Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Tortilla Flat
Book Review: Funny? I missed something.
Summary: 1 Stars
I had this book on my shelf for the longest time, meaning to read it, because I like a lot of Steinbeck's books and because when I was a child my family used to go to a campground in Arizona called "Tortilla Flat." So I finally sat down with the book and started reading it. Not only was I more and more annoyed the more I read it, but I realized I had actually read it before and hadn't found it one bit memorable. Irresponsibility, constant drinking, and skirt-chasing just don't seem funny to me. I didn't bother to finish it, nor did I give it to someone who might like it better--it went out with the trash.Steinbeck was probably good and drunk when he wrote this pointless book, but you're far better off reading East of Eden, The Pearl, or even Grapes of Wrath (which must be one of the most depressing books ever written).
Book Review: Golden Candlestick
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a must read for any Steinbeck enthusiast.
The first few chapters are written quite like short stories, introducing the main characters and allowing the reader the time to know them intimately. The stories merge together as one by one they move into Danny's home. Their differences enrich the tale as much as their similarities and I liked each of them for who they were.
Danny was the reluctant figurehead. The degree of respect his friends had for resonated so loud that I found myself respecting his quality. Pilon was stimulating intellectually. His rational could not be categorized as anything but genius. Pablo was the sidekick and brought a lot of humour to the pages of the book. Jesus Maria had the large heart and Big Joe was capable of more remorse than any individual I've encountered on paper.
My favorite, though, was Pirate. I instantly felt compassion for him, but that wasn't what won me over. I can always tell when I'm reading something great when I find myself repeating an entire chapter to my friends. I found myself telling the tale of the golden candlestick moments after I read it. I did, in fact want to sit my two dogs in a row and recite to them the entire chapter. If you do chose to read this book, pay close attention to Pirate. Purity of spirit exists within him.
This is a easily recommendable book. Though the text is not as polished as his works I've read that date past this book, his story telling is impecable.
Book Review: Great Book
Summary: 4 Stars
I find Steinbeck to be one of the best writters, this story is funny and sometimes sad, but always entertaining.
I do not believe it is fair to compare this book to the grapes of wrath, I have read several reviews comparing both and it is not fair, these are very different books and very different stories, the two of them are great in their own way.
This is a story about friendship, about love beetween friends, I liked this book especially because many different stories develope as the book progresses, and because of the many characters, I especially liked the Pirate.
I encourage you to read this book, it is not to long and if you like it and you have never read Steinbeck before, this is a good beggining.
Book Review: Great Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
Although a little slow at first, once I got going I could not put the book down - there are a few unforeseen parts as well as some humor. I highly recommend it to anyone.Book Review: Great but not the Best
Summary: 4 Stars
This story was very good, but not his best work in my opinion. The characters were very lively and always had interesting tales like in many of his stories, but some of his others are better. He gave vivid descriptions of what it might be like to live during that time in Tortilla Flat. Overall great read, but not the best.