How to Read East of Eden by John Steinbeck

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0:00 how to read Steinbeck’s East of Eden
2:20 novel as grand biblical allegory
3:20 what do we mean by symbolism?
4:00 unlocking the power of our unconscious
4:30 what do we mean by allegory?
5:25 psychologically complex symbol people
6:30 keys to interpreting Steinbeck’s message
8:00 a focusing exercise for your reading
8:50 the universal story of Cain and Abel
9:20 the power of the beginning of Genesis
10:00 Adam, Eve, and the fall of mankind
11:45 banished from the Garden of Eden
12:50 thinking about the serpent seed theory
13:30 reading the Cain and Abel story together
15:30 ‘am I my brother’s keeper?’
16:20 advice for how to read the Bible
17:00 locating Steinbeck’s title in Genesis
17:50 Cain and Abel in East of Eden
18:20 how Steinbeck builds family saga
19:20 John Steinbeck’s sweeping canvas
20:40 is evil a product of nature or nurture?
21:20 Steinbeck reflects upon the past
22:10 tone of voice in East of Eden
23:20 Steinbeck addressing his sons
24:50 the value of telling family stories
27:00 Steinbeck’s conversational history
27:30 Cal and Aron in East of Eden
28:20 the characters’ self-awareness
30:00 symbol story for the human soul
31:00 Steinbeck’s biblical exegesis
32:30 universal story of good vs evil
33:25 on the seven basic plots
34:45 the universal in the individual
35:40 Steinbeck’s voice and prose style
36:50 how Steinbeck wrote East of Eden
38:00 why Steinbeck found the novel difficult
38:45 on expressing the inexpressible
40:00 how to read the chapters mindfully
41:00 natural world vs human drama
42:00 appreciating the American Sublime
44:00 great literature gifts us perspective
45:00 relishing the opening of East of Eden
47:00 how to charge language with meaning
48:00 ‘When people first came to the West’
49:00 the influence of Ernest Hemingway
51:00 Harold Bloom’s Anxiety of Influence
52:20 Ernest Hemingway vs John Steinbeck
54:00 great literature is sublimated pain
55:00 Steinbeck’s life at time of writing
57:00 John Steinbeck vs the critics
58:45 winning the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize
59:30 ‘literature is as old as speech’
1:00:40 reading pace for East of Eden
1:03:00 some questions for your reading

Опубликовано:

19 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 232

@katmeup7 5 месяцев назад

I’m a first time reader of East of Eden, and it had me tearing up within a few pages…his writing is so beautiful!

@brodiiie 5 месяцев назад

Oh yeah i remember crying under 20 pages into it. The following almost 600 pages were no different lmao

@tamaralei936 5 месяцев назад

only a quarter way through so far cause i had to keep pausing every few pages because, like you, it had me tearing up, too. that 'she smiled at adam and he closed his eyes' line made a mess of me 😅 couldnt recover for quite awhile lmao

@nolandost3070 5 месяцев назад

Salinas is my hometown, the Pastures of Heaven was my neighborhood growing up, Cannery Row was where I grew up and got my first job, and East of Eden was the final nail in the coffin that condemned me to be a lifelong Steinbeck fan. When I was a kid doing beekeeping in my local 4-H club, I saw The Bee Movie in the Steinbeck memorial theater in downtown Salinas. Thank you for delivering this brilliant work the justice it deserves.

@jsmi601 5 месяцев назад

Accidently finished it in 24 hours...I was stunned by its brilliance! Thank you for having the group read it this year.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Wow! Jessica, that's so awesome!! It sounds like Steinbeck completely captivated you ☺️

@jsmi601 5 месяцев назад

It completely bowled me over, I still haven't recovered.

@LoriTianSailiata 5 месяцев назад

I read it in a day as well. It’s been 45 years or so since I last read it. Now to start in again with his Letters.

