From the Bookshelf of EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club…

Cannery Row (Cannery Row, #1)

John Steinbeck

Start date: May 1, 2024

Finish date: May 31, 2024

Discussion: CLASSICS READS

Why we're reading this: May 2024 - Classics

[close] May 2024 - Classics

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CLASSICS READS

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What Members Thought

Oct 17, 2016 Ian Anderson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3-12-2018 (reread)

Still as enjoyable, if not more enjoyable than the first time I read this. Even more excited to read Sweet Thursday now, the book's sequel. While returning to this I noticed more of the jokes that are sometimes easy to miss because the satire that's hidden under a cloak of seriousness. Mac and the boys are endlessly entertaining, sometimes frustrating, but so endearing. The book has a cozy quality about it, which is recurring for Steinbeck, but I think this is an example of him 3-12-2018 (reread)

Still as enjoyable, if not more enjoyable than the first time I read this. Even more excited to read Sweet Thursday now, the book's sequel. While returning to this I noticed more of the jokes that are sometimes easy to miss because the satire that's hidden under a cloak of seriousness. Mac and the boys are endlessly entertaining, sometimes frustrating, but so endearing. The book has a cozy quality about it, which is recurring for Steinbeck, but I think this is an example of him really honing in on it. It also has a damp, fishy, sort of dreary quality to it--at least that's how I perceive it. But I think what makes it cozy it not just because the atmosphere makes you want to curl up by the fire, but the quality of the characters makes you feel so comforted. Mac and the boys want so desperately to do something nice for Doc the whole time but all they seem to do is take from him. But yet I feel sorry for them because they are so sincere in their efforts, not sorry for Doc who might wish they would just leave him alone. One of my favorite Steinbeck books at this point.

10-17-2016

I loved this book. This is the first Steinbeck that I have read since Of Mice and Men in high school, which I forget almost entirely and will be re-reading soon. His writing in this is such a joy to read as he relates every story to anyone, even when the events themselves have no relevance to our own lives. There is a pleasant blend of subtle humor, realism, and optimistic characters that it is hard not to smile while reading. The entire book doesn’t really have a central plot other than the planning of a party, but you sort of forget because it includes so many ideas on the regular, every day working man. I can’t say that this will blow anyone away, but it is a very enjoyable little book that I recommend to anyone. I look forward to reading its sequel, Sweet Thursday. P.S. This book has barely anything to do with Canneries other than the setting, so don’t get turned off by the title. ...more

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