Of Mice and Men

Spoiler Alert: We'll get there someday, Lennie.

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A touching and sentimental short novel, Of Mice and Men is a true masterpiece. When I first encountered this story, the only other novel I had read by John Steinbeck was The Pearl, and although I recognized it was well-written, I admit I was not a big fan. Perhaps now, after many years have passed, I should revisit that story, because Of Mice and Men absolutely blew me out of the water. Simple in language but dripping in meaning, this was by far one of the best novels that I had assigned to me by school. Following the journey of the small but cunning George, and his faithful but unintelligent companion Lennie, this story is a beautiful testament to the power of friendship and brotherhood. As the two protagonists travel up and down California looking for odd jobs, they share their big dreams for the future. Although quite humble, their greatest wish is to save up enough money to have a farm of their own -- to live off the land in peace and raise animals; The prospect of raising bunnies appeals to Lennie the most. Working towards their goal that seems almost close enough to taste, the two characters seem to always hit road bumps along their way. Although George is quite smart and savvy, knowing how to work people and get what he wants, he is physically weak and not equipped for working on the farms nor for doing heavy lifting. Lennie, on the other hand, is incredibly big and strong, but understands quite little about the world. He relies on George for virtually everything and his tendency to always see the good in others constantly gets him into trouble. In spite of their differences, the two main characters care deeply for one another, and in a world where it seems loyalty is scarce and money is everyone's only motive, the two always have each other's backs. When Lennie and George arrive on a farm, set to complete what may be their last job ever, they slowly come to realize that everything is not always what it seems; everyone is suffering. With themes of loss and fraternity as key elements, readers are taught the true power of empathy and faith amidst the darkest times. Both painstaking and heartfelt, I cried for a long time after finishing this story. For me, this novel seemed to redefine the idea of a life worth lived; the secret, it claims, lies not in what we accomplish for ourselves but rather in how we affect others. Although the many plans of George and Lennie ultimately go astray, the book highlights the importance of never giving up on one's dreams and never giving up on one another. You're much closer to your happy ending than you could ever imagine.

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Favorite Quotes: “Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.” ~~ “I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that's why.” ~~“I can still tend the rabbits, George? I didn't mean no harm, George.” ~~ “We could live offa the fatta the lan'.” ~~ “In every bit of honest writing in the world, there is a base theme...TRY TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER!” ~~ "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don't belong no place. They come to a ranch an' work up a stake, and the first thing you know they're poundin' their tail on some other ranch. They ain't got nothing to look ahead to.”