Product ReviewsThe Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1976, Trade Paperback)

A classic tale that can be re-read again and again!

Ahhh, my favorite book of all time. John Steinbeck was a master of American literature, and his other books--like Tortilla Flat, Cannery Row, East of Eden, and Winter of Our Discontent all deserve a place of honor on book shelves around the United States. However, The Grapes of Wrath is arguably his masterpiece, as its symbolism and treatment of American history is so perfectly told.

I think I love this book because reading it served as an "a-ha" moment for me. A dense high schooler, I didn't quite "get" the symbolism thing until I read this book. The alternating inner chapters provide a backdrop for the rest of the book, and they're highly symbolic in nature. Interpreting these pages became a fun game for me in my quest to become a critical thinker, and I think the act of doing so is the reason I became an English teacher myself.

The book is set in th 1930s, during the Great Depression. The Joad family, like many other Okies, headed West due to the dust and destroyed crops they suffered on their farm. They take the "Mother Road"--Route 66--and head for a new life. There is devastation and heartache along the way AND at the end of the journey, but they are hopeful despite becoming crop pickers living in a tent community.

A brilliant novel, and a long but worthwhile read. DO NOT neglect to read this book; it is an essential part of American literature.Read full review...

Older copy (which I wanted!!!) smells like a library book (in the best way!!!) great quality!

Older copy (which I wanted!!!) smells like a library book (in the best way!!!) great quality!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: oriontechllc

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

I think that given our economy, and Donald Trump's statement that "The coming depression will make the last one look like a Sunday picnic", has gotten many people interested in Steinbeck's little jewel here. It's very, very good! I blazed through it, unable to put it down. I came away shocked at how well American history had been hidden from me--for good reason--over 7 Million Humans STARVED while produce was doused with gasoline, animals slaughtered, limed and buried--all to rot while humans starved. Why? Because no profit could be made! The monster has returned today, in 2008. I have a few questions I would like answered, well many actually, but a few concerning this here story... What happened to Tom? Did he go off to revolutionize (Tom should represent us, the readers--perpetual revolution--Trotsky told us too)? What happened to the Joads and Uncle John? I suspect they starved. Where the hell did Connie get to? I doubt he starved, bastard--probably became a deputy. The ending was bizarre and left me with strange mental images of Rose of Sharon. Like Muley, in this society I'm just like a damn ol' graveyard ghos'. I am extremely proud of these early American people--we are losing them and they won't be replaced.Read full review...

Classic

Make sure you don't buy the notes if you want the actual book. Just saying. Good read. Heartache. Pain. Love. Hunger. Things I love.

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Excellent and easy read about a very sad era in American history

Excellent history from the 1930s. Not CRT probably because it's white folks being cruel to other white folks. Excellent learning for early teens.

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Great story.

Well you know it is 'The Grapes of Wrath'. Always a good book.

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Great book! Great value!

I bought this book for my daughter's summer reading list. I personally haven't read this book but had a difficult time finding it in the book stores - new and used.

the grapes of wrath

the written book was excellent,however almost the entire script had various highlighting of sentences along with numerous notations in the book borders that had no appearent association to the script.THIS WAS A CAUSE FOR VERY DIFFICULT CONCENTRATION ON THE BOOK PLOT EFFECT. i WOULD ONLY RECOMMEND A COPY THAT WAS UNALTERED TO AN AVID READER.Read full review...