A memorable saga to say the least. Honestly, this is one of the best books I have ever read, certainly the best of Steinbeck's, even better than The Grapes of Wrath in my opinion. The story spans several generations of two families, the Hamiltons and the Trasks. The setting is both in the East and West (Salinas, California), and as it takes place over several generations, it also gives the reader quite a snapshot of the development of the United States and its expansion through history as the story of these two families develops and intertwines.
The 1952 publication of the book must have caused quite a stir as its topics touch upon prostitution, drug addiction, murder, violence, dishonesty and manipulation. The story is not all so somber and dreary, however. It also offers hope as the book also deals with themes about love, sacrifice and ultimate forgiveness.
The characters are unforgettable as well. I loved Samuel for his quiet and unassuming ways, but most of all for his simple wisdom. Kate is the character the reader will love to hate and that invokes our sympathies for her hopelessly naïve and kind husband, Adam Trask. Emotions run high throughout the novel, and readers will relate to some characters more than others, but will certainly connect on some level. The most impressionable element for me, however, was the concept of "timshell". I won't spoil the story for you, so you'll have to read this wonderful novel yourself to understand this old biblical term. All in all, East of Eden is simply just one of those books that everyone should read at some time in their lives. I highly recommend it!
Troy Billins is an overweight adolescent (otherwise known as a fat kid) who is trying to find his place in life and get by. For Troy, even death seems like it might be a release from the cruel peers at school and the harsh adults out in the real world. But the day he meets Curt McRae, it shows him that there is a glimmer of hope.
Curt was a legendary kid at school for his Band, Yes and for his really outrageous attitude and actions. As Troy begins to learn the drums with Curt, he really begins to fit in and be happy but not before he goes through seemingly endless frustration and embarrassment.
This is the story of two teenage boys, one German the other American. Although they don't know it, their paths will cross in a horrible war.
Dieter Hedrick is a member of the Hitler Youth and is anxious for his seventeenth birthday so he can join the soldiers in the field. He loves his country and would never do anything cowardly to bring shame to Germany. His proudest day is the one that Adolf Hitler visits his Hitler Youth Group and gives him a medal.
Spencer Morgan lives thousands of miles away in the United States and is in high school. He hates school and can t wait until he can quit and go into the army. He is idealistic and thinks that he will be able to show the German soldiers a thing or two.
Both boys get their wish and become soldiers just as Germany is planning to launch an attack on the Allied forces. This attack will be known in history as the Battle of the Bulge. The battle takes place at Christmas time in 1944. It is the coldest winter on record. Both boys try to keep their enthusiasm and idealism but cold, hunger, brutality and terror soon change them. Will they make it out of the battle alive and if they do will they ever be the same?
Hi! My name is Hannah. Believe me when I tell you that it all started with a burp. That led to depression, which led to too much responsibility placed on my shoulders. I know this sounds funny but believe me it's not.
You see, after he burped, my dad choked on some food and died . After that my mother just wasn't the same. She wouldn't leave the house, cook, clean or do anything but take care of her bonsai plants. And what did I do? How did I cope? I stole roses. Yep, I went around and stole my neighbors' flowers.
So You can see that things were pretty crazy at my house. With time spent taking care of my mother, the house, and stealing roses, I didn't have too much time for dating. Until I met Milo. Milo, the most popular, coolest guy in school. When he asked me out I couldn't believe it! When he kissed me I felt so safe, so secure. When he wanted to do more, much more, I went along because he made me feel so good.
Well, that's the good news. The bad news is I'm pregnant and my mother isn't much help. I tried to tell Milo's mother but couldn't. I had no choice, I had to tell Milo but I couldn't have picked a worse time, or place. I hadn't seen him in a while so I had to tell him when he stopped by job at the Burger Palace. We went out to the alleyway, with the dumpster and the garbage. I told him and he called me a slut, denying that he was the father. He hit me. Hard. Then he left.
No wonder I ended up in the Psychiatric Hospital. But what about the baby? What do I do about the baby?
