I had some extra time over the past weekend to unwind and read something for fun. I went to my bookshelf, and I wanted to read something that would be quick, so I picked up Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I had never read anything by Steinbeck before, much less the novel, so I was really excited to delve into this new author and explore his writing style.
As it turns out, I couldn't put the book down because I was so engaged with his writing. His clear, concise, and straightforward style was perfect for a quick read. I was also amazed that he fit so much into a little over 100 pages. After reading Of Mice and Men, I can't wait until the summer when I can delve into some of his longer novels, such as The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden.
Another reason why I decided to read Of Mice and Men is because many high school students usually read the novel in the ninth or tenth grade. I wanted to make sure that I have read the novel before I have to plan a unit for it. After reading the book, I spent some time looking at Amanda's Of Mice and Men Wikipage. I really liked the activity with the Robert Burns' poem, "To a Mouse," and the PowerPoint presentation that centers on the "American Dream" theme in the novel. With these resources, I think Of Mice and Men would be a great novel to teach to students using new literacies.
As it turns out, I couldn't put the book down because I was so engaged with his writing. His clear, concise, and straightforward style was perfect for a quick read. I was also amazed that he fit so much into a little over 100 pages. After reading Of Mice and Men, I can't wait until the summer when I can delve into some of his longer novels, such as The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden.
Another reason why I decided to read Of Mice and Men is because many high school students usually read the novel in the ninth or tenth grade. I wanted to make sure that I have read the novel before I have to plan a unit for it. After reading the book, I spent some time looking at Amanda's Of Mice and Men Wikipage. I really liked the activity with the Robert Burns' poem, "To a Mouse," and the PowerPoint presentation that centers on the "American Dream" theme in the novel. With these resources, I think Of Mice and Men would be a great novel to teach to students using new literacies.
That's really cool that you do that too! I have a really awful short term memory and frequently pick up books that I have read before just to read them again. I obviously kept them for a reason so I feel the need to re-investigate that reason. I read Animal Farm by George Orwell over the summer. It's about 70 pages and I couldn't put that book down! It's so great and I don't even think I understood it completely when I read it years ago. It's hilarious and the political jokes and insinuations are, just wow. I recommend reading that one if you get a chance. As far as Of Mice and Men goes, I agree that Steinbeck is a truly gifted writer and he is one of those authors whom I am sure I could read all of his works. Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteOf Mice and Men is a great book! It always makes me a little sad at the end though. I fully agree that the wiki pages we all created will be a great resource when creating lesson plans next year! I plan to read some classics I haven't read yet this summer as well, just in case I may be teaching them in the Spring!
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