Disclaimer: This review was written in 2011.
April 28, 2011 – page 103 96.26% "// What a sad ending! I cried. Great book."
April 26, 2011 – page 17 15.89% "// I'm already inlove with this book."
I was hesitant on whether or not I wanted to write a review for this book in fear that I would not do it any justice at all. Seeing that I have nothing to lose (except for maybe “-1 INTERNETZ“), might as well write something. Please read only if you enjoy reading a teenager’s disorganized, chaotic, and horribly messy thoughts splattered on a page.
Now, I’m not one of those people who can analyze books very well. Give me a line in any book to interpret, and the best that I can come up with is, “Books are not meant to be analyzed!” I still believe this, but in my opinion, books are meant to make us feel and think. While I can’t give you any subtle metaphors or show you parallels between the book and our lives, I can tell you that this book really made me think.
There is no doubt in my mind that I definitely feel for the duo. George and Lennie are some of the few characters that I really began to care for and feel affection towards, especially George. The way he put up with Lennie was almost heartbreaking. Although he was far from gentle at times, you just knew that he genuinely cared for Lennie. George needed Lennie as much as Lennie needed him. The bond between them was absolutely touching. I adored reading any conversations held between the two.
I know there’s a lot of underlying themes in the book, but I only really paid attention to them when my English teacher pointed them out. Having read ahead and finishing the book before most of the class, I think I have a grasp of some of the themes. Racism, survival of the fittest, the mentally handicapped, loneliness, human’s need for relationships, etc, etc. A lot of thought went into the book, and I applaud Steinbeck for it. I feel bad for not putting as much effort in thinking in return, but I still enjoyed the book.
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn’t exactly a rollercoaster of emotions, but it was fast, quick, and memorable, the exact opposite of a one night stand. It’s hard for me to treat this book as a one night stand. I want to read it again, and again, and again (or maybe at least more of Steinbeck’s works). I’d love to experience this novel at least twice more. Bursting into tears is a hobby of mine.
What a really disorganized, messy review. I’ll stop writing now as I feel like I’ve lost many brain cells in trying to piece together a coherent sentence and I’m sure you have lost brain cells in reading this as well.
PS. I have not watched the entire movie but I can't wait to. So far, it's amazing. Also, Gary Sinise does a great job at narrating the book. His voice for Curley's wife is extremely amusing. Gary Sinise has talent for getting angry, hah! I will still forever refer to him as Lt. Dan.
