Remember how I wrote about that worn and lovely copy of Cannery Row I found? Having never read it, I wanted to savor the little book. I stretched out the experience, putting it away every time I finished each enjoyable chapter–which is so unlike me. Usually I tear through books. I even read two other things at the same time so I could make it last.
Imagine my horror to get to the last page of it and realize that–it wasn’t the last page of it! Poor war-era book, somewhere near the end the weak binding gave up its fragile pages, lost who knows where and for how long. And this at two a.m. My first thought was to call Tim and ask if he had a copy. I knew I didn’t.
Or…did I? Nagging at my memory was another book I took from my mother’s library. It was actually a gift to her from me on her birthday in 1981, a collection of several works by Steinbeck. I crept through the dark rooms to the bookcase, turned on a light, pulled it from the shelf, and: SUCCESS! I was able to read the end–a satisfying conclusion all the way around.
Never has a gift given come back with such mercy. Thanks, Dorothy Jean.
Funny, how that worked out, and neat. : )
(Shame you didn’t get a Timothy-conversation out of it, though. Which reminds me: I don’t own a copy of Cannery Row….)
(I called him afterward anyway. He has a copy. It’s always wise to have a lover of Steinbeck living in your backyard. In a tent. While strains of Red River Valley play. Tim Joad, I call him.)
If I’d read anything other than East Of Eden I’d probably have a better idea what in tarnation you’re going on about over there. : )
Third try!
(Sorry. Tom Joad: main character, The Grapes of Wrath, set during Dust Bowl era, migrant Okies living in makeshift tents, movie version uses “Red River Valley” to pull at your heartstrings.)
You should definitely read The Grapes of Wrath, Mr. Man, and then watch the 1940 film starring Henry Fonda. In that order.
That is all.
Yeah, what David said.
(I probably have the exact same Steinbeck collection you mentioned.)
Re: Third try!
I’ve always said (but don’t fact-check this) that I prefer Becky Cochrane to Cliff’s Notes. : )
Re: Third try!
Cliff and I may be about the same on accuracy. But I have better colors.
Re: Third try!
Yes, but can Cliff create buttery biscuit goodness?
I thought not.
Believe it or not, there’s a Broadway musical version
of “Cannery Row.” It’s called “Pipe Dream.”
Don’t ask how I know these things.