30 Day Book Challenge: Day 11 — A Book That You Hated

“Hate” is a strong word, and it’s rare that I even strongly dislike a book– but I do have a least favorite author, and a book of his that I liked least.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

When I was in junior high and high school, I was determined to read all the American classics. I read this one before I was forced to read In Dubious Battle and The Pearl in school. I didn’t like any of them. It’s not that I don’t “get” Steinbeck’s writing— I understand the depictions of depressed America and the elusive American dream. I know why his characters seem more like beasts than people; it’s a powerful depiction of dehumanization of the impoverished. I know why his work was and is important— and I’m glad I’ve read it! But I have yet to read another author whose writing style I find so boring. I am of the firm belief that you can think a piece of art is important without actually liking it— this is my exhibit A.

Curious about the rest of my answers? Find a list of them here.

One comment on “30 Day Book Challenge: Day 11 — A Book That You Hated

  1. The only Steinbeck book I’ve ever managed to enjoy was Travels With Charley….every time I was forced to read one of his tomes for English Lit in high school or college, it was an ordeal!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *