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Of Mice and Men
"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck is a classic novella that explores the dreams, hardships, and complexities of human relationships during the Great Depression. The story revolves around two itinerant ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they navigate a world marked by economic hardship and social injustice.
Set against the backdrop of the American West, the narrative delves into the deep friendship between George and Lennie, two contrasting characters bound by a shared dream of owning a piece of land. Lennie, despite his immense physical strength, possesses a childlike innocence that complicates their journey. The novel poignantly addresses themes of loneliness, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the harsh realities faced by those on the margins of society.
Steinbeck's rich prose captures the essence of the time and place, offering a compelling exploration of human resilience and the fragility of dreams. "Of Mice and Men" stands as a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers, prompting reflection on the enduring nature of friendship, the pursuit of happiness, and the societal challenges that shape the human experience.
Set against the backdrop of the American West, the narrative delves into the deep friendship between George and Lennie, two contrasting characters bound by a shared dream of owning a piece of land. Lennie, despite his immense physical strength, possesses a childlike innocence that complicates their journey. The novel poignantly addresses themes of loneliness, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the harsh realities faced by those on the margins of society.
Steinbeck's rich prose captures the essence of the time and place, offering a compelling exploration of human resilience and the fragility of dreams. "Of Mice and Men" stands as a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers, prompting reflection on the enduring nature of friendship, the pursuit of happiness, and the societal challenges that shape the human experience.
Library Binding
First published January 1, 1937
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About the author
John Steinbeck
1,045 books26.7k followersJohn Ernst Steinbeck was an American writer. He won the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature "for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humor and keen social perception". He has been called "a giant of American letters."
During his writing career, he authored 33 books, with one book coauthored alongside Edward F. Ricketts, including 16 novels, six non-fiction books, and two collections of short stories. He is widely known for the comic novels Tortilla Flat (1935) and Cannery Row (1945), the multi-generation epic East of Eden (1952), and the novellas The Red Pony (1933) and Of Mice and Men (1937). The Pulitzer Prize–winning The Grapes of Wrath (1939) is considered Steinbeck's masterpiece and part of the American literary canon. By the 75th anniversary of its publishing date, it had sold 14 million copies.
Most of Steinbeck's work is set in central California, particularly in the Salinas Valley and the California Coast Ranges region. His works frequently explored the themes of fate and injustice, especially as applied to downtrodden or everyman protagonists.
During his writing career, he authored 33 books, with one book coauthored alongside Edward F. Ricketts, including 16 novels, six non-fiction books, and two collections of short stories. He is widely known for the comic novels Tortilla Flat (1935) and Cannery Row (1945), the multi-generation epic East of Eden (1952), and the novellas The Red Pony (1933) and Of Mice and Men (1937). The Pulitzer Prize–winning The Grapes of Wrath (1939) is considered Steinbeck's masterpiece and part of the American literary canon. By the 75th anniversary of its publishing date, it had sold 14 million copies.
Most of Steinbeck's work is set in central California, particularly in the Salinas Valley and the California Coast Ranges region. His works frequently explored the themes of fate and injustice, especially as applied to downtrodden or everyman protagonists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 14, 2017
I haven't read the original book since high school, but the play is set to open this coming weekend* and I swear to God it's incredible. Much like my reaction to Grapes of Wrath, I prefer the staged version to the written one. Not sure if it's because the play script divests of the excessive description or what exactly, but I love this. OMAM is certainly a timeless story, but I'm glad it's available in multiple mediums. I remember not being a fan of the film when we watched it in school either, but I think if I rewatched it or reread the novel now I'd have a greater appreciation for all of it.
*That is, the community production I'm ASMing on the fly. Hoo boy.
*That is, the community production I'm ASMing on the fly. Hoo boy.
February 25, 2018
I get why it's a classic but the character names were a bit confusing. Carlson, Curly and Candy. Too many names beginning with C.
I read this book at school so it was quite interesting to read it again, see which bits I actually remembered from then and which bits I hadn't.
Would definitely recommend it to anyone who's interested in reading the classics or interested in John Steinbeck's writing.
Just don't get confused with your C names, hahaha.
I read this book at school so it was quite interesting to read it again, see which bits I actually remembered from then and which bits I hadn't.
Would definitely recommend it to anyone who's interested in reading the classics or interested in John Steinbeck's writing.
Just don't get confused with your C names, hahaha.
October 10, 2024
This book has crushed me. Pressed me down like no other book has done – and I’ve read plenty. The story is so raw and so startingly real that if you have a heart, it can’t but start bleeding when you get to the last page.
“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck is a mighty book. It tells more than a story of two men. It uncovers the whole layer, dealing with the topic which is timely, yet which nowadays is dealt with a ‘through rose-coloured spectacles’ attitude. Like so many other themes that scream to be addressed but with all the publicity they seemingly receive remain unsolved.
"His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought." I believe these words that describe one of the characters can be attributed to Steinbeck himself. The way he delves deeply into human nature, digging out the tiniest nuances that, in the end, make all the difference, speaks undeniably that his understanding was beyond the thought of any man.
"Ain't many guys travel around together,” he mused. “I don't know why. Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other." Even though George knew that mentally challenged Lennie was a burden, he still wasn’t scared to take responsibility for him. Without Lennie, he could have had an easier life. He wouldn’t need to leave the ranches where he got a job so often because Lennie forgot how to behave – again. Yet, George had chosen differently.
"Guy don't need no sense to be a nice fella. Seems to me sometimes it jus' works the other way around. Take a real smart guy and he ain't hardly ever a nice fella." Alas, having no sense also sometimes leads to a nice fellow committing something that can’t be reversed.
I was in tears reading the ending of this book. My heart ached and I desperately wanted the ending to be different – the world to be different. “Of Mice and Men” left me thinking if it is possible for us to ever treat the important issues scarring our society the way that can actually change something for the better. John Steinbeck hits us with the reality right in our faces. Yet, I’m afraid we aren’t ready to accept it. And without pragmatic acceptance, there is no hope for a successful problem solution.
“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck is a mighty book. It tells more than a story of two men. It uncovers the whole layer, dealing with the topic which is timely, yet which nowadays is dealt with a ‘through rose-coloured spectacles’ attitude. Like so many other themes that scream to be addressed but with all the publicity they seemingly receive remain unsolved.
"His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought." I believe these words that describe one of the characters can be attributed to Steinbeck himself. The way he delves deeply into human nature, digging out the tiniest nuances that, in the end, make all the difference, speaks undeniably that his understanding was beyond the thought of any man.
"Ain't many guys travel around together,” he mused. “I don't know why. Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other." Even though George knew that mentally challenged Lennie was a burden, he still wasn’t scared to take responsibility for him. Without Lennie, he could have had an easier life. He wouldn’t need to leave the ranches where he got a job so often because Lennie forgot how to behave – again. Yet, George had chosen differently.
"Guy don't need no sense to be a nice fella. Seems to me sometimes it jus' works the other way around. Take a real smart guy and he ain't hardly ever a nice fella." Alas, having no sense also sometimes leads to a nice fellow committing something that can’t be reversed.
I was in tears reading the ending of this book. My heart ached and I desperately wanted the ending to be different – the world to be different. “Of Mice and Men” left me thinking if it is possible for us to ever treat the important issues scarring our society the way that can actually change something for the better. John Steinbeck hits us with the reality right in our faces. Yet, I’m afraid we aren’t ready to accept it. And without pragmatic acceptance, there is no hope for a successful problem solution.
June 1, 2025
Justice for Curleys wife :(
April 15, 2025
Doing this for GCSE actually ruined thus book because why is it the most heartbreaking thing I've ever read in my life. Everyone should reread this.
October 22, 2018
A classic, and much more enjoyable read through than my first attempt in high school. The themes resonated clearly and the constant despair left me emotionally disturbed upon finishing. I'll be composing incidental music for an upcoming production of this play so I'll soon be continuing my acquaintance with the material through music.
March 31, 2024
Why are classics so freaking depressing? Almost all of them end as total bummers. I will not say how it ends, but I will say that I finished it 5 hours ago and I am still very depressed from it. Do I regret reading it? No, not in the slightest. Is my heart still broken and do I not know what to do with my life and the info I've just been given, and have I questioned every friend I've ever had? Yes, very much so.
I think the point of this book is to teach us how believing in a dream (an unrealistic one) will only drag you down, and how loyalty and companionship is hard and sometimes not worth it. Like I said, it's a bummer of a book. It also teaches you to keep promises you make, even when it hurts. The main characters are George and Lennie. Lennie is so big and strong, but isn't right in the head, can't remember anything anybody (including himself) does, and is just so innocent he doesn't realize how strong he is or if he does something bad. George promised that he will take care of Lennie, and he does, for the most part. Gosh, it hurts to even write this knowing what happens.
Another thing we can learn is that even though they don't always show it, the people who really care about you are the ones who stand by your side no matter what you do, and are always there to get you through your mistakes. Sometimes, they are the ones who look up to you, and follow you with trusting hearts, but blind eyes.
Lastly I think it teaches that if you have to make a difficult or life-changing decision, don't let anyone else decide for you. It's your life. Don't let anyone "shoot your dog" for you. If you read the book, you'll get that reference.
I LOVED that book, I think I just wasn't mentally prepared for how it ended. It would've totally been a 5 star book if not for that. I recommend this book, but know it features some mature language that people now, frown upon.
