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trhodg's review against another edition
4.0
“For how can one know color in perpetual green, and what good is warmth without cold to give it sweetness?”
It drags at times, but all in all it was a fun read. Steinbeck’s observations about the country are always either thought-provoking or hilarious or both. I love how much he loves his dog. The last part of the book, in which he talks a lot about race, is interesting considering it was written in 1960, on the precipice of a decade of immense societal change.
It drags at times, but all in all it was a fun read. Steinbeck’s observations about the country are always either thought-provoking or hilarious or both. I love how much he loves his dog. The last part of the book, in which he talks a lot about race, is interesting considering it was written in 1960, on the precipice of a decade of immense societal change.
elenasg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
mikew66's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
sandles81255's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read. Surprised by some common themes between 1962 America and today. Especially politics
katiejamesreads's review against another edition
4.5
This might become a 5 star, I loved his story and travels though the narrative, I loved the chapters about the redwoods. There is a hidden humor in his writing that is so splendid to read. But he just hates women (there is a line in the appendix that did me in, but is the appendix a fair analysis of the book? I’m not sure!) and is a bit of a know it all (we knew this, but it got old). I rushed through the end, and I do think it’s a book you should read slowly.
andotherworlds's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 - 5 // damn it, mister steinbeck did it again
lesbiangrandpa's review against another edition
4.0
To me, this is very much a love story. I think Steinbeck is simultaneously trying to fall in love with the land, with its people, and with some parts of himself. And this ultimately ends up being a complicated task on each level. Although, I do think it's easier to love a state or a hill or a Redwood than a human, based on what he's written. Very much a romanticization of the underdog, which I liked at times, that he had empathy for those who weren't as privileged as he was--which was probably everyone other than the wealthy ranchers. Had a hard time with the racism, misogyny, and homophobia. And I don't think any of those negatives can be canceled out with the argument of "it being of the times." I did love his attention to the natural world. Those sections were the most beautiful.