Our next subscriber-exclusive book here at Close Reads HQ is going to be Steinbeck’s East of Eden, one of the great novels in American lit by one of America’s most renowned writers. It’s an essential part of our country’s literary canon and we can’t wait to dig in. Need some convincing? Here are a few reasons this book is worth reading:
I first read it in my 20s, then again in my 40s. Now I’m reading it in my 50s 😀. I grew up in California, so I have read quite a bit of Steinbeck and E of E is by far my favorite.
I read this book for the first time in 2015. Honestly, I didn't remember reading it, and if I had not recorded it on goodreads, I would have assumed this was my first time. I gave it a two star rating, and said that it was heavy reading, and I did not want to read it again. When I saw this, it made me laugh, and shake my head. My reading life has changed considerably in the past 10 years. So, here I am reading it again, and excited to see if I have a different experience now than I did then.
I've never read E of E but I love Steinbeck's writing. OMAM is one of my favorites, and from page one I settled in to that beautiful prose style that he has that feels so familiar.
I read East of Eden in March 2021 as part of a Classics Postal Book Club. I look forward to reading it a second time along with the Close Reads community.
Read this book last year. Loved it! Could not find any once else who had read it or was interesting in reading it. I am so glad that you have chosen this for Close Reads.
My mother gave me The Pearl when I was young (maybe 12). I later rediscovered Steinbeck via East of Eden. My grandmother loaned it to me in my junior year of college and I was captivated.
The Old Testament allusions are rich; looking forward to discussion around this theme!
East of Eden Reading Schedule
First read through EoE and I’m hooked! I was pulling for Kristin Lavransdatter and Lonesome Dove, but now I am really glad you chose Steinbeck. :)
I first read it in my 20s, then again in my 40s. Now I’m reading it in my 50s 😀. I grew up in California, so I have read quite a bit of Steinbeck and E of E is by far my favorite.
I have not read E of E, but Of Mice and Men is one of my favorite novels. I love Steinbeck's writing.
When will the first episode drop? I need a deadline! :-D
I read this book for the first time in 2015. Honestly, I didn't remember reading it, and if I had not recorded it on goodreads, I would have assumed this was my first time. I gave it a two star rating, and said that it was heavy reading, and I did not want to read it again. When I saw this, it made me laugh, and shake my head. My reading life has changed considerably in the past 10 years. So, here I am reading it again, and excited to see if I have a different experience now than I did then.
I've never read E of E but I love Steinbeck's writing. OMAM is one of my favorites, and from page one I settled in to that beautiful prose style that he has that feels so familiar.
I read East of Eden in March 2021 as part of a Classics Postal Book Club. I look forward to reading it a second time along with the Close Reads community.
I've read several of Steinbeck's novels and love them. This is my second read of East of Eden. I'm looking forward to all the great discussions.
I've never read this and I've never read Steinbeck. Can't wait to start!
Hi all! I'm not yet a bonus subscriber. How will I access the bonus episodes once I subscribe? Do I have to sign into the website to listen?
The Grapes of Wrath is one of my favorite novels. Haven’t read East of Eden but looking forward to it!
Read this book last year. Loved it! Could not find any once else who had read it or was interesting in reading it. I am so glad that you have chosen this for Close Reads.
Steinbeck newbie.
First time reading & so excited!
Cannot wait to hear everyone's thoughts on this book, as it was one of my best reads last year!
My mother gave me The Pearl when I was young (maybe 12). I later rediscovered Steinbeck via East of Eden. My grandmother loaned it to me in my junior year of college and I was captivated.
The Old Testament allusions are rich; looking forward to discussion around this theme!