Lennie’s mental competency, George finds himself recalling the events that have taken place over the last few weeks. He eludes to a dream that he and Lennie share concerning a farm and raising rabbits. When finally arriving at their destination, the two farmers meet several characters. The book takes place over a single weekend, but is chocked full of interesting scenes, several surprises, and a moral to top it off.
One of the character’s George and Lennie runs into on their journey is a stable-hand named Crooks. Steinbeck uses Crooks as an example of man’s inhumanity towards man. Crooks is an African American man who has a slight curvature of his spine due to an animal accident several years earlier. Because of his race, Crooks is not allowed to sleep in the bunks with the other farm hands. Instead, he is sent to live in a room by himself. In some ways the isolated room is better off than the bunks, but Crooks need for companionship quickly changes his mind. Steinbeck uses the character’s sarcastic personality to demonstrate the effect of loneliness on a person. The point of man’s inhumanity is clearly defined by this character and many more.
Steinbeck attempts to analyze the inhumane treatment of man, as it existed in the 1930’s. He deals with the loneliness and frustration of the mentally challenged in a way that clearly expresses the struggles of these individuals. Steinbeck analyzes the human personality and expresses his ideas through his descriptive wording. His writing shows the habit of the strong in society to prey on those who suffer from ailments, whether physical, financial, or social. Whether intentionally or not, the author is able to strike a nerve within the reader.
“Guy’s like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know is they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to.”
There are many good points to the book. Steinbeck’s riveting characters show a glimpse into the life of those who lived through the time period. His use of words conveys the struggle to a deeper extent beyond printed words on paper.
The many good qualities of the book offset any minor flaws. Steinbeck wrote the book with a deeper meaning in mind and accomplishes his task.
Steinbeck takes a step away from tradition and dares to write in a time when brotherly love did not exist, a time of great depression, and economic turmoil. The two itinerant farmer’s, George and Lennie, struggle to find their own safe haven in this world. Because of all that has influenced his genius, Steinbeck’s take on this time shows through his writing, above and beyond meaningless words.
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Shawanda rated it:

05/07/08

In the book Of Mice and Men was a great book to read, it thought me about people’s handicaps. Not the handicap that you can see out side but the inside handicap. It also talks about the power of brother hood.

The book Of Mice and Men was about different men and there different handicap. In the beginning of the story they start off with a man name Lennie and a man name George, who is going to another farm to work. When you first open the book you can tell what Lennie's handicap is, he is me...more In the book Of Mice and Men was a great book to read, it thought me about people’s handicaps. Not the handicap that you can see out side but the inside handicap. It also talks about the power of brother hood.

The book Of Mice and Men was about different men and there different handicap. In the beginning of the story they start off with a man name Lennie and a man name George, who is going to another farm to work. When you first open the book you can tell what Lennie's handicap is, he is mentally retired. Lennie likes to pet soft things with his hands but he always end up killing it. George handicap is that he is short and not as big as all the other guys, and he has to take care of Lennie so that he wont get in to any trouble.

In the middle of the book they bring in six more people Candy, Curley, Curley’s wife, Slim, Crooks and Carlson.
Candy only has one arm and is an old man, Curley is the son of the owner of the farm. He is the smallest man on the farm so he try’s to pick on the biggest man who is Lennie so that people can fare him even though he is small. His mean weakness is his wife because she lives on the farm with all them strong men around her all the time and she is a big flirt. Slim is like the leader of the group what he says goes and everyone always looks at him the last word. Crooks is a black men in the 1930’s how works on a farm with all white men. He has a hump back because when he was young a horse kicked him.

In this book they really teach you about the power of brother hood and how they all stick together because they have formed a small family. When Carlson wants to kill Candy’s dog because he is old and smells bad everyone in the barn teams up and votes that the dog should be killed. Then they all turn to see what Slim will say so they can now if they can kill the dog our let the dog stay until tomorrow. When Slim says that the dog should be killed that night the dog is shot. Another time is when Candy fines Curley’s wife is dead and Lennie is the one who killed her. So he goes and tells George and the other guys and they team up to see what they should do with him. Then they come up with the idea that Lennie should be killed.

If you would like to read and learn about the power of brother hood and about people’s handicaps that you cannot see and how they deal with them this is a great book to pick up and read. I my self would love to read this book over again this will be my second time reading this book because every time I read this book I learn new things.

