The Wayward Bus
Thu, 2005-12-29 22:14
#1
The Wayward Bus
I'm a great fan of John Steinbeck and am currently reading The Wayward Bus. Amazingly the first 77 pages take place over breakfast! Steinbeck has a deep understanding of people and a broad knowledge of the world. For a lesson in how to introduce characters and explore their feelings and emotions, this is a must read.
ralph
Yep, he is one of the greats. My fave of his is 'In Dubious Battle'. It pre-dates 'The Grapes Of Wrath' but the themes are close.
'Of Mice of Men', a small novel that is still really one of the great textbooks on how to write.
I have been to Monterry, where Tortilla Flat is set and where he used to live, and found both evocative and emotional.
Nice one
Rhymes And Reasons
I am an ardent Steinbeck fan.
I read quite a few of his books about ten years ago. I still have a large selection of his books, a few I have not read yet, but hope to one day.
"The Wayward Bus' is an excellent book. I did not enjoy it at first, but as I got into it, I started to really enjoy it.
Foster
Steinbeck published Of Mice and Men in 1937 and I love this story. But...Turgenev (my favorite author?) wrote a story in 1852 - Mumu - that so much reminds me of Steinbeck's story that I have to wonder if there was an influence. Some have agreed, some have not.
In Steinbeck's favor: I'm not sure if there was an English translation of Turgenev's work in the 30's.
Also in Steinbeck's favor: he was brilliant in his own right.
I once read that originality is now impossible. The most any of us can hope for is to say something in a new and different way. Personally, I don't agree with this...
cc
Steinbeck! Of course! I just couldn't place it.
http://www.abctales.com/forum/2005/09/19/competition_-_which_book
The answer is Canney Row? :-)
justyn_thyme
I think I've read Wayward Bus. Is there an overflowing river that requires the bus to make a detour?