Of Mice and Men

George and Lennie share an unlikely friendship in the harsh, transient world of 1930s America. They’re dreamin’ of gettin’ their own patch of land, somethin’ to hold onto, but Lennie’s got his struggles, and the world keeps throwin’ stuff in their way. This powerful story goes into themes of hope & the fragility of the American Dream, while addressing the deep human need for connection.

John Steinbeck (1902-1968) was an American author known for really nailin' down that rustic, small-town kinda life. He first got folks' attention with Tortilla Flat in 1935 but became widely celebrated with Of Mice and Men in 1937 that really put him on the map. His writing resonated with readers as he captured the struggles of working-class people during the Great Depression. He often wrote about themes like hardship, dignity, and survival, emphasizing the strength of the human spirit. By ’62, he snagged the Nobel Prize in Literature, lockin’ down his spot as one of America’s all-time greatest authors.

»If you're in trouble, or hurt or need - go to the poor people. They're the only ones that'll help - the only ones.«

Steinbeck’s own time growin’ up in California had a big impact on his writing. He saw firsthand what migrant workers were dealin’ with, and the tough times folks without much money had. You can really see that in Of Mice and Men, where he digs into the hopes and struggles of those movin' from job to job. George and Lennie? They’re all about wantin’ stability and friendship in a world that usually don’t care much ’bout people’s dreams. Steinbeck noted in a 1938 diary entry:

»In every bit of honest writing in the world there is a base theme. Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love. There are shorter means, many of them. There is writing promoting social change, writing punishing injustice, writing in celebration of heroism, but always that base theme. Try to understand each other.«

This book? It really hit me deeper than I expected. That tragic ending? Man, it caught me off guard. For those who haven’t read it — don’t spoil it! The way everything unravels is a big part of the story’s power, and Steinbeck captures that sudden collapse so authentically.

It's easy to read, with straightforward language. The dynamic between George and Lennie is engaging: George is small and quick-tempered, while Lennie is big, kind-hearted, with a limited ability to grasp certain things. Their relationship reminded me of Asterix & Obelix.

Originally titled Something That Happened, the story unfolds like a slice of life set in 1920 - 30s America. The vivid descriptions of landscapes bring classic American national park landscape photos to mind, creating a strong sense of place.

Though this classic may seem unremarkable at first, it’s a deceptively simple yet profound American story. Steinbeck's experiences as a worker  inspired Lennie’s character, based on a man he encountered.

It’s important to note that the book contains racial slurs and discriminatory language reflective of its time. While uncomfortable, this honesty is crucial to understanding the era. Although it is included in many school curricula, Of Mice and Men has frequently faced censorship for vulgarity and offensive language. As a result, it appears on the American Library Association's list of the Most Challenged Books of the 21st Century. Despite its challenges, the book should be taught in its original form to provide context.

Overall, it’s an incredibly moving tale that remains relevant today. It captures the harshness of life while highlighting the deep bonds formed to endure it. I became attached to George & Lennie, and they will stay with me for a while. The novel serves as both a critique of the American Dream and a celebration of the connections between individuals, echoing Steinbeck's belief in the inherent dignity of every person.