Maureen, thanks for the kindness as always. During my reading of his works I have discovered that some of the lesser known books were quite good even though they didn't rise to the same level as his masterpieces.
Before this year I had only read two or three of his books. As much as I love his work, I think I will take a bit of a break after this project is finished.
I missed the novel and was introduced to Pippin IV via the stage - it seemed to be one of a number of satirical political writings that were in vogue at the time. I've read Steinbeck's collected work as a journalist both from WW2 and his later work from Vietnam. There have been suggestions that he at times may have 'colored outside the lines' in his accounts so it may be best not to take every single word as the literal truth but I actually saved one of his stories about a night spent in the company of his fellow war correspondents - and I believe every single word of that story.
Robert, yes, I think he definitely stretched the boundaries of non-fiction a bit in some of these but overall it adds to his unique flavor as a writer. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for this enlightening summary. It has encouraged me to return to Steinbeck whose works were some of the most influential in my late teens and early adult life.
It would be interesting, Matthew, not that you've completed this passage through a writer's entire career -- but only if you felt in any way fulfilled by it -- to read what you think about it now, with that sense of scope: a whole career, an arc if there is one, the life and the work. Just a thought!
I have really enjoyed your deep dive into Steinbeck’s writing. Thank you
Susan, thanks for hanging in there with me through all of it! I really appreciate it. A couple more months to go and we will finish it up.
Such a valuable showcase of these lesser known books, Matthew. I really enjoyed reading your article.
Maureen, thanks for the kindness as always. During my reading of his works I have discovered that some of the lesser known books were quite good even though they didn't rise to the same level as his masterpieces.
I've only read one of these... time to add some books to my towering bedside pile!
Before this year I had only read two or three of his books. As much as I love his work, I think I will take a bit of a break after this project is finished.
Well deserved :)
Great piece on and will need to widen my reading too. 🤩
Thanks Jon. Some of his stuff is better than others. Let me know if you want any recommendations.
I missed the novel and was introduced to Pippin IV via the stage - it seemed to be one of a number of satirical political writings that were in vogue at the time. I've read Steinbeck's collected work as a journalist both from WW2 and his later work from Vietnam. There have been suggestions that he at times may have 'colored outside the lines' in his accounts so it may be best not to take every single word as the literal truth but I actually saved one of his stories about a night spent in the company of his fellow war correspondents - and I believe every single word of that story.
Robert, yes, I think he definitely stretched the boundaries of non-fiction a bit in some of these but overall it adds to his unique flavor as a writer. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for keeping me plugged in to Steinbeck -- nice to hear your voice on this one, too!
Josh, you are welcome. I always feel weird recording my voice. I sound different than what I think I sound like.
Thank you for this enlightening summary. It has encouraged me to return to Steinbeck whose works were some of the most influential in my late teens and early adult life.
Ann, glad you enjoyed this. Be sure to let me know your thoughts if you read some of his works again.
Well, done, Matthew! Absolutely professional. And I really appreciated a look inside of some of Steinbeck’s lesser-known books.
Thank you my friend. It has been a fascinating journey through his catalog of works this year but I am ready to switch it up a bit for something new!
Looking forward to seeing what’s next!
Thank you for this Matthew. I really enjoyed reading it and all your Steinbeck posts.
You are welcome Noreen and thank you for sticking with me through it all!
It would be interesting, Matthew, not that you've completed this passage through a writer's entire career -- but only if you felt in any way fulfilled by it -- to read what you think about it now, with that sense of scope: a whole career, an arc if there is one, the life and the work. Just a thought!
You never know Jay, there may be something in the works! Thanks for taking the time to read. As always, it is appreciated.