Something to Think About
Every now and then I feel like sitting down with a good book, not just any good book, a good classic. My favorite author is John Steinbeck, I have never read a book of his that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. He has such a wonderful way of writing that is perfectly descriptive, yet not too wordy. I like that his stories are true to life, not always ending happily and not every story works out neatly in the end. They are at times very harsh, but that’s what I love about them. I love that his endings have a way of making you think.
Yesterday I finally found some time to sit down with a cup of coffee and one of his books I haven’t read before, The Red Pony. I especially love the last last little short story in this book titled: Julias Maltby. It’s a wonderful story that makes you wonder about happiness and cultural norms and whether poverty has anything to do with money. This is why I love his books, they usually give me something great to think about and contemplate while I’m out working in the garden.
I have a few other books from the library on my “to read” pile and I can’t wait to find some time for them.
Who’s your favorite author? Do you love any of the classics?
Filed under About Me, Books | Comments (24)
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to Tweets that mention Something to Think About | Chiot’s Run — Topsy.com's comment
I don’t have a favorite author, but right now I am reading Jane Austen again (Pride and Prejudice), I just love the language and humor.
.-= Sense of Home´s last blog ..Rhubarb Juice =-.
to Sense of Home's comment
Steinbeck is one of my favorites, too. East of Eden may be the best book I have ever read.
to carla's comment
I would have to say East of Eden if my favorite book of all time. I read it every couple years.
to Susy's comment
Gormenghast – I love the language Mervyn Peake uses but also the satirical statement he makes upon the decay of “traditions” especially in the context of royalty (which you’d have to live in the UK to appreciate fully) and the caricatures which, I think, we can all recognise in ourselves and others dear to us.
.-= Rose´s last blog ..Stage 3 complete =-.
to Rose's comment
I have several favorite authors…..and am always reading many books at one time……I just finished Gone With The Wind(an education on the Civil War of which I did not get in HS) which surprised me……And now I am reading Eat Love and Pray and I really am not sure what I think or feel thus far…….Actually I normally ingest books rapidly but with this one…….I don’t read far before I need to ponder…..she is a good writer…..but my quandary is whether I like or care enough about her to go on……if that makes any sense:)
to Amy's comment
Amy, I totally agree with you on this book. I didn’t finish it.
to Lynn's comment
Junius Maltby is my favorite story of all–I’ve always loved it and go back to read it every few years! Like you, I’ve never read a Steinbeck that I didn’t like. Have you read The Pastures of Heaven, yet? It’s my other favorite.
.-= megan´s last blog ..Canadian County =-.
to megan's comment
Pastures of Heaven is on my pile right now, I’m going to start it today.
to Susy's comment
*well, not other really, but the rest of my favorite…you know what I mean. :)
.-= megan´s last blog ..Canadian County =-.
to megan's comment
I’m another Jane Austen fan. Love her works; I only wish there were more! I’ve also be reading some children’s classics along with my kids for homeschool. They’re so good, even adults enjoy them – thus the reason they are classics, yes?
.-= Amy @ Homestead Revival´s last blog ..Need More Space In Your Home? =-.
to Amy @ Homestead Revival's comment
If I have to pick only one, then it would be Isaac Bashevis Singer.
to lee's comment
I have to be careful with Steinbeck, especially during these tough times. I get so frustrated and angry with the human condition. It takes me two weeks to wind down for reading The Grapes of Wrath!
to Ivan's comment
Very true.
to Susy's comment
My favorite author is Cormac McCarthy. He describes everything – from the flicker of a single candle flame to an old horse saddle – with raw, yet beautiful prose. I started with All the Pretty Horses and haven’t stopped.
.-= Morgan G´s last blog ..So there’s these new chicks at work… =-.
to Morgan G's comment
Hemingway is my favorite, closely followed by Steinbeck and Oscar Wilde.
I just finished To A God Unknown. Have you read that Steinbeck novel? It’s a good one, talking about earth and the power of the land, etc., basically worshipping the land as a form of power….
to Tommy's comment
I just finished Hemingway’s “The Short Happy like of Francis Marcomber”. I have “To A God Unknown” on my to read pile right now, can’t wait.
to Susy's comment
I am a Steinbeck fan as well! The last time I read GoW I was lying in a hotel room in Rome, burning with fever from a kidney infection. That was a surreal experience to say the least — I thought I was one of the Joads in my hallucinations!
My favorite writers of novels are probably Thomas Pynchon and Heinrich Boll. I am also a big poetry reader and love e.e. cummings.
Right now I am reading:
Sacred and Herbal Healing Bears, Stephen Harrod Buhner
Storycatcher, Christina Baldwin
Shaman, Healer, Sage, Alberto Villoldo
and
Winter House, Charlotte Moss
This last one, I would have finished long ago if I could find it! I think it has either gotten buried in a basket of the girls’ books or left at the cabin. Boo!
.-= Marlyn´s last blog ..Role Reversals, Funky Formulas, Summer Salutations, and Piles of Peas =-.
to Marlyn's comment
I have to admit, I am not a huge Steinbeck fan. I really tried to love him, but I find him the exact opposite: much too wordy, way too descriptive narrative. His writing style totally takes me out of the story. But, I LOVE the movies that have been made out of his books (for the most part). I think it’s because I don’t have to wade through all that descriptive narrative, but the story and the people are still there, and his stories are great.
My favourite classics are the mid-20th century ones: On The Road, Fahrenheit 451, Catcher In The Rye… I reread those like they’re going out of style, and there’s always something new every time I read them that I never picked up on before.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Weekly Flora: (Not So) Common Sage =-.
to Kelly's comment
Oh, Fahrenheit 451 is a good one! I don’t think I’ve ever read Catcher in the Rye, I’ll have to add that to my list.
to Susy's comment
Catcher In the Rye is one of my top 5 favorites. I usually re-read it every few years. Salinger is unbelievable in this work! I also love his short stories about the Glass family. Cutting and poignant!
to Tommy's comment
“Prodigal Summer” by Barbara Kingsolver is such a great book. I don’t know if you’ve already read it and are revisiting, but I read a few of her books last summer and just love her. I’m reading “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” right now and I think “Prodigal Summer” will be next. Haven’t read Steinbeck, but I’ve been wanting to read “Grapes of Wrath”. Thanks for the reminder :)
to Brittany Noel's comment
O. Henry.
to Lynn's comment
I see you have Barbara Kingsolver’s “Prodigal Summer.” She’s one of my favorite authors! I also love Jodi Picoult and Elizabeth Berg. Favorite classic? Not sure, but I did love “Lost Horizon” by James Hilton.
.-= Kylee from Our Little Acre´s last blog ..Throw a Garden Party! =-.
to Kylee from Our Little Acre's comment