I read this book in high school and it is still one of my favorite books. This story of an unbelievable, amazing friendship and dreams that will break your heart is something that I still carry with me. It is a fast read but one that will last you forever. ( )

One of the classic novels I'd recommend for everyone. ( )

Of Mice and Men is primarily a character study, but, like the more lengthy works of its author, it does manage to touch the societal norms of its time and bring them in line with the motivations of the characters. Depicting a story where the characters have nothing but delusion to carry them from one day to another, it manages to capture the toxic and tragic culmination of such aspirations in a society which has very limited growth potential for the working class.
The repetitive nature of its plot might slightly wear the reader down, but it serves as a solid buildup to the climax of the story, and the character arcs also help give this story its natural conclusion. It is not a story that gradually drains one's hope away, but it's presented as a ticking time bomb; Steinbeck tucks the reader in a blanket full of warmth and comfort and clangs a metal pan over their head as soon as they succumb to that fake sense of comfort. ( )

Haunting, well-written story about men with simple values and flawed thinking who are driven to do what they think is right for survival. ( )

I don't know how to review this. It's cruel and kind. Rich and simple. Short and deep. You can sense the ending from the first page but stay intrigued until the end. It hurt me, depressed me but also lifted me up and gave hope. It's just good. ( )