@briangallagher3106 3 месяца назад

How the hell do you read EOE in a day?

@jsmi601 3 месяца назад

@@briangallagher3106 Haha! Logistically, an audiobook on double speed and a house that needs a spring cleaning. :)

@vrraeel 5 месяцев назад

How could I have lived for 77 years and never have read Steinbeck. Providence saved the sweetest until the last. I am home. Thank you .

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Happy reading! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

@jesseramirez4560 4 месяца назад

I have lived for 64 years and never have met Benjamin McEvoy until now! It's never too late to be or do what you wanted to do in your and with you life. Thank you Benjamin!

@christinemo9622 3 месяца назад

I am 84 and I love this book. I came to it when i was just 15 or 16 . I didn't know who Steinbeck was then but I wanted to read his work because I had seen the films of The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden. The scene of Cal 's birthday present to Adam still has me tearing up. It's so painful!

@marycarrington-tq2pz 2 дня назад

I had suffered a brain injury. I could not walk, talk, read, or write. I crawled about the floor of my house. I began to read Betrix Potter and The Just So Stories. I was able to receive books on tape from the library. I had loved Steinbeck previously. I ordered East of Eden. It engaged with my poor brain in such a way that my : overall well-being improved, I reconnected to the world, and yes my joy returned after several hellish years.😊

@buffalorye 5 месяцев назад

I read this book as a junior in college, and it completely changed my life. I'm currently in my second year of my American Literature PhD program, and this remains the best book I've ever read.

@stephaniekowalchuk2614 5 месяцев назад

I have read East of Eden five times in my life and I know that I will continue to go back to this novel over and over again. I recently read War and Peace and it gave me that same epic feeling. Books like this can change your life and make you see the world differently. Going back to them with all the characters that you love is like going back to an old friend. You will learn something every time you reread it. Thank you for your videos. I love this channel, always look forward to a new video. ❤

@allonepeace5967 5 месяцев назад

Yes! Exactly! Well said.

@HoffJoha 5 месяцев назад

I read East of Eden about 8 years ago, loved it, and flew through it. However, after watching your lecture, I realized that I missed at least half, if not three-quarters of the book. This reminded me of a professor of a modern French literature course I took in university, who insisted that we read each book three times: the first time for the story, and the second and third times to really get to know the book. I am now excited to read East of Eden for the second time.

@tu420be 5 месяцев назад

REALLY excited for everyone in the book club to read this book. It's my favorite book of all time, and I love it more with every read. Whether I'm sad, happy, or anything in between, this book always leaves me loving literature more, and loving life more. Thank you for adding it to your list this year!

@allonepeace5967 5 месяцев назад

It's my favorite too! (along with Tolstoy's War and Peace) Those are two books I've read over and over and loved them more each time. I'm so looking forward to Ben's lectures in the bookclub. He brought a deeper love and understanding to War and Peace (which I didn't think was possible); I can't wait to see what he shows me about East of Eden.

@strange.lucidity 5 месяцев назад

You're a true inspiration to me Benjamin! What you do in this world is beautiful, heartfelt, important and forward thinking. These videos must be so much work to make!! I have a lot of respect for that and am so thankful to be able to follow your journey. Wishing you all the best for 2024 and all the awesome content coming up 🙏

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Aw, thank you for such an incredibly beautiful comment! You have completely made my day. I hope you have an absolutely phenomenal 2024 too 🙏❤️

@HistorybytheBook-ou1px 3 дня назад

An "anxiety of influence" really struck me. We are inspired by those who came before us. Yet, if we dare exhibit an abundance of that particular inspiration we are accused of copying or of being a wannabe. This is one of the things that makes Steinbeck so unique! He captured that abundance of influence and made it his own without fear. I'm not a fan of Hemingway, but when I see what Steinbeck has done with his influence I can't help but have great admiration for the man. One doesn't always have to like a writer to appreciate them.