Happy Reading!! Loves. -xoxo_lils
I think the point of this book is to teach us how believing in a dream (an unrealistic one) will only drag you down, and how loyalty and companionship is hard and sometimes not worth it. Like I said, it's a bummer of a book. It also teaches you to keep promises you make, even when it hurts. The main characters are George and Lennie. Lennie is so big and strong, but isn't right in the head, can't remember anything anybody (including himself) does, and is just so innocent he doesn't realize how strong he is or if he does something bad. George promised that he will take care of Lennie, and he does, for the most part. Gosh, it hurts to even write this knowing what happens.
Another thing we can learn is that even though they don't always show it, the people who really care about you are the ones who stand by your side no matter what you do, and are always there to get you through your mistakes. Sometimes, they are the ones who look up to you, and follow you with trusting hearts, but blind eyes.
Lastly I think it teaches that if you have to make a difficult or life-changing decision, don't let anyone else decide for you. It's your life. Don't let anyone "shoot your dog" for you. If you read the book, you'll get that reference.
I LOVED that book, I think I just wasn't mentally prepared for how it ended. It would've totally been a 5 star book if not for that. I recommend this book, but know it features some mature language that people now, frown upon.
Happy Reading!! Loves. -xoxo_lils
October 15, 2017
UGH. I don't LIKE Steinbeck, and I fundamentally don't like this narrative. But the production I worked on was *phenomenal*. A number of characters who would otherwise have been cringey stereotypes (notably the nameless wife and Crooks) fill with life when there's an actual human on the stage, who has clearly *thought* about them and why they act as they do.
And you can't deny Steinbeck has a knack for dialogue, for exactly the right words, for setting up parallels in one speech and another. The bit where Whit and Slim are reading the letter-to-the-editor while Carlson is talking Candy into shooting his dog is a particularly good example.
On the other hand: what a lot of racism, sexism, ableism, et bloody cetera.
And you can't deny Steinbeck has a knack for dialogue, for exactly the right words, for setting up parallels in one speech and another. The bit where Whit and Slim are reading the letter-to-the-editor while Carlson is talking Candy into shooting his dog is a particularly good example.
On the other hand: what a lot of racism, sexism, ableism, et bloody cetera.
June 22, 2025
6/5 the extra star is for Candy.
November 1, 2023
Every time I read John Steinbeck, I see a pretty hopeless time period. Where people worked so hard…tried to do the right thing…had minimal opportunities to fulfill their dreams. Justice, fairness, and independence are fleeting. It takes me right back to memories of my Grandparents and the life they talked about. They worked so hard for so little. But I am molded by them two generations later…taking care of family, strong work ethic, and I never give up.
November 26, 2024
This book is so good although I would recommend listening to it instead of reading because of the way it’s written it’s better when you can put it in x2 speed. The ending almost made me cry even though I already knew what was going to happen. It is a wonderful book that depending on how much free time you have won’t take long to read.
February 4, 2018
Hit a nerve!
March 22, 2020
Quite funny & simple but I'm a bit confused why it's called "Of Mice and Men"... Probably there's a deep meaning behind the whole story. I guess I have to analyse.
July 28, 2020
I just didn’t really like it.
January 19, 2023
I actually saw this performed, but I have read the original story, and there is something that hits me more when I see people living out a story like this in front of me
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May 16, 2023 this was a good book to read in school.
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June 28, 2023This was the play version. I did not know there was another version that was not a play. I didn't like it much. It started out depressing. It did not improve.
June 8, 2024
Just immaculate.
March 13, 2025
Everyone knows the ending of the story. But it doesn’t make reading it any less gut wrenching.
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January 6, 2026fire
October 18, 2025
The world sure is full of lonely people
January 25, 2010
This is a very powerful, yet sad novel. The story highlights migrant workers during the Great Depression. Through Steinbeck's amazing imagery and vivid descriptions, a story of friendship, dreams and loss emerges. The topic of mental illness also arises in the story - something rarely talked about in classic novels. The characters are plentiful; however, the two main characters share their hopes and dreams with one another, creating a powerful bond. They soon learn that their dreams are unattainable as the story progresses.
July 3, 2024
This book has been in my brain since I finished it. This was the first time I’ve read it- and I have not seen the movie. It has so many different emotions in it- hope, compassion, perseverance, mercy, guilt, strength. Honestly, I could go on. While I was reading it, I kept wondering where it was leading me and when I started to see where it was taking me, I was holding my breath.
It pulls at that string that some burdens are blessings and some hard choices are merciful. I really enjoyed this book and how it stuck with me.
It pulls at that string that some burdens are blessings and some hard choices are merciful. I really enjoyed this book and how it stuck with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews