About the book
In California's Salinas Valley, John Steinbeck follows the Trask and Hamilton families from the start of the twentieth century to the end of the First World War, with backstory reaching as far as the Civil War. Adam Trask arrives with newly inherited wealth to settle in the valley, where the inventive Irish immigrant Samuel Hamilton becomes his neighbor. Their story echoes Cain and Abel's rivalry and the fall of Adam and Eve. Steinbeck addressed the 1952 novel to his young sons and considered it his magnum opus, and the Hamiltons are said to be based on his maternal grandfather's family. Elia Kazan's 1955 film adaptation introduced James Dean.
Oprah Winfrey chose it for her book club, calling it an ideal summer novel packed with drama, and Steve Benjamins, founder of Site Builder Report, named it his favorite non-business book for the way Steinbeck sees the best in people.
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This book has 2 recommendations
Steve Benjamins (Founder/Site Builder Report)
My favorite non-business book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I think all of John Steinbeck’s books are uplifting. He sees the best in humanity and it leaves me feeling warm and generous.
Oprah Winfrey (CEO/Oprah Winfrey Network)
It's the perfect summer read...a novel so rich and full of drama you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough!
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Steve Benjamins, Oprah Winfrey