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James rated it:

05/01/08

At 16, I was not able to appreciate the unmistakable harshness of what really is the average human's life. That is to say, I knew people starved to death half way across the world, I knew there were dictators, and so on. But these are the extremes.

I did not recognize small silent suffering. For I didn’t know the man who spends his whole life toiling to no tangible end – working to work. I did not recognize wretched solitude. For I did not know he who spends his existence hopelessly drift...more

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Michell'e rated it:

05/30/08

Mice of men. When I first picked up this book I really didn't want to read it. It seemed as if I was juging the book by it's cover. This book wasn't as interesting in the begining (as no book really is). It was kind of dull in the middle until the wife came in. The three reason why I thought the book was ok was because, one it symbolized the fact that dreams didn't always come true. Two, it gave an example of how lonliness can change the way you act and think. Three the endding was shocking and...more Mice of men. When I first picked up this book I really didn't want to read it. It seemed as if I was juging the book by it's cover. This book wasn't as interesting in the begining (as no book really is). It was kind of dull in the middle until the wife came in. The three reason why I thought the book was ok was because, one it symbolized the fact that dreams didn't always come true. Two, it gave an example of how lonliness can change the way you act and think. Three the endding was shocking and unexpected for words to say.

First of all this book was good to me because of that fact that it was reality. It didn't have in the endding that they got the farm ad they lived off the fat of the lands cause thats what they wante to do. It was their dream and they showed us that dreams will never come true if you don't work hard at it and the thing that was holding George back was Lennie. Lennie was the one that was putting a hold on his dreams. He was the reason why the book was interesting to an extent.

Another reason why this book was ok is because of the fact that lonliness can change a person's action's and thought's. In the book Cruley's wife was so lonly that she would go to an retarted person and get attention. Lonliness can become a illness because of the state of mine that you would but in. It makes you want to go to every and anyone that comes your way and in a way you can say that her illness killed her. You can also compare it to a slow death because slowly she was negleted and that slowly lead to her death.

In many ways his book was a good book but the one I liked the most was the endding. Th e endding was so shocking, it killed the whole thing of a true America dream. The American dream was killed when Lennie died. The way he died it was so sad and so unexpected and it made the book even more sad.It also made the book more interesting to read and for me to tell other people my opinion on the book.

In conclusion I think that the book was ok for anyone who understands death. This book was interesting to me because one it symbolized the fact that dreams didn't always come true. Two, it gave an example of how lonliness can change the way you act and think. Three the endding was shocking and unexpected for words to say.

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Douglas rated it:

03/01/08

Read in September, 2007

recommended to Douglas by: Frank Bass
recommends it for: just about anyone, but with a warning of the terrible message

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

You won't get any complaint from me that this book is skillfully written, in it's vivid descriptions of settings, detailed descriptions of characters, and realistic dialogue.

However, I believe this book has a bad message, and the bad message is about how it's ok to put the weak, infirm and dependent to death. It started with the discussion of Candy's aged dog. The book gave the impression that the dog's age made him no good to even himself, the "quality of life" argument that has ...more

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Bonnie rated it:

02/20/08

bookshelves: classics

Read in February, 2008

Ok, first of all, you're probably wondering how I made it through 12 years of good ol' American public school and 4+ years of college without reading this book. Let me explain...no there is too much, let me sum up. I signed up for AP English my senior year of high school. After a few classes I realized that my current case of senioritis would really not allow for such extensive reading and reporting as the AP curriculum required. So, I did the responsible thing, and promptly transferred out of A...more

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Marit rated it:

04/27/08

bookshelves: school

The book Of Mice And Men y Steinbeck is really good written book. Because It was first written as a play, so he explains all the feelings and the smells really well. The book is about two men traveling together in the 1920’s in America. They are both ranch workers, but it was not very common for workers to travel together. But George and Lennie did it. The only reason they travel together though is because Lennie has the brain of a 5 year old and doesn’t know how to take care of him self. An...more

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Jennifer rated it:

