Did anyone read this without reading Cannery Row?

[Síle]

I got a gift of this book and I've just started but the reviews all seem to have mentioned Cannery Row, so should I start with that?

[Adriana]

I would read Cannery Row first for the simple joy of reading Steinbeck. Besides, it's a short book.

But if you'd rather not, Sweet Thursday can stand on it's own.

[Jeff]

oh there both so good! and not worth screwing up. while it may be possible to by-pass cannery row and still get something out of thursday. You may be screwing up one of the best books you ever read. I say read cannery row first, Its just a little read anyway. I listened to them both on audible(several times) and it was an amazing experience,VERY funny,touching and a truly unique rare treat for the soul.

[Monty J]

Yes, read Cannery Row first. In fact, I'd read Tortilla Flat too if you haven't, as that book takes place in the same setting and may have some characters or places in common.

Bear in mind when you read Sweet Thursday that one of the characters, Joe Elegant, is a parody of Joseph Campbell, the famous author and lecturer. Joe is a cook and writer-wannabe at a brothel and made to look foolish.

Steinbeck had bad feelings toward Campbell because of his very public, and for John very painful, affair with Steinbeck's first wife, Carol. It is believed that Carol was in a vulnerable state after a recent botched abortion that rendered her sterile. John had coerced her into getting the abortion.

Knowing this background should make the character of Joe Elegant (Campbell was handsome) more enjoyable for you as you read.

[Geoffrey]

Hah, I got a first edition of Sweet Thursday. Eat your hearts out.

[Monty J]

Geoffrey wrote: "Hah, I got a first edition of Sweet Thursday. Eat your hearts out."

Awe man! Green and purple with envy. Where'd you get it?

[Geoffrey]

Don`t recall.Probably EBay. But I also have THE PEARL and I got that at a bookstore a mile from Harvard University.(Inman Square, for those familiar with Cambridge)

[Jeff]

if you want a treat listen to both books on audible. they are SO funny and SO well done. I keep sweet thursday on my ipod all the time -its such a gas to listen to regardless of where I cut in. Hazel for president lol

[Bill]

I read Cannery Row first, and agree with those who suggest that. Although it's been many years (in the 1970s)since I read them, they both remain very high on my favorite list. As a matter of fact, I think it's time for me to re-read them.

[Vanessa]

I got to live there briefly so I fell in love with the Monterey books. I would also recommend reading Cannery Row first. I've always looked at Cannery as the setting book and Sweet Thursday as the plot.

[Geoffrey]

Yes, Bill, it was high on my list as well, and yes, I gotta read them again. Anyone belong to the Society?

[Brian]

I read Sweet Thursday first just by chance. I enjoyed it and Cannery Row afterward was good too. I thought Sweet Thursday was more fun to read. It is one of my sentimental favorites. Cannery row is a bit more thought provoking but less upbeat.

[Geri]

I first read Sweet Thursday when I was a junior in high school. I loved the Suzy character - she inspired me throughout many waitressing jobs when I was a student. And I still find myself looking for diners that resemble the Golden Poppy.

[Renee E]

Monty J wrote: "Bear in mind when you read Sweet Thursday that one of the characters, Joe Elegant, is a parody of Joseph Campbell, the famous author and lecturer. Joe is a cook and writer-wannabe at a brothel and made to look foolish...."

THE Joseph Campbell? "The Masks of God" Joseph Campbell?