East of Eden = Five Stars

The book starts off with a letter from John Steinback, the author, to someone named Pat.


it goes:::




Dear Pat,
You came upon me carving some kind of little figure out of wood and you said, "Why don't you make something for me?"
I asked you what you wanted, and you said, "A box."
"What for?"
"To put things in."
"What things?"
"Whatever you have," you said.
Well, here's your box. Nearly everything I have is in it, and it is not full. Pain and excitement are in it, and feeling good or bad and evil thoughts and good thoughts—the pleasure of design and some despair and the indescribable joy of creation.
And on top of these are all the gratitude and love I have for you.
And still, the box is not full.

- John


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I've really enjoyed reading this book and it has got me excited to try more classics in the near future. This is an excellent book by an incredible writer - the kind that shines through time. I will always remember the plot line intertwined with the places we were as we were reading this novel. (Matt and I have been reading it together). Riding the train in the Swiss Alps through tunnels and valleys, we read about forgiveness and brotherhood. Lying in the tent outside of Venice in the rain, we read of the terrible foreboding union of Cathy and Adam. and so on. Thanks for the recommendation: Jon and Emily.