06/22/08

Read in June, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

My first thought after reading this book was that this is the best love story I have ever read. The love that George (mentally healthy) and Lennie (mentally retarded ) have for each other isn't possible between two adults on the same mental page. Their love was of the kind that is only possible between a mother/father and child, and even that love loses its strength when the child gets older and becomes more independent and less ignorant and innocent. Lennie, however, will always be ignorant ...more My first thought after reading this book was that this is the best love story I have ever read. The love that George (mentally healthy) and Lennie (mentally retarded ) have for each other isn't possible between two adults on the same mental page. Their love was of the kind that is only possible between a mother/father and child, and even that love loses its strength when the child gets older and becomes more independent and less ignorant and innocent. Lennie, however, will always be ignorant and innocent. He will always rely on George for survival. He looks up to George the way an innocent child looks up to his parents. And George needs Lennie so he can feel needed and be the protector of an innocent, weaker person. He needs to love and be loved. Even Lennie wants to take care of creatures weaker than he is - mice, puppies, rabbits. We all need to love and be loved. The most painful feeling in the world is lonliness, which I believe is what this book is really about. It's about lonliness and the desperate measures people take to combat this suffocating feeling. The most desperate measure being George keeping Lennie in the public knowing that the chances of him innocently killing someone were high. Lennie is incapable of understanding his own strength and innocently kills weaker creatures when he gets scared. He clings to them and doesn't let go, crushing them. At one point, he clung to a girl's skirt and wouldn't let go. George and Lennie had to flee because the girl accused Lennie of rape. In the end Lennie does innocently kill a girl, but George is really responsible. George kills both the girl and Lennie because he wanted Lennie around to fill the void of lonliness, knowing that it could result in the death of another human being. He didn't supervise Lennie enough. He knew there was a pretty girl running around for attention that Lennie could accidently kill. But as much as we desire companionship, we also desire freedom and George simply couldn't take care of Lennie 24/7. Lennie ends up unsupervised in the barn and kills the girl. Then George kills Lennie before the girl's husband can, so Lennie can die painlessy and with dignity. So is George a hero for killing Lennie himself and commiting the ultimate act of unselfish love? Or is he a weak, selfish boy who chose to live in denial about what Lennie could do to another human being because he didn't want to be alone, and thus causing two deaths?

Most people simply don't understand or don't care about the effects their fear of lonliness have on others or even themselves. Candy did not want to do the right thing and kill his old, suffering dog for fear of lonliness. There are so many people nowadays who do the same thing. The fact that their dogs are in pain is not as important as their fear of lonliness. The ways people handled lonliness in the book still apply to today. However, some coping mechanisms change with time and in this rich, fast food nation people are now eating like pigs to combat lonliness and don't care what they are doing to their bodies or how they are raising health care costs for others. Then there are wise people, like Slim, who understand the lonliness in themselves and others and cope with it in a rational manner by listening to others and sharing words of wisdom with them. They are thus needed by others and others need them, which lessens the degree of lonliness the wise and unwise feel. The wise control their lonliness rather than the lonliness controlling them. Seems like a lot of people nowadays surround themselves with shallow, meaningless friendships to suppress their feelings of lonliness as well. If people would just spend time getting to know themselves, they would always have a meaningful friend in themselves and feel much less alone. I think Slim is the true hero in this book. And maybe it is still the best love story I've ever read - the deep love and understanding Slim has for himself and others. One final thought - I think this book shows how most humans do the right thing for themselves, rather than the right thing.
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Linda rated it:

01/08/08

bookshelves: junioryearadvisoryreadingnovels

Read in January, 2008

Many people associate "friendship" as benefical and helpful, but in of Mice and Men, "friendship" is a subject worth reflecting upon. George Milton and Lennie Small has complete different personalities and characteristics. Through the use of Irony, the name, "George Milton" is best portray as supreme and honor, but he is not. Instead George is short, yet strong, intelligent, and very cynical. Lennie Small on the other hand is strong but live a limited life due to hi...more

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Minjae rated it:

12/12/07

Read in November, 2007

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

This book was about two men who traveled around the world to look for high-quality jobs. I liked the book because John Steinbeck well described the characteristics and differences of two characters. The first man was small and quick and had dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. The second man, who was usually respecting the first man, was huge and had shapeless of face, large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders. The first man was ...more

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Andrew rated it:

(review of isbn 0553110098)

10/03/07

bookshelves: completed

Read in October, 2007

There are few books which reduce me to emotional breakdown, but this is one of them. Revealing the darker side of compassion, Steinbeck tells the story of two friends and what happens when one of them "does a bad thing."

Has this novel become over-taught in high schools? Definitely - and people's perception of the novel suffers because of it. People have to want to read this book because nobody wants such a harsh, violent story placed upon them as an obligation to read.

This...more

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Mary rated it:

Of Mice and Men (Centennial Edition)

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Of Mice and Men (Centennial Edition)

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