Chapters 41 - 55

601 pages - I'm finished!

I have to say that I really enjoyed "East of Eden".  I know I was iffy at first, because I don't usually read books that have alot of death, misery and sorrow, and not as much joy in them.  This has been a great adventure and I can't wait for next month!

After I got done reading Chapter 25, when Lee and Adam and Samuel were discussing the sixteen versus in the Bible of the story of Cain and Able,

this is what hit me:

"The American Standard translation orders men to triumph over sin, and you can call sin ignorance. The King James translation makes a promise in ‘Thou shalt,’ meaning that men will surely triumph over sin. But the Hebrew word, the word timshel—’Thou mayest’— that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man. For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.’ Don’t you see?”"(pg.301)

What a powerful statement!  I've known that I have the choice to conquer sin or have it conquer me, but it was a great reminder.  It helped me to see it in a different light. (And to read in it a non-church book!)

Love it!

It's that time again!

Yup, throw them in to the BOX (aka - leave a comment).  I need to make a pick for FEBRUARY and would LOVE your suggestions.  Maybe a book you haven't even read, but heard it was good and wanted to read it. 

Give 'em to me.... Please?

Movie Night!

In researching this book, I found out that there was also movie made.  Since I've finished the book early, I thought I'd also watch the movie this month and review it. Why not, right?  If you know me, I love movies, expecially if they're really good old ones!  What I can tell from the reviews, it should be a good one.  It stars James Dean. Mmmmm! 

He's sure good looking!

Anyway, back on track. I'll watch it this week and let you know how it goes.

Good luck to you all!  Hope you enjoy finishing your book this week!

Chapters 26 - 40

Adam Trask buys a Model T Ford

Now I know this wasn't a huge monumental part of the book, by any means.  i have just always dreamed of owning an old car, such as this one.  Ahhh.... the wind in my hair, bumping along with every pebble or stone in the road, honking my horn... anyway, back to reality.

Now onto the meat of those chapters-

Lee seems to be such a wise man.  Sometimes direct and a bit long-winded.  His advice is still good and genuine and means no harm.

I'm always looking for friends like that.  Aren't you?  Someone to tell you the truth, even when it may be hard to hear?  Then again, Samuel Hamilton was similar that way too. hmmmm... just thought of that now.

I'll take em as friends!

(This is Jo Van Fleet, who played Kate, in the movie... not how I imagined her from the book, but oh well)

Another part of the story that I found really interesting was when Cal met his mother Kate. 

I've always wondered what that would feel like - growing up not knowing one of your parents and then finding them. 

Is it Joy? Sorrow? Many mixed emotions?

Chapters 14 - 25

Ok so. I think the book got MUCH better! It still has the few curse words and racy subjects, but now I feel a sense of FAMILY in the book. The pace has slowed down and I don’t feel as though I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. It’s kind of nice! Have you read this FAR? Maybe you’ve gotten FARTHER. I definitely still love the DESCRIPTIVE writing. It draws me IN to the characters and their lives. I’m intrigued by Cathy/ Catherine/ Kate. She’s such an evil, kind, understanding, cold, giving, lifeless ….person? So COMPLEX! How could she just leave her NEW twins Caleb and Aaron like that – right after they were born? I can’t imagine doing that.

I knew before, but I know for sure now, that I’m NOT meant to be a writer of any sorts (other than maybe my journal or blog).

What clever writing! It’s a GIFT!

Any thoughts?

My Dilemma

CHAPTERS 2 -13

(thought this was a funny picture, but kind of how I feel right now)

Hmmm. I’m not sure what to think about these chapters. I loved the first chapter, but the book has taken on a totally different feel. It’s a bit racy, but not in detail – just a lot of talk about prostitution, murder, betrayal, greed, etc. It’s a lot darker than I had thought or planned. I knew that it was a modern take on the Bible story of Cain and Abel – just didn’t expect it. Probably sounds silly. Not to mention the few swear words. My problem is that now I’m hooked. I want to know more of the story. The author is so clever in his descriptions and writing, that it’s keeping me so interested! Ugh! What to do?

What have you thought about the book so far?

Chapter 1

I loved the descriptions the author used to describe the valley!  I wish I could see Salinas Valley during a "wet year."  It sounds so beautiful!  Here's my favorite part:

"These too are of a burning color - not orange, not gold, but if pure gold were liquid and could raise cream, that golden cream might be like the same color of the poppies."

(These don't do those words justice in my mind,

but they're still pretty poppies).

What did you like?

January Pick

Thanks to the few of you that gave suggestions.  I've wanted to read this book AND it was on Oprah's book club (not that that really matters to me).  Drum roll please..........

EAST OF EDEN

By John Steinbeck

Click Here for Details About the Book

Go and check it out from your local library, buy it,

or borrow it from someone who has it. 

We have till JANUARY 31st.

I PROMISE to do my very BEST to blog at least once a

week about my thoughts on the book. 

Please leave me comments with what you think too. 

I know there's always another way of looking at things -

and NO you can't be wrong. 

Good luck!  Chat with you soon!