Student Recommendations for

John Steinbeck


The Grapes of Wrath

This was a dramatic story about the Depression.  The Joad family is forced out of their home and must try to make it to California where there is said to be jobs.  Along the way, this family makes friends, enemies, loses family members, and comes across all kinds of discrimination.  This book has its share of boring moments and a few exciting moments.  However, the plot keeps it afloat well.  All in all it is a good historical book.  Cari W.
Rating: **1/2


Of Mice and Men

I really enjoyed the book.  It was full of emotion, and it used very descriptive words, which added tremendously to the story's feel.  The only thing about the book that was a little confusing was the language.  It slowed me down a little.  Alex K.
Rating: *****

This book was emotional.  It grips your heart and doesn't let go.  I highly recommend it. Kathleen D.
Rating: ****

This book was a good, fast-moving book about two men searching for a home.  It is very good and very short.  Bryan K.
Rating: ***

I liked this book a lot.  It kind of had a lame plot though.  A lot of adult language which may offend some readers.  Mike D.
Rating: ****

This book is a story of two men trying to make a life in the world.  One is partially retarded and the other has to put up with his fascination with animals such as bunnies.  You will always remember it.  Chris M.
Rating: *****

This was a great book.  I highly recommend it to anyone.  It was very sad and emotional.  Brigham M.
Rating: ****

I liked this book a lot.  It was good for a laugh once in a while.  It's also neat to see Lennie and George's relationship.  Chris L.
Rating: *****

A book about two friends in a mixed-up unfair world that we live in.  This book shows you how/why we are to have parents with jobs and roofs over our heads.  I didn't like the ending at all, but that's just me.
Rating: **


The Pearl

A story about how wealth can be worse than poverty.  When Kino makes a great discovery his life goes down hill.  Rachel M.
Rating:***

This was a good book.  Kino, the main character, has a very strong personality.  If you like adventurous, moral stories, you'll most likely like The Pearl.  Mike D.
Rating: ****

This book was very interesting.  It had a good plot and taught me a lot about what Mexican life was like at that time.  Katie L.
Rating: ****

I really liked this book.  If you enjoy Steinbeck, this is one of his better books.  Also, if you like short books this is a good one to read.  I strongly recommend this book.  Alex K.
Rating: *****

This book was o.k.  It was slow in some parts and had kind of a boring ending.  Nevertheless, it was a pretty good short book.  Bekah B.
Rating: **

I liked this book because of the great ending.  The beginning of the book was slow, but since it's a short book, that's okay.  When you finish reading, you'll be glad you read it.  Chris M.
Rating: ***

It was interesting how Steinbeck was able to fit all the imagery and themes into that small of a book.  James S.
Rating: ****

The book was good.  I thought it was pretty slow, but not too bad.  Enjoyable read for everybody.  Gen F.
Rating: ***

It is a good book.  I like how Steinbeck is able to put imagery and themes into it.  I would recommend this book to anyone (it is pretty easy reading).  John F.
Rating: ***

I did not like this book very much at all.  It was slow and sad.  The only good thing about it was its message.  Chris L.
Rating: **

A good book.  Easy reading.  It says a lot about life.  Matthew C.
Rating: ****

This story begins when a poor fisherman finds a large, expensive pearl.  He soon finds out that wealth doesn't always bring pleasure.  Michelle G.
Rating: ***1/2


The Red Pony

I liked this book, yet it was very sad and in some way grotesque.  I would say it was good.  In some copies there is a second story of Junius Mallby, which was very good.  John U.
Rating: ****