Then there are the cases where I begin a book and find myself in a dank swamp, unable to really enjoy what I’m reading - it becomes a chore and I dread having to pick up the text to read. When I realize that I am fearing my current reading, then that is the instant at which I stop reading that particular book.

For me, Ellison’s writing in Invisible Man was just too trite and overcooked for me to enjoy; I truly was having a hard time with his never-ending metaphors. The plot certainly had potential, but the rest of the novel was pulling me down into a pitied reader.

I’ll step away from it for a few months, and then try again - promise.

Now, not all books are for everyone, but I strongly suggest you try to read it again with a more open mind; not that you’ll turn out liking the style, but maybe you can get something from the book in spite of it.

for reals.

It’s a good book, regardless.

And I already bought Fountainhead; it is only waiting for me to read it. If you don’t want to reread Grapes then you don’t have to, but one day you’ll look back on your youth and wish you had gleaned some reference or information from that book. I’m saying this from experience… because I am an old man.

and you will never convince me to reread grapes of wrath. ever.
you should check out some ayn rand. the fountainhead = 700pages of awesome.

But I shouldn’t ruin the book, it’s too good; must read it for yourself.

Why the Oprah edition? The Oprah Book Club edition doesn’t, frankly, make me pursue the novel any more than the regular, unabridged version would. Remember, now, I’m cheap

If you could add your own thinkableness to this question, please do: In your own opinion, what do you think was wrong with the boy in that story?, (like, what kind of disability, syndrome, or whatever)… Your opinionableness = welcomeness!

You must read, without delay, East of Eden from Steinbeck. If you liked Grapes of Wrath even sorta, East of Eden is Steinbeck’s masterpiece, many critics agree. Grapes is sorta history too, which is why it’s so popular in high school, and was written as more one of those good liberal PBS Frontline-esqe reports on the horror of the Western drought that finally made congress act, but East of Eden will make you at once angry, sad, and reflective. I can never read the book again because of it’s ending, which stuck with me for days. Especially with your current issues in life, this book has you as a main character (see if you can figure out who).