The Grapes of Wrath

 

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Historical Fiction Physical book
I like to read book reviews. I sometimes read the phrase, “This book destroyed me,” or something similar, and I think, “Isn’t that being a little over dramatic? But now I understand. The Grapes of Wrath destroyed me. It rocked my soul to the very core. I hated it. Every page was hopeless. And yet I loved it. I loved the characters. I wished I could reach into the book and help them. I have shelves of food. I would give them all I have. They were good people who had very hard times.
My favorite quote from the book that I have pondered much: “If you’re in trouble or hurt or in need, go to the poor people. They’re the only ones that’ll help, the only ones.”

This book changed me. It made me analyze myself and my character. Would I be willing to give when I had nothing? Would I share? Who am I? What is my character?
This book now finds a place on my list of my top ten favorite books of all time. I don’t know what book I’ll kick off that list to make room for it, but I’ll do it. Like I say, I hated it. But I can’t quit thinking about it. It makes me want to be better and do better. It is a book that has the power to change.
I once asked my dad (an avid reader) what his favorite book of all time was. He said this one along with two others. I see why dad, I see why. I wish you were still here so we could discuss it.

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