@rlevanony1 5 месяцев назад

A whole hour on how to read East of Eden. Wonderful! 😍 I love this channel.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much! You have completely made my day, Roy 🙏☺️

@TheFinnishChick 5 месяцев назад

Oh I love East of Eden, but sadly I don't have time (or the money) to join the book club anymore. You inspired me to finally apply to Helsinki university to study literature, I am loving my studies so far. I won't let them rush me, I will keep on slow reading. Hope to join the book club again at some point, best of luck!

@CommonSwense 26 дней назад

Tom and Dessie Hamilton’s story ripped my heart out both times I read it.

@juliasampaio3364 5 месяцев назад

I just joined the bookclub and I'm beyond excited to read East of Eden and share it with book lovers around the world 😄 what a great way to start the year ben! nothing better than spending the winter months with a big book

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, Julia! I'm so thrilled you're excited for this one and cannot wait to hear what you make of it! I do love getting through the winter months with a sweeping saga ☺️

@heidifluteatl 5 месяцев назад

I adore the writings of John Steinbeck. I'm sure I've read everything he's published. I especially loved one that most people never touch which is travels with Charlie or a lovely lovely lovely book. I'm thankful to you for mentioning it maybe more people will read it. Best wishes Heidi in Atlanta

@VictorAugustus 5 месяцев назад

Your video just enlightened me about a scene on One Hundred Years of Solitude "blood crieth unto me from the ground". Talking about East of Eden i read interested in how Samuel would relate to Samuel the prophet, specially looking for the number 3, the number of times that God called him and I saw that Samuel has 3 strong shivers when he meets Cathy (maybe I'm seeing too much). Great video as always!

@rubynibs 5 месяцев назад

As we say in Sweden, Benjamin, misunderstand me the right way 🙃 Your lovely voice puts me to sleep. I listen to you at night to fall asleep, then listen again the following day, for content. And now you're talking about sleep... kinda freaky timing!

@erinblack1804 5 месяцев назад

Recently joined the book club and I am listening to EoE on my long commutes. Then I pick up the book at home to reread and mark certain passages. I think this will become one of my all time favorite books. Thank you for the introduction.

@claudiaortiz5043 5 месяцев назад

ready with my version in Spanish! Here in Spain could only find one edition with James Dean on the cover 😅. Hope the translation doesn’t disappoint. It’s 682 pages. I read in English but somehow wanted to grasp the full meaning of Steinbeck’s words. His Of Mice and Men shook me in high school. Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the video!

@pablogamberomasson-qg2px 5 месяцев назад

Hey Ben, Just had to drop a note to say your "Moby Dick" breakdown is gold. As a non-native English speaker, tackling those fancy words is a real challenge. So, here's the real gem: the link between Jonah and Raskolnikov. Both stuck in tight spots, turning their backs on God, and drowning in angst. It's like they're cut from the same cloth - Jonah swallowed by the whale, Raskolnikov trapped in his tiny apartment. Your insights opened my eyes to this unexpected connection Greetings from Don Quikote's Spain, Pablo.

@WorldCitizen333 5 месяцев назад

What a magnificent appetizer this was! I read this book as a teenager in a different language, different country, different continent. I don't remember much of it, except how much it moved me at the time. What a pleasure to discover it almost 25 years later, in the original, with Ben and the Hardcore Literature members.

@bluevol1976 5 месяцев назад

This story comes to life unlike any other book I’ve read in a very long time. I read it in four days and I can’t get these characters out of my mind and heart. The images Steinbeck pens in this book creates a powerful world. I can’t wait to dive deeper.

@ThePlayersAid 5 месяцев назад

Ironically, I'm reading this independently and didn't know it was part of the HLBC right now! The detailed humanity of the characters, is breathtaking.

@jennv.4520 5 месяцев назад

Very well put!

@mungoslade 5 месяцев назад

fantastic video. i read East of Eden 30 years ago and i'm gearing up to read it again this year. i LOVE what you said about the best stories we've ever heard are from our own family history. that is so true. Bravo. thank you for this

@arijitbanerjee9008 5 месяцев назад

Dear Ben, I got interested about East of Eden from your Reading List of 2024, and have started this novel last week. This is very captivating, so far. Just got till Chapter 7. This is my first Steinbeck, and am loving it. :) Thanks again, and keep up the great work you're doing. :) :)

@izadjahanshahi6041 5 месяцев назад

Benjamin my good friend, I wanted to take this opportunity and thank you so much for your beautiful Videos. You are simply the best and I have learned so much from you. You are an amazing professor. Thank you so much for everything you do. I really appreciate it.

@SilverGirlAu 5 месяцев назад

Am new to the book club and have started reading East of Eden for the first time... great read so far and your intro has just blown my mind in terms of the biblical linkages... in a 'timing is everything' twist- have also recently started reading the bible- and just finished Genesis... but now I want to go back and re-read that with your commentary in mind! Thanks for a great intro!

@yuhyuh2871 5 месяцев назад

This is the first book you’ve talked about that I’ve actually read before, and it was the book that I first read when I became interested in literature.

@marinabarela6163 5 месяцев назад

Wow, you are now at the top of my best of all time RU-vidr. I just so happen to have East of Eden on my bookshelf that I bought years ago and have been contemplating reading it as my next read. I recently purchased one of the top best historical fiction for 2023 and now I am having to put that aside because you have me so piqued in reading East of Eden. Looking forward to our time together. This would be my first John Steinbeck read.

@dawnmorgart4038 5 месяцев назад

Read for the 1st time at your recommendation for classics of 2024. Read it in 4 evenings. I couldn't stop. Now I can't wait to reread as i follow your discussions!! Such beautiful writing.

@shrineshpatel2642 5 месяцев назад

Benjamin's back with another banger. Many parallels between this one and the subject of another recent video of yours: Paradise Lost. Thank you for continuing to create such engaging content!

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, Shrinesh! I really appreciate that. :) And beautiful insight! Paradise Lost and East of Eden are definitely incredibly complementary works!

@10.6.12. 4 месяца назад

I got a new job and was reading E of E, and to my horror worked withna woman who embodied Cathy Ames!

@franciscoochoa8976 Месяц назад

I haven't read it yet, my next book, is being a Cathy Ames a good thing? 🫠?

@10.6.12. Месяц назад

@@franciscoochoa8976 come on ...

@karenblaes449 5 месяцев назад

Benjamin, thank you for this very motivating video as we enter the unforgettable world in East of Eden! I was delighted by your making a connection between Hardy and Steinbeck...how brilliant of you to have us read both this year! The use of landscape as character and employement of the sublime is why I absolutely love Hardy. This is my first Steinbeck novel, and am sure will not be my last. Cheers to a great kickoff to 2024 reading with HLBC!

@Cath38639 5 месяцев назад

Really wonderful video - I am now very excited to start East Of Eden. John Steinbeck so far is my favorite writer from the US. I loved Grapes of Wrath.

@zacretzer 5 месяцев назад

Oh wow how exciting! This will be my first ever time since subbing to the Patreon where I’ll actually be doing a re read with the rest of the club instead of a first time! East of Eden was absolutely enthralling and I can’t wait for the lecture series.

