Salinas is my hometown, the Pastures of Heaven was my neighborhood growing up, Cannery Row was where I grew up and got my first job, and East of Eden was the final nail in the coffin that condemned me to be a lifelong Steinbeck fan. When I was a kid doing beekeeping in my local 4-H club, I saw The Bee Movie in the Steinbeck memorial theater in downtown Salinas. Thank you for delivering this brilliant work the justice it deserves.

I’m a first time reader of East of Eden, and it had me tearing up within a few pages…his writing is so beautiful!

@brodiiie

5 ай бұрын

Oh yeah i remember crying under 20 pages into it. The following almost 600 pages were no different lmao

@tamaralei936

4 ай бұрын

only a quarter way through so far cause i had to keep pausing every few pages because, like you, it had me tearing up, too. that 'she smiled at adam and he closed his eyes' line made a mess of me 😅 couldnt recover for quite awhile lmao

Accidently finished it in 24 hours...I was stunned by its brilliance! Thank you for having the group read it this year.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Wow! Jessica, that's so awesome!! It sounds like Steinbeck completely captivated you ☺️

@jsmi601

5 ай бұрын

It completely bowled me over, I still haven't recovered.

@LoriTianSailiata

4 ай бұрын

I read it in a day as well. It’s been 45 years or so since I last read it. Now to start in again with his Letters.

@briangallagher3106

2 ай бұрын

How the hell do you read EOE in a day?

@jsmi601

2 ай бұрын

@@briangallagher3106 Haha! Logistically, an audiobook on double speed and a house that needs a spring cleaning. :)

How could I have lived for 77 years and never have read Steinbeck. Providence saved the sweetest until the last. I am home. Thank you .

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

Happy reading! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

@jesseramirez4560

3 ай бұрын

I have lived for 64 years and never have met Benjamin McEvoy until now! It's never too late to be or do what you wanted to do in your and with you life. Thank you Benjamin!

@christinemo9622

3 ай бұрын

I am 84 and I love this book. I came to it when i was just 15 or 16 . I didn't know who Steinbeck was then but I wanted to read his work because I had seen the films of The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden. The scene of Cal 's birthday present to Adam still has me tearing up. It's so painful!

I read this book as a junior in college, and it completely changed my life. I'm currently in my second year of my American Literature PhD program, and this remains the best book I've ever read.

REALLY excited for everyone in the book club to read this book. It's my favorite book of all time, and I love it more with every read. Whether I'm sad, happy, or anything in between, this book always leaves me loving literature more, and loving life more. Thank you for adding it to your list this year!

@allonepeace5967

5 ай бұрын

It's my favorite too! (along with Tolstoy's War and Peace) Those are two books I've read over and over and loved them more each time. I'm so looking forward to Ben's lectures in the bookclub. He brought a deeper love and understanding to War and Peace (which I didn't think was possible); I can't wait to see what he shows me about East of Eden.

I have read East of Eden five times in my life and I know that I will continue to go back to this novel over and over again. I recently read War and Peace and it gave me that same epic feeling. Books like this can change your life and make you see the world differently. Going back to them with all the characters that you love is like going back to an old friend. You will learn something every time you reread it. Thank you for your videos. I love this channel, always look forward to a new video. ❤

@allonepeace5967

5 ай бұрын

Yes! Exactly! Well said.

You're a true inspiration to me Benjamin! What you do in this world is beautiful, heartfelt, important and forward thinking. These videos must be so much work to make!! I have a lot of respect for that and am so thankful to be able to follow your journey. Wishing you all the best for 2024 and all the awesome content coming up 🙏

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Aw, thank you for such an incredibly beautiful comment! You have completely made my day. I hope you have an absolutely phenomenal 2024 too 🙏❤️

I read East of Eden about 8 years ago, loved it, and flew through it. However, after watching your lecture, I realized that I missed at least half, if not three-quarters of the book. This reminded me of a professor of a modern French literature course I took in university, who insisted that we read each book three times: the first time for the story, and the second and third times to really get to know the book. I am now excited to read East of Eden for the second time.

A whole hour on how to read East of Eden. Wonderful! 😍 I love this channel.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! You have completely made my day, Roy 🙏☺️

Tom and Dessie Hamilton’s story ripped my heart out both times I read it.

As we say in Sweden, Benjamin, misunderstand me the right way 🙃 Your lovely voice puts me to sleep. I listen to you at night to fall asleep, then listen again the following day, for content. And now you're talking about sleep... kinda freaky timing!

