A terrific read, much more expansive than the movie, detailing both the rise and fall of a family and the history of the Imperial Valley in California

Wow and double wow. Steinbeck is truly one of my favorite authors. Everything he writes comes out amazing and east of eden is no exception. This book took me quite a while to finish because I wanted to savor every sentence, I just couldn't rush through this one. I love all his illusions and metaphors and the story itself is just incredible. This is one I'll have to read over and over again. All I can say is Timshel..like Samuel Hamilton, it too makes me feel free! ( )

A huge, sprawling monster of a novel full of pathos, fire, darkness and light. ( )

Added per Sarah's review of an altogether different book:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

This book completely took me by surprise. I had to read it over the summer for my English, and I put it off. This procrastination was due to the fact that I absolutely detested Grapes of Wrath and was not looking to a novel that looked even longer and boring. I finally was pressed to read it due to an impending test, and I was disappointed in myself that I had judged it before reading. This novel was amazing. I never got bored, it was engrossing and the characters were fantastically drawn and the writing was compelling. I read it in a single weekend, and my discussions about it later in class only enhanced my enjoyment of this book. I absolutely recommend this true classic. ( )