@artemlitvinov3536 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for the great overview of that Steinbeck's pearl! Your videos fill me with passion for literature! I have been reading books in English for half-a-year now and would be grateful if somebody acquainted with King Arthur legends could give me advice on some definitive and well-written version of those tales. For here in Russia we do not have enough information about English books, especially such of an old age)

@silkthyme 5 месяцев назад

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I'm so glad you finally did an episode on East of Eden

@rosalindchu7588 4 месяца назад

Thank you for your guidance, for 60 years, I have never had anyone explained so explicitly n extensively in helping readers to read ( and reread ) this piece of great literature! ❤

@Kej.9 5 месяцев назад

Thanks Ben! Before reading the East of Eden I used to say I don´t have a number one book. After reading it I was sitting speechless for a while processing the experience ( perhaps with my mouth open)... Since then I can say I have my favourite book, because it´s taken a very special place in my heart. It is just brilliant and I love Steinbeck ... I´ve read The Grapes of wrath (which is my favourite right behind the East of E.) and Of mice and men. Right now I am reading Travels with Charley and I would like to buy Steinbeck : A life in letters - I want to get to know him better as a person

@NjIceTea 5 месяцев назад

Fantastic video once again! This was one of my favorite videos of yours. Love the abundance of quotes from Steinbeck himself and from the beginning of the novel. I read this in 2015 or 16 and I think it might be time to reread it. Grapes of wrath is one of my faves. Thanks for all you do, you are the best classics booktuber I can imagine ever existing.

@Blondie101010100 5 месяцев назад

Great 1st lecture on the masterpiece that is East of Eden, Ben, on some days my absolute favourite book. On Chapter 4 and I will look for the keys now that I'm reading on a deeper level! As always, loving your Patreon Book Club. Looking forward to the next lecture. All the best, Ruth 😍👏

@mariahealings 20 дней назад

So good I discovered this channel! I just read East of Eden and I really want to understand it deeper and want to learn more about John Steinbeck and all the symbolism in his books. This is my first Steinbeck’s book that I’ve read as I’m from another country originally and English isn’t my first language. I’m so excited to learn more!

@EverymanPondering 5 месяцев назад

One of my top books of all time!

@eottoe2001 Месяц назад

Read the book, get the audiobook after that then see the movie and the television movie, think about it a lot, and ten years later read again and think about it some more. Thanks for the analysis. It was the icing on the cake.

@brodiiie 5 месяцев назад

Read this last year and fell absolutely head over heels for it. Brilliant work and an instant favourite. Plus i just got The Grape of Wrath for christmas so i’ll be picking that up very soon (probably after i finish Jane Eyre which im quite liking)

@marnasorensen988 4 месяца назад

Watching this on the big screen and considering your comments. I'm reading Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey. Your description of Steinbeck's compelling characters is so apt here too. I put the book down so reluctantly; I must get back to this place and these people because, as I read, I am so engrossed...so very much there with them. If this is also the experience of East of Eden, I know what my next read will be. Thank you again for opening doors into the world of literature.

@chlofene 5 месяцев назад

I read some of his work years ago when I was doing it for an English class I was taking. I don’t think I was in the right frame of mind at the time to appreciate him. So, I’m taking this on as my first read with no expectations or opinions. I appreciate John’s usage of words and his sense of humor, and I find myself rereading certain parts to enjoy them again.

@michaelsaia54 5 месяцев назад

Literally just started East of Eden a week ago and wished you had a video about it. Love your content, your passion inspires me to think deeper and “live” the books I read. Cheers 🥂

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Wow! That's fantastic serendipity :) Thank you so much for your kind words, Michael! That really means a lot to me!

@dansteensland2580 5 месяцев назад

The next book I will begin is a reread of East of Eden. I will follow the advice you’ve given here. I’m looking forward to pulling more out of this story this time around.

@rachelbrown9816 5 месяцев назад

One of my best decisions was to join your book club in 2023. I’m so appreciative of the work you do. It has reinvigorated my love for the classics and slow reading. Thank you!

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, Rachel! That makes me so happy to hear!! ❤️

@Martiniization 3 дня назад

East of Eden is thought-provoking, interesting, and engaging. I've only read it once. It was Steinbeck's personal most preferred work. Principally, he wrote it for his two young sons. I know I should read it again, and I will. It does, to some extent, grab me as a bit of a "soap opera," above all, especially in comparison with The Grapes of Wrath, in my opinion, a more palpable, effective, and influential work.