Your video just enlightened me about a scene on One Hundred Years of Solitude "blood crieth unto me from the ground". Talking about East of Eden i read interested in how Samuel would relate to Samuel the prophet, specially looking for the number 3, the number of times that God called him and I saw that Samuel has 3 strong shivers when he meets Cathy (maybe I'm seeing too much). Great video as always!

I adore the writings of John Steinbeck. I'm sure I've read everything he's published. I especially loved one that most people never touch which is travels with Charlie or a lovely lovely lovely book. I'm thankful to you for mentioning it maybe more people will read it. Best wishes Heidi in Atlanta

I just joined the bookclub and I'm beyond excited to read East of Eden and share it with book lovers around the world 😄 what a great way to start the year ben! nothing better than spending the winter months with a big book

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Julia! I'm so thrilled you're excited for this one and cannot wait to hear what you make of it! I do love getting through the winter months with a sweeping saga ☺️

Oh I love East of Eden, but sadly I don't have time (or the money) to join the book club anymore. You inspired me to finally apply to Helsinki university to study literature, I am loving my studies so far. I won't let them rush me, I will keep on slow reading. Hope to join the book club again at some point, best of luck!

ready with my version in Spanish! Here in Spain could only find one edition with James Dean on the cover 😅. Hope the translation doesn’t disappoint. It’s 682 pages. I read in English but somehow wanted to grasp the full meaning of Steinbeck’s words. His Of Mice and Men shook me in high school. Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the video!

Hey Ben, Just had to drop a note to say your "Moby Dick" breakdown is gold. As a non-native English speaker, tackling those fancy words is a real challenge. So, here's the real gem: the link between Jonah and Raskolnikov. Both stuck in tight spots, turning their backs on God, and drowning in angst. It's like they're cut from the same cloth - Jonah swallowed by the whale, Raskolnikov trapped in his tiny apartment. Your insights opened my eyes to this unexpected connection Greetings from Don Quikote's Spain, Pablo.

I got a new job and was reading E of E, and to my horror worked withna woman who embodied Cathy Ames!

@franciscoochoa8976

18 күн бұрын

I haven't read it yet, my next book, is being a Cathy Ames a good thing? 🫠?

@10.6.12.

17 күн бұрын

@@franciscoochoa8976 come on ...

Ironically, I'm reading this independently and didn't know it was part of the HLBC right now! The detailed humanity of the characters, is breathtaking.

@jennv.4520

5 ай бұрын

Very well put!

This is the first book you’ve talked about that I’ve actually read before, and it was the book that I first read when I became interested in literature.

This story comes to life unlike any other book I’ve read in a very long time. I read it in four days and I can’t get these characters out of my mind and heart. The images Steinbeck pens in this book creates a powerful world. I can’t wait to dive deeper.

Recently joined the book club and I am listening to EoE on my long commutes. Then I pick up the book at home to reread and mark certain passages. I think this will become one of my all time favorite books. Thank you for the introduction.

Benjamin my good friend, I wanted to take this opportunity and thank you so much for your beautiful Videos. You are simply the best and I have learned so much from you. You are an amazing professor. Thank you so much for everything you do. I really appreciate it.

Benjamin's back with another banger. Many parallels between this one and the subject of another recent video of yours: Paradise Lost. Thank you for continuing to create such engaging content!

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Shrinesh! I really appreciate that. :) And beautiful insight! Paradise Lost and East of Eden are definitely incredibly complementary works!

What a magnificent appetizer this was! I read this book as a teenager in a different language, different country, different continent. I don't remember much of it, except how much it moved me at the time. What a pleasure to discover it almost 25 years later, in the original, with Ben and the Hardcore Literature members.

Wow, you are now at the top of my best of all time KZreadr. I just so happen to have East of Eden on my bookshelf that I bought years ago and have been contemplating reading it as my next read. I recently purchased one of the top best historical fiction for 2023 and now I am having to put that aside because you have me so piqued in reading East of Eden. Looking forward to our time together. This would be my first John Steinbeck read.

Read for the 1st time at your recommendation for classics of 2024. Read it in 4 evenings. I couldn't stop. Now I can't wait to reread as i follow your discussions!! Such beautiful writing.

Am new to the book club and have started reading East of Eden for the first time... great read so far and your intro has just blown my mind in terms of the biblical linkages... in a 'timing is everything' twist- have also recently started reading the bible- and just finished Genesis... but now I want to go back and re-read that with your commentary in mind! Thanks for a great intro!

fantastic video. i read East of Eden 30 years ago and i'm gearing up to read it again this year. i LOVE what you said about the best stories we've ever heard are from our own family history. that is so true. Bravo. thank you for this

Oh wow how exciting! This will be my first ever time since subbing to the Patreon where I’ll actually be doing a re read with the rest of the club instead of a first time! East of Eden was absolutely enthralling and I can’t wait for the lecture series.

Thank you for your guidance, for 60 years, I have never had anyone explained so explicitly n extensively in helping readers to read ( and reread ) this piece of great literature! ❤

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I'm so glad you finally did an episode on East of Eden

Benjamin, thank you for this very motivating video as we enter the unforgettable world in East of Eden! I was delighted by your making a connection between Hardy and Steinbeck...how brilliant of you to have us read both this year! The use of landscape as character and employement of the sublime is why I absolutely love Hardy. This is my first Steinbeck novel, and am sure will not be my last. Cheers to a great kickoff to 2024 reading with HLBC!

Really wonderful video - I am now very excited to start East Of Eden. John Steinbeck so far is my favorite writer from the US. I loved Grapes of Wrath.

I can separate my life by before and after reading this book - it affected me that deeply, and has informed my life to this day.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

That's so beautiful! :)

I read some of his work years ago when I was doing it for an English class I was taking. I don’t think I was in the right frame of mind at the time to appreciate him. So, I’m taking this on as my first read with no expectations or opinions. I appreciate John’s usage of words and his sense of humor, and I find myself rereading certain parts to enjoy them again.

Read this last year and fell absolutely head over heels for it. Brilliant work and an instant favourite. Plus i just got The Grape of Wrath for christmas so i’ll be picking that up very soon (probably after i finish Jane Eyre which im quite liking)

Thanks for the great overview of that Steinbeck's pearl! Your videos fill me with passion for literature! I have been reading books in English for half-a-year now and would be grateful if somebody acquainted with King Arthur legends could give me advice on some definitive and well-written version of those tales. For here in Russia we do not have enough information about English books, especially such of an old age)

Dear Ben, I got interested about East of Eden from your Reading List of 2024, and have started this novel last week. This is very captivating, so far. Just got till Chapter 7. This is my first Steinbeck, and am loving it. :) Thanks again, and keep up the great work you're doing. :) :)

Fantastic video once again! This was one of my favorite videos of yours. Love the abundance of quotes from Steinbeck himself and from the beginning of the novel. I read this in 2015 or 16 and I think it might be time to reread it. Grapes of wrath is one of my faves. Thanks for all you do, you are the best classics booktuber I can imagine ever existing.

Great 1st lecture on the masterpiece that is East of Eden, Ben, on some days my absolute favourite book. On Chapter 4 and I will look for the keys now that I'm reading on a deeper level! As always, loving your Patreon Book Club. Looking forward to the next lecture. All the best, Ruth 😍👏

So good I discovered this channel! I just read East of Eden and I really want to understand it deeper and want to learn more about John Steinbeck and all the symbolism in his books. This is my first Steinbeck’s book that I’ve read as I’m from another country originally and English isn’t my first language. I’m so excited to learn more!

I read this for the first time last year and it was life changing. It is such a beautiful piece of work and made me fall in love with Steinbeck in a big way. Thanks for another wonderful video Benjamin. Hope you had a good Christmas and have a great new year! Happy reading.

Read the book, get the audiobook after that then see the movie and the television movie, think about it a lot, and ten years later read again and think about it some more. Thanks for the analysis. It was the icing on the cake.

Thank you. I really appreciate that you included Steinbeck's words when he was awarded the Nobel Prize. As a writer, its interesting to learn how those before perceived our shared objective.

The next book I will begin is a reread of East of Eden. I will follow the advice you’ve given here. I’m looking forward to pulling more out of this story this time around.

Thanks Ben! Before reading the East of Eden I used to say I don´t have a number one book. After reading it I was sitting speechless for a while processing the experience ( perhaps with my mouth open)... Since then I can say I have my favourite book, because it´s taken a very special place in my heart. It is just brilliant and I love Steinbeck ... I´ve read The Grapes of wrath (which is my favourite right behind the East of E.) and Of mice and men. Right now I am reading Travels with Charley and I would like to buy Steinbeck : A life in letters - I want to get to know him better as a person

I look forward to these videos you make. They're inspirational on both a secular and a spiritual level. Great literature ought to get to our visceral cores as well as our intellects and spirits. Most all the great classical tomes do. So thankful for all of them.

Literally just started East of Eden a week ago and wished you had a video about it. Love your content, your passion inspires me to think deeper and “live” the books I read. Cheers 🥂

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

Wow! That's fantastic serendipity :) Thank you so much for your kind words, Michael! That really means a lot to me!

