Reviews: The Earlies Part 3

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Really fun. And interesting. One of the best young-adult fantasy novels, I think.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Not my favorite of Steinbecks work, but considering Steinbeck is an incredible Americcan author, that’s not saying much to the negative. It is a great story and very well written. Certainly interesting commentary on early prejudices toward the mentally handicapped.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Nearly flawless.  Beautiful “young adult” about the dangers of oppressive conformity and thought control. Be yourself!

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

This is one of the first truly literary giants I completed, and one which helped me to define myself as a literature student. Getting through this novel and, more importantly, enjoying it ..well, yay for Hardy. Thanks for turning me into a literature student.

The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer

Wow. Tragic and heartbreaking. Beautiful, honest prose. Disturbing and haunting true story.

The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle

Very moving story but Boyle seems wrapped up in his own style. That is to say, he comes across as quite pretentious. It distracts the reader from what should be a powerful and painfully truthful story.

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