@CatastrophicDisease 5 месяцев назад

I can separate my life by before and after reading this book - it affected me that deeply, and has informed my life to this day.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

That's so beautiful! :)

@andreLTU 5 месяцев назад

I have learned so much watching this. Thank you

@marjoriedybec3450 5 месяцев назад

Thank you. I really appreciate that you included Steinbeck's words when he was awarded the Nobel Prize. As a writer, its interesting to learn how those before perceived our shared objective.

@sauryajha6033 5 месяцев назад

This video was awesome, as always, Ben. And I think you should Show us your bookself(or shelves) for a great video. I think others will agree too! If yes then please like:

@fallingteepee 5 месяцев назад

Just finished the audio. Glad to see it on the list. I think I’ll re-read the kindle version and follow along with the syllabus this year. If I’m consistent perhaps I’ll begin purchasing hardcovers going forward.

@peskylisa 5 месяцев назад

I look forward to these videos you make. They're inspirational on both a secular and a spiritual level. Great literature ought to get to our visceral cores as well as our intellects and spirits. Most all the great classical tomes do. So thankful for all of them.

@peterm8788 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for your enthusiasm for lit, it is contagious

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for watching, Peter! :)

@philvallee645 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for the video Jon, Happy New Year!

@johnmccullagh_ 5 месяцев назад

I read this for the first time last year and it was life changing. It is such a beautiful piece of work and made me fall in love with Steinbeck in a big way. Thanks for another wonderful video Benjamin. Hope you had a good Christmas and have a great new year! Happy reading.

@rstokes9630 5 месяцев назад

Very illuminating! I read this on my own in high school and enjoyed it. But I knew nothing about the symbolism, allegory, clues and keys. I'm going to reread (40 years later) this book and see what I can unearth. Thank you for choosing an American classic to discuss.

@kathya8421 5 месяцев назад

This is my favorite novel, and I've read it several times.

@TheRozeeey 5 месяцев назад

Enjoyed this so much, what a page turner. Must admit I picked it up just before Christmas to take a sneak peak and ended up engrossed, plowing through it in a week or so. Looking forward going back and deep reading with the lectures!

@Shideh.mirashrafi 4 месяца назад

It's been a while since I was so impressed by a book! I read the book, and then I saw your video. I learned a lot from it and from your podcast. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Can't wait for the new book reviews.

@nate417 4 месяца назад

I started reading it about 4 weeks ago and just finished it today. I found myself fascinated with Cathy in her unrelatability. Yet, all other characters felt wholly relatable in their unique ways. Overall, it was an exciting read, despite being 600 pages, it never felt like a slog, and I was excited every time I picked it up. When I put it down, I felt more introspective and reflective. Having struggled and struggled with Grapes of Wrath and ultimately putting it down, this book was a pleasant surprise in presentation. Thank you for the recommendation @BenjaminMcEvoy!

@DanDanceDude 5 месяцев назад

First time East of Eden reader here. I’m 12 days behind 😅 but I’m excited and I can’t wait to start. Thank you so much for this masterclass!

@pattir6628 5 месяцев назад

My copy should arrive today, and I'm looking forward to reading it. This will be the first time reading this one. The only Steinbeck I have read is The Grapes of Wrath. I liked it in high school, but the nature scenes were a little long for me at that time. I'm a different reader now than I was back then, and I think I would have a different take on it if I were to pick it up today. I'm looking forward to reading East of Eden. The copy I ordered has Travels with Charlie in it and some other stories.

@Durufle68 5 месяцев назад

I just finished this novel. It profoundly affected me and I am still trying to process it all. I truly will never be the same after this one.