This video was awesome, as always, Ben. And I think you should Show us your bookself(or shelves) for a great video. I think others will agree too! If yes then please like:

One of my best decisions was to join your book club in 2023. I’m so appreciative of the work you do. It has reinvigorated my love for the classics and slow reading. Thank you!

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Rachel! That makes me so happy to hear!! ❤️

I have learned so much watching this. Thank you

Enjoyed this so much, what a page turner. Must admit I picked it up just before Christmas to take a sneak peak and ended up engrossed, plowing through it in a week or so. Looking forward going back and deep reading with the lectures!

It's been a while since I was so impressed by a book! I read the book, and then I saw your video. I learned a lot from it and from your podcast. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Can't wait for the new book reviews.

Watching this on the big screen and considering your comments. I'm reading Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey. Your description of Steinbeck's compelling characters is so apt here too. I put the book down so reluctantly; I must get back to this place and these people because, as I read, I am so engrossed...so very much there with them. If this is also the experience of East of Eden, I know what my next read will be. Thank you again for opening doors into the world of literature.

Thanks for the video Jon, Happy New Year!

Thank you for your enthusiasm for lit, it is contagious

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching, Peter! :)

One of my top books of all time!

I started reading it about 4 weeks ago and just finished it today. I found myself fascinated with Cathy in her unrelatability. Yet, all other characters felt wholly relatable in their unique ways. Overall, it was an exciting read, despite being 600 pages, it never felt like a slog, and I was excited every time I picked it up. When I put it down, I felt more introspective and reflective. Having struggled and struggled with Grapes of Wrath and ultimately putting it down, this book was a pleasant surprise in presentation. Thank you for the recommendation @BenjaminMcEvoy!

Just finished the audio. Glad to see it on the list. I think I’ll re-read the kindle version and follow along with the syllabus this year. If I’m consistent perhaps I’ll begin purchasing hardcovers going forward.

Very illuminating! I read this on my own in high school and enjoyed it. But I knew nothing about the symbolism, allegory, clues and keys. I'm going to reread (40 years later) this book and see what I can unearth. Thank you for choosing an American classic to discuss.

I finished the book! I cried in the end. It’s a beautiful book. Thanks Ben for recommending it.

This is my favorite novel, and I've read it several times.

Began reading Genesis at the beginning of the year as a Bible in a year effort and it has been illuminating. Reading it the way we read literature has been a revelation (no pun intended)- ironically when I read the verse about the cherubim standing guard and East of Eden, I decided to read Steinbeck’s book and started looking for info that led me here. How wonderful

Just finished the infamous chapter 4 with that letter from Charles. It’s just devastating! I am looking forward to deep diving into the book and joining your lecture series on this soon ✨

I just finished this novel. It profoundly affected me and I am still trying to process it all. I truly will never be the same after this one.

First time East of Eden reader here. I’m 12 days behind 😅 but I’m excited and I can’t wait to start. Thank you so much for this masterclass!

My copy should arrive today, and I'm looking forward to reading it. This will be the first time reading this one. The only Steinbeck I have read is The Grapes of Wrath. I liked it in high school, but the nature scenes were a little long for me at that time. I'm a different reader now than I was back then, and I think I would have a different take on it if I were to pick it up today. I'm looking forward to reading East of Eden. The copy I ordered has Travels with Charlie in it and some other stories.

I literally bought this last week, what a perfectly timed coincidence! Can't wait to give it a go.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

That's fantastic timing! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

A few months ago I read Of Mice and Men and The Pearl, so when I saw East of Eden was the first book on your list for 2024 I was excited. I just finished it a few days ago. And I cannot believe I never read any Steinbeck until now. (And I'm 57 and an avid reader!). I have never found an American writer that I could love as much as I do Hardy, and then I read this book. I had to purposely slow myself down to 20 pages a day to just "live" with Steinbeck and the characters. His prose is clean, as you mentioned, yet without being simplistic and too much like Hemingway. I see him as never looking down on reader with his prose, rather, he looks the reader straight in the eye and tells the story in all its beauty and ugliness. It's as if he is relating all of this as he sits across the kitchen table from you - or sitting next to you in a bar, and you never want him to stop. What a wonderful way to start 2024. Thank you!

Happy New Year! May you continue to be a supportive leader and the reader friend we adore ❤

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Aw, thank you so much! A very Happy New Year to you too! 🙏❤

I just ordered mine yesterday! And I’ll be a member of the book club soon too 🙌🏽🙏🏽 thank you for your well laid out videos. They helped bring back my love of reading

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

I'm so happy to hear that, Michael! Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate that ☺️🙏

@michaelbird2857

5 ай бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy of course! Im looking forward to this journey 🙏🏽

Just bought the book. Ben, thanks for your videos, they are really high quality and motivating. Best

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

I'm so thrilled to hear that, Carmen! And thank you so much for your incredibly kind words ☺️🙏

Done reading with this fabulous novel. One of the finest books I have read till date. While it is undoubtedly a great book, I feel that his 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'The Cannery Row' are better. But may be it is me. Thankyou Ben for suggesting this book to open 2024 !!

