Steinbeck's style is incredibly immersive. It has the perfect balance of illustrative/poetic/flowery descriptions and cerebral/analytical language. I love the characters and their antics, and how relatably they're written. I can identify with their feelings and motives even though I'm the furthest thing from a bunch of 1930's Californians.

My mom bought it for me to take on my high school band trip to San Francisco (which involved a long flight and some long bus rides). I think I remember more about the book than I do the trip :)

[–] elauso@feddit.de 2 points 1 year ago

I totally agree regarding Steinbeck's immersive style! I've only read 'Beyond Eden' so far, but I really liked the immersion (neither being American nor a person from the 19th century...)

[–] ltwixster@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

Steinbeck is just so special. Having grown up in California I appreciate his depictions of Monterey/Salinas, but his writing is just something else. Currently reading Travels with Charley for the first time and loving seeing the rest of the country through his eyes!