Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Tragedy (Fiction)

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is about two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who travel together during the Great Depression looking for work on ranches in California. George is smart and responsible, while Lennie is physically strong but has an intellectual disability. They share a dream of one day owning their own piece of land where they can live independently. As they begin working on a ranch, they meet a variety of people who are also struggling with loneliness, disappointment, and the hardships of life. The novel explores themes of friendship, dreams, isolation, and the challenges people faced during the Great Depression. Even though it is a short book, it tells a powerful and emotional story.

George Milton is a hardworking and intelligent man who is very protective of Lennie, who is kind-hearted but very strong, and often gets himself in trouble when he doesn't understand the consequences of his actions due to his intellectual disability. Their friendship is very unique, because at the time of the great depression, when so many people were focused on themselves and doing what they had to do to survive, lennie and George genuinely cared for each other. Some other characters of note include Candy, an aging ranch hand, Slim, another ranch hand who is well respected, and Curley's wife, who struggles with loneliness.

It reminds me a bit of The Outsiders as both books focus heavily on the struggles and lives of the characters and their flaws, but how that is what makes people human and life worth living. But like many other classic novels, Of Mice and Men depicts the social issues of the time and place the book is set in and explores how those issues either limit the characters or give them an advantage based on their circumstances. I did like this book. Despite the fact that it can be somber at times, the characters are well-developed, and the book is very engaging. Yes, I would recommend it to others. It is a quick and easy read, yet it explores many themes that still carry weight today, despite being written almost a hundred years ago. Its themes of friendship, responsibility, and the importance of having dreams still leave a lasting impression on the reader and remain relevant today. I did like the cover. In many editions of the book, the cover features two men in a rural setting. The covers are often times very simplistic. These elements of the cover help the reader to understand the book's setting and themes of loneliness, simplicity, and hope that are to follow throughout the book.

I really liked this book because it shows the strengths and struggles of ordinary people. This makes it incredibly relatable and very easy for audiences to become attached to. It explores the importance of hope, friendship, and loneliness, which still resonate with many young adult readers today.

Reviewed by: Sophia C