Happy Birthday, John Steinbeck!
Born on this day in 1902, Steinbeck wrote many novels that became classics. You may have read Of Mice and Men in your English class. If you did (or if you read it on your own), then you have had a glimpse into Steinbeck's style. He is a writer who believes in the power of friendship and the unbreakable bond of family. He looks lovingly at the lower class and is constantly exploring their seemingly eternal struggle.
If you are interested in Steinbeck and have yet to read Of Mice and Men, I suggest you start there. It is a sliver book ... meaning it is quite short and full of dialogue. You can probably finish it in less than a day, if you are devoted enough.
Once you have finished, you are going to be on a Steinbeck rush. You're going to want more immediately. When that happens, let me know and I will send you a copy of The Grapes of Wrath I have two). Of course, I can only send one copy out so we're going to have to make a contest out of this. Here we go...
Steps to winning a free copy of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath:
1) Read Of Mice and Men (If you have already read it, you don't need to read it again. Skip to Step Number Two)
2) Write us at word@weeklyreader.com and tell us, in an essay of no more than 1,000 words, how much you loved Of Mice and Men (or hated it) and why you did. (Of course... if you hated it, we'll be less likely to send you the book.) Be sure to include your full name, grade, and email address.
3) We will contact the winning student via email and publish your essay here, on our blog.
4) You will receive your copy of The Grapes of Wrath within 4 weeks.
5) Upon receiving The Grapes of Wrath you will dive right into it and become amazed at the power of Steinbeck's writing. You will go on to buy all his other books on your own including East of Eden, The Red Pony, and Travels With Charley.
Steinbeck rulz! Love the Stein. Word.
