Customer Reviews
Great Transaction! 
2008-12-28
Great transacation. I received my purchase quickly and in very good condition. I would highly recommend this seller to everyone.
An uplifting story 2008-12-03
The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of one family's journey from the impoverished state of Oklahoma to the promised land of California. Having lost their land to creditors and pressed to vacate, the Joads watch helplessly as land held by their family for repeated generations is unceremoniously uprooted and industrialized. With little left to their name, the dispossessed Joads set off on a westward journey in search of a better life. On the road they are joined by many thousands making the same trek, and soon new connections and kinships are formed. Their journey consists of hardships, deprivations, and death, pushing the Joads to their outer limits of endurance. However formidable their journey to California was, their toughest challenges still lie in wait beyond the Mojave Desert...
Brilliantly woven, John Steinbeck's novel is a must read. I found it both inspiring and depressing; capable of imposing both grief and hope simultaneously. The Joads tragic losses will have you mournful one moment, while the next will find you filled with a hope that their undying resilience inspires.
READ THIS BOOK. You'll be glad you did.
Get ready to relive these times soon! 2008-11-11
The second Steinbeck book that I've read as an adult, and probably one of the best books I've ever read. I had no idea California was so messed up until I read it. Unlike some modern readers who may complain about the alternating chapters, one dealing with plot and the other with seemingly irrelevant information, I thought that they added a lot to the book and gave it the feeling that there was more to it than just the story of one family. Everyone needs to read this book. The movie's also great, and I can't say that either one is better than the other.
Take in the magic of Steinbeck's writing 
2008-11-10
One of my favorite books is East of Eden, I also loved Of Mice & Men. I'd never read Grapes of Wrath for school, like most people, I figured it was about time. Having high hopes, I was a little disappointed. I did not like it nearly as the other Steinbeck's I'd read. But, still the overall work makes an amazing piece of history, fiction and memorable tale. Personally, I think it's highly relevent at this period in time with what our country is going through.
Mainly, this book was a little tough to keep reading on, as the story didn't immediately grip me. I was about half way through before I really got into it. Before I really began to care about the characters and get where this novel was going or what it was trying to convey. Yet there were times when I'd just sit back and slowly read a page and take in the beauty of what was written.
I did give it 4 stars because I think the writing, the story that it tells about the Oklahoma farmers & migrant farmers and the symbolism was phenominal! To me this book tells the story of our history, one that is important to tell and remember. There's a reason it won the Pulitzer.
A handsome edition 2008-11-02
This edition is a nice way to add The Grapes of Wrath to your collection. The book itself is a must. It's hard to explain how Steinbeck sucks you in with his writing, but the Joad family's journey across the country is a visceral and moving one. Very enjoyable.
A master storyteller 2008-10-30
Forced from their home, the Joad family is lured to California to find work; instead they find disillusionment, exploitation, and hunger.
[Good] required reading 2008-09-27
Yup, I'm one of the freaks who actually likes this book, despite my roommate's information that it is highly melodramaticized. I don't care. I think it's great writing, and I love the interspersing stories that have nothing to do with the plot, and yet are so insightful.
Sorry, but I was actually touched.
Classic for Good Reason 2008-09-11
I thought The Grapes of Wrath was entertaining, depressing, and inspiring all at once - a little long at times, but still a great read. Basically, it's hard to feel sorry for yourself and easier to feel sympathy for others when you're reading from this book every morning. I hope people continue to read The Grapes of Wrath for a long time; it's a reminder of how lucky we are right now, how quickly things can go wrong, and how important it is to be kind to one another and preserve a sense of community. The beginning drags a little bit, but the rest of the book is worth it. Great book.
The Grapes of Wrath 2008-08-29
The book came in great condition and in a timely manner. It was a pleasure doing business with this seller on Amazon.com
A top classic of American History...but some weaknesses 2008-08-14
I love this book for a variety of reasons, and I'll share these before offering my criticisms:
1) Wonderful tale of a painful time and place in American history
2) Great characters - and powerful bonding between them. I loved their ability to sacrifice for each other - at great costs.
3) A metaphorically redemptive message: this book shows the strength of human perseverance in the face of awful odds
4) Incredible local color - accents, speech, behavior! John Steinbeck really knew his stuff, and brought it to LIFE! Kudos!
5) Beautiful writing - so many times Steinbeck wrote scenes that sing off the page, transcending the story, the characters, and himself
6) I just love Steinbeck's character of Preacher Casy. He adds such a strong dimension of honesty, emotional courage, and truth-seeking to the book... He's one of my favorite characters in all of literature.
My criticisms:
1) Having previously read this book fifteen years ago, I learned then that the "filler" chapters - the ones NOT about the Joad family - were unnecessary to the story, so I skipped them this time around. This made the book infinitely more readable and enjoyable. I would guess these skippable chapters account for about a third of the book's volume...
2) I found the ending cheesy - didn't like it fifteen years ago, and still don't. I won't go into details (don't want to be a spoiler), but I found it too intellectual and emotionally disconnected to the pulse of the story...
3) Steinbeck uses various of his characters (particularly Preacher Casy) to make all sorts of philosophical comments on life, but never does he state the obvious, much less come near it with a ten-foot pole: DON'T HAVE SO MANY KIDS! The whole book is about people trying desperately to feed their children - for whom they cannot provide. To me this leaves the parents - sharecroppers, who, at the best of times, had life REALLY hard - and not just society, responsible. Even ONE little comment to this effect would have been welcomed. Yet has anything changed since the 1930s? Does anyone suggest that starving adults in Darfur not have children? (Or the EMOTIONALLY starving adults right here in the rich USA???)