@annewoodborne1254 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for another inspiring lecture. I first read East of Eden 60 years ago and loved it, not least because of the movie starring James Dean. Since then I have readmost if not all of Steinbeck's books. When I saw the title of your video I took my copy off the shelf and started to reread it, at the same time as reading Gravity's Rainbow. I can't agree that all the characters are psychologically complex. I think Cathy is a one note pony - all evil. Apparently based on his second wife, Gwen Conger, whose memoir'my Life with Steinbeck" is being published. A small gnit- picking thing. Steinbeck uses the omniscient narrator technique but somewhere in the first third of the book, the narrator becomes an I. This is Steinbeck's authorial voice interjecting a memoir of his own mother. This confused me. Was this fiction or memoir. The narrator becoming I didn't help the narrative. But I will continue to the end.

@krisxxxxw 5 месяцев назад

I finished the book! I cried in the end. It’s a beautiful book. Thanks Ben for recommending it.

@keithlongley362 5 месяцев назад

Steinbecks characters leap out the page, so much so, time flies by and leads me to think I'm reading East of Eden too fast,

@letters_from_paradise 5 месяцев назад

I literally bought this last week, what a perfectly timed coincidence! Can't wait to give it a go.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

That's fantastic timing! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

@officialmkamzeemwatela 5 месяцев назад

Began reading Genesis at the beginning of the year as a Bible in a year effort and it has been illuminating. Reading it the way we read literature has been a revelation (no pun intended)- ironically when I read the verse about the cherubim standing guard and East of Eden, I decided to read Steinbeck’s book and started looking for info that led me here. How wonderful

@lesliepeck4124 4 месяца назад

A few months ago I read Of Mice and Men and The Pearl, so when I saw East of Eden was the first book on your list for 2024 I was excited. I just finished it a few days ago. And I cannot believe I never read any Steinbeck until now. (And I'm 57 and an avid reader!). I have never found an American writer that I could love as much as I do Hardy, and then I read this book. I had to purposely slow myself down to 20 pages a day to just "live" with Steinbeck and the characters. His prose is clean, as you mentioned, yet without being simplistic and too much like Hemingway. I see him as never looking down on reader with his prose, rather, he looks the reader straight in the eye and tells the story in all its beauty and ugliness. It's as if he is relating all of this as he sits across the kitchen table from you - or sitting next to you in a bar, and you never want him to stop. What a wonderful way to start 2024. Thank you!

@umm_khaled 5 месяцев назад

Great timing! I ordered this book right after I watched your 2024 book club video and just received it in the mail.

@carmenliron-espana4787 5 месяцев назад

Just bought the book. Ben, thanks for your videos, they are really high quality and motivating. Best

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

I'm so thrilled to hear that, Carmen! And thank you so much for your incredibly kind words ☺️🙏

@PokhrajRoy. 5 месяцев назад

Happy New Year! May you continue to be a supportive leader and the reader friend we adore ❤

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Aw, thank you so much! A very Happy New Year to you too! 🙏❤

@catedee5012 4 месяца назад

I appreciate your suggestion to read this book and other books slowly. I have a habit of not doing this but I am going to begin using this suggestion.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 3 месяца назад

I'm so happy to hear that! I naturally read through books very quickly, so I had to make myself slow down :) One of the best things I did for my reading!

@mangalapalliv 5 месяцев назад

Done reading with this fabulous novel. One of the finest books I have read till date. While it is undoubtedly a great book, I feel that his 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'The Cannery Row' are better. But may be it is me. Thankyou Ben for suggesting this book to open 2024 !!

@michaelbird2857 5 месяцев назад

I just ordered mine yesterday! And I’ll be a member of the book club soon too 🙌🏽🙏🏽 thank you for your well laid out videos. They helped bring back my love of reading

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

I'm so happy to hear that, Michael! Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate that ☺️🙏

@michaelbird2857 5 месяцев назад

@@BenjaminMcEvoy of course! Im looking forward to this journey 🙏🏽

@32mybelle 5 месяцев назад

Loved that book! I have read it several times and enjoyed it immensely.

