OM & M--

One of my very favorite novels to read and to teach is Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.  If it were a 'public domain' novel, we would be reading it in ENGL 223, but it isn't. 

Why is this novel at the top of my favorites list?  Several reasons....

• the novel is short, a quick read for the guys who never liked to read in my junior English classes
• Steinbeck writes with a blend of narration and conversation, which makes the novel easy to read aloud with parts in class
• Steinbeck's use of realism allows the students (and those of us who read for pleasure) to envision life of the migrant worker in western United States during the 1930s
• efficiency - there is no fluff in the novel. Steinbeck includes only what is necessary to the plot development, conflict/resolution, and character development--no more, no less
• simplicity - another of Steinbeck's traits!  The vocabulary, the plot structure, the symbolism---very easy to understand, even for a slow, struggling reader

Of Mice and Men is one of the few novels that has been adapted to the stage and to film without destroying the integrity of the original.  I have seen three movie versions and two stage performances and all have been very close to the novel itself.

I encourage all of my ENGL 223 students to pick up a copy of the novel sometime during the summer.  Reading it will be quick (see the first bullet above) and I think you will enjoy the slice of life that Steinbeck presents.  If you can't take the time to read, then rent the movie.  You won't be disappointed.