Of Mice and Men Discussion - Pre-Read

[Renata]

Hello Readers!
This is the Pre-Read thread for the July 2021 Classics selection. This month we will be reading Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

Please note that this is a SPOILER FREE discussion.

Who's planning to join in on this read? Is this a first-time read, or a re-read of an old favorite? What are your expectations in picking this book up?

[Andi]

Reread for me, looking for a refresher.

[Laura]

In school, we read The Grapes of Wrath and I found it incredibly boring and dust-dry. In contrast, I find the theme of this classic much more interesting, have high hopes to enjoy this book, and hope to see the author in a different light.

[Lindsay]

I’m in! Read it years ago in school- have a vague recollection of the plot and can’t wait to reread and refresh my memory

[Fannie]

I just finished reading the graphic novel version. I have read the original more than once and I will participate in the discussion.

[Vini]

A first time read for me.

[Milli]

I'm joining! This is really an "everyone has read this but me" book

[Ron]

I haven't read Steinbeck in a number of years. I have read The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row and although I found these to be somewhat depressing, I also found them very thought provoking and both left an impression on me so I'm looking forward to this read.

[Tiffany]

I read this is school well before I enjoyed reading. I am looking forward to refreshing my memory and enjoying a classic.

[swaggy]

I haven’t read this yet! It seems like everyone has read this in school but me 😅

[MJ]

I haven't read this yet.

[Mary Ann]

I am going to read this book. I have never read this before.
When I was in high school we had a choice about which book we wanted to read for our IRP (independent reading project). Most of my classmates chose Of Mice and Men, Animal Farm, etc. because they had less pages in comparison to other classic novels. This eventually lead to the teacher banning them from reading those books. Because I heard all of their presentations, I am familiar with the idea of the plot but I don't know the real experience of reading it so I am looking forward to seeing what the book is really like.

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

I think this is an amazing novella. I read it a few years ago.

[spoko]

Mary Ann wrote: “I am going to read this book. I have never read this before.
When I was in high school we had a choice about which book we wanted to read for our IRP (independent reading project). Most of my clas...”

It’s a shame that your teacher took such a narrow view, because these books are plenty powerful even if they are short! Why deny something good just because it’s not difficult?

[fleurette]

Started this one today and I hope to finish it quickly. Though, I'm not sure I'm in a right mood for it. This is going to be my first time reading anything by John Steinbeck.

[Martina]

Also joining this read, never read this before. It wasn't part of our must read in High school, we read much more books by Russian authors or British, since they are closer to us from the history point of view (plus it's Europe). I heard a lot or praise for this book, so I hope to enjoy it :) .

[Gil-or (readingbooksinisrael)]

I've never read it, but I've heard good things about it. Also, while obviously the quotes I've seen from it have been cherry-picked they seemed more down to earth than most quotes. I am, however, nervous about Lennie's treatment by the book.