@MarcosLand 5 месяцев назад

Excited to read this book. Seems to be a really good one

@user-mc9sg9fw3w 5 месяцев назад

Great video! Can’t wait to finally read this book

@cantonlittle 5 месяцев назад

I’m looking forward to reading this with you, Ben!

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you, Canton! I'm so excited to hear what you make of it :)

@danydan3757 5 месяцев назад

I read it three times. This is my favorite book ever never changed in twenty years and i read a lot of books in my life. Great 2024 reading list.

@Clarissa24671 5 месяцев назад

Hello Ben, What an incredible video! An incredible way to start the year, for sure. May 2024 be beautiful and full of good reading, smiles and dreams come true for all of us. May life always be very kind to our dreams. I would like to thank you for your beautiful work, it inspires me more every day. I even deleted my Instagram account, because through your incredible club, I discovered that there are more important and relevant things in life and that is literature (which I have always loved, but I had been feeling for a while that I was reading just to post) It is at the top of my priorities, my loves and from now on I will look at it again with the same love, dedication and commitment that I have always had. thank you for everything ♡ about the video: - Always surgical and precise. I love Steinbeck, here in Brasil an incredible new edition of his most famous works has just come out. I saw a lot of people reading East of Eden and the Vineyards of Iran. Steinbeck is the guy who showed the United States its dark and sick side. I'm very excited for all the upcoming readings of the year. kisses from São Paulo ❤

@Danny-po5vp 5 месяцев назад

Excellent timing, I just ordered this and am starting it tomorrows!

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

That's amazing! I really hope you enjoy it, Danny :)

@gregory_bloomfield 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for this, Benjamin. You are amazing.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, Gregory!! I appreciate you ☺️

@luddeneperry5563 5 месяцев назад

I saw the movie 40 years ago and thought that was it. Then I found out that the movie is only the last ¼ of the book. So, 5 years ago I read the book. OMG!! I did not know it was about MY family. My mother graduated from King City High School. My grandfather bought 20 acres not far from where Sam Hamilton had his land. Steinbeck’s description of Sam’s land was what I remembered of my grandfather’s land. He never made any money from it, and instead, my grandfather dug other people’s wells.

@yahyabinilyas9917 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for posting a new video ❤️

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for watching ❤️

@iheartmarie 5 месяцев назад

One of my favorite books and have wanted to read it again. Now's the time!

@iheartmarie 5 месяцев назад

Is there a link to the patreon site in this description?

@shelbymiller8022 5 месяцев назад

Well this is perfect timing! I was already planning on starting it today.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Phenomenal timing! I'd love to know what toy make of it, Shelby 😊

@Ozgipsy 5 месяцев назад

I’m looking forward to this year Benjamin. Got my books👍

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Nice one, Daryl! I'm so excited to hear what you make of the great books on our literary journey :)

@ChristIsLord7 5 месяцев назад

Steinbeck is my favorite. Way better than Russian novels imo. Makes you feel so much better.

@xobronson3853 Месяц назад

Wow! Great video I appreciate how much detail you go into. I haven’t even finished east of eden yet but this video makes me more that excited to finish it😄

@BenjaminMcEvoy 29 дней назад

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that :) I'm thrilled you're loving East of Eden!!

@steveolson1712 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much! East of Eden is my favourite book

@habitshare 5 месяцев назад

Brilliant video. So compelling. Steinberg is well deserve to be one of the best.

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, my friend :)

@soniasaldarriaga5166 5 месяцев назад

Happy New Year Benjamin What a wonderful book I can wait Blessings to you 🙏✨

@BenjaminMcEvoy 5 месяцев назад

Happy New Year, Sonia! Blessings to you too 🙏☺️

@swingdancemom3389 5 месяцев назад

this is so cool. i love your channel so much. i am an early teenager and am really into the classics. which ones would you recommend. ones that are appropriate and have positive messages. thanks.