I read it three times. This is my favorite book ever never changed in twenty years and i read a lot of books in my life. Great 2024 reading list.

Loved that book! I have read it several times and enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you so much for another inspiring lecture. I first read East of Eden 60 years ago and loved it, not least because of the movie starring James Dean. Since then I have readmost if not all of Steinbeck's books. When I saw the title of your video I took my copy off the shelf and started to reread it, at the same time as reading Gravity's Rainbow. I can't agree that all the characters are psychologically complex. I think Cathy is a one note pony - all evil. Apparently based on his second wife, Gwen Conger, whose memoir'my Life with Steinbeck" is being published. A small gnit- picking thing. Steinbeck uses the omniscient narrator technique but somewhere in the first third of the book, the narrator becomes an I. This is Steinbeck's authorial voice interjecting a memoir of his own mother. This confused me. Was this fiction or memoir. The narrator becoming I didn't help the narrative. But I will continue to the end.

Wow! Great video I appreciate how much detail you go into. I haven’t even finished east of eden yet but this video makes me more that excited to finish it😄

@BenjaminMcEvoy

14 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that :) I'm thrilled you're loving East of Eden!!

Great timing! I ordered this book right after I watched your 2024 book club video and just received it in the mail.

I appreciate your suggestion to read this book and other books slowly. I have a habit of not doing this but I am going to begin using this suggestion.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

3 ай бұрын

I'm so happy to hear that! I naturally read through books very quickly, so I had to make myself slow down :) One of the best things I did for my reading!

Brilliant video. So compelling. Steinberg is well deserve to be one of the best.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, my friend :)

Excellent timing, I just ordered this and am starting it tomorrows!

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

That's amazing! I really hope you enjoy it, Danny :)

One of my favorite books and have wanted to read it again. Now's the time!

@iheartmarie

4 ай бұрын

Is there a link to the patreon site in this description?

East of Eden is a generational book, a book about our origins that will not only tell you your past, but your present and future. Steinbeck's writing and especially his dialogue between characters is frighteningly real and unlike any other author to date. It wouldn't be my favorite book unless it was the greatest one ever written.

Steinbeck is my favorite. Way better than Russian novels imo. Makes you feel so much better.

Well this is perfect timing! I was already planning on starting it today.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Phenomenal timing! I'd love to know what toy make of it, Shelby 😊

Steinbecks characters leap out the page, so much so, time flies by and leads me to think I'm reading East of Eden too fast,

this is so cool. i love your channel so much. i am an early teenager and am really into the classics. which ones would you recommend. ones that are appropriate and have positive messages. thanks.

Ben what do you think about all the essays in War and Peace where Leo goes ahead and 'analyses' his own book for us the reader? I personally found this to be one of the most rewarding parts of the novel, to frame my thinking in a certain direction. It sounds like a really different experience to the concealed symbolic allegory of East of Eden, which I've never read before but you've really whetted my appetite for with this video

what a way to start 2024! Happy new year sir Ben! ❤️

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Thank you, my friend! Wishing you a very Happy New Year too! ❤️

I adore John Steinbeck but haven't read this one. You have inspired me to dp so, thank you

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

I'm so happy to hear that! You'll love this one, Sunita! :)

Hello :) I’m rereading this book but I now understand that I am not a visual thinker/reader and I realize that I love to read but I always feel like i’m missing out on something. My lack of visualization can make a story feel hollow for me. I was wondering if you had any advice?

I know you did a lot of work on the beat generation in college. I would love a video about them, I am getting in to Jack Kerouac a lot right now.

I’m looking forward to reading this with you, Ben!

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Thank you, Canton! I'm so excited to hear what you make of it :)

I’m looking forward to this year Benjamin. Got my books👍

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

Nice one, Daryl! I'm so excited to hear what you make of the great books on our literary journey :)

Great video! Can’t wait to finally read this book

Happy New Year Benjamin What a wonderful book I can wait Blessings to you 🙏✨

@BenjaminMcEvoy

4 ай бұрын

Happy New Year, Sonia! Blessings to you too 🙏☺️

Thanks for this, Benjamin. You are amazing.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Gregory!! I appreciate you ☺️

Excited to read this book. Seems to be a really good one