Where to begin.

from JoeUser Forums

I bought two new books today.

I wish that I hadn't.  They're both awesome books - 'East of Eden' by Steinbeck and 'The Time Traveller's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger.  Steinbeck I've been wanting to re-read for ages...the first time I skimmed trough it without really appreciating it.  This time I want to savour and enjoy...to absorb the information from the pages and immerse myself in the story held within.

But I was stupid enough to pick up and read the first page of 'The Time Traveller's Wife'...and I was hooked.  There was only one copy left on the shelf, so I felt like I had to buy it...and I did.

Now I'm facing quite a connumdrum.

I can't read both books at the same time.  It would be almost sacreligious....I feel like I owe to to the authors (and myself) to put as much into reading the book as they did into writing it (especially Mr Steinbeck)..and trying to read the two at once will only detract from the experience. 

Steinbeck, being the author that he is, really should come first.....but Niffenegger has such a pull to her words.  If I read her first, I'll feel guilty about not giving the Steinbeck that I've wanted to get my hands on for ages first shot.

Hmm.  What to do.....

.....Steinbeck it is. 

misc
2,980 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
enjoy kid and get ready for the longests paragraphs ever written, steinbecks trademark.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
enjoy kid and get ready for the longests paragraphs ever written, steinbecks trademark.

Yeah, I know....he's somewhat prolifice with his sentences, isn't he?

The Grapes of Wrath...my favorite


I personally favor 'Of Mice And Men' and I'm disgusted that it's been withdrawn from some places....but 'The Grapes' is a killer book too.

Have you read any Kerouac, Shovel?
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
I personally favor 'Of Mice And Men'


Me too. Why has it been pulled in some places?
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

Me too. Why has it been pulled in some places?

Because the of the language and portrayal of Lenny as a 'retard'.  People find it offensive apparently.  So, Americans, instead of accepting that the was the language and an accurate description of how people were in that era, decided that they should just sweep it under the rug and act like it never happened.  It's bullshit, to be honest.  We can have entire shows devoted to lesbianism ('The L Word'), we can promote pornography and drug addiction, but we can't have an intellectually sub-normal person being called a 'retard' back in 1920-30 something.

 

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yet it is such a poignant, beautifully written story. I first read it in junior high school (I went to a Christian Brothers high school, btw).

It nothing but politically correctness going way, way too far. At least it is still for sale here in Australia. Thanks for the info...
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Yet it is such a poignant, beautifully written story

Yes, it is.

Hey I have a song for you......I'll email you the title and see if you can download it somewhere.

Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thanks very much. Speaking of this, I'm trying to get some recording done so I can send you and a few others some of my songs. It is taking a little time but I think it will be worth it.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
It is taking a little time but I think it will be worth it.


Hell yeah! I'll be looking forward to that....speaking of which, you have inspired me to want to buy another Fender and start playing again.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
I can't begin to tell you how much peace and joy playing a musical instrument still brings me, even after 25 odd years. I hope you find the same.