jakewelch • read

07/30/2025 – 08/08/2025 – Best book I've read this year, and probably in my top five ever. I deeply connected with Ethan's moral integrity throughout the first half of the book. Turning down opportunities regardless of your situation because they don't align with you ethically is something I hope I would do. I also loved Ethan's inner voice musings and observations about the world. The second half, however, was a poignant portrait of what happens to a man who is downtrodden. His light burned out and his good humor became forced. Everyone got what they wanted, but at the expense of some people he cared about. The ending, even the last few pages, shook me to my core. It's not very often I close a book and feel the buzzing, burning in your chest sensation you get when you've truly been touched by something. I'm someone who loves books with memorable characters, good flow of dialogue, a gripping story, and beautiful exposition. This one had it all. This is my first Steinbeck so it's ironic that it was his last, but I can't wait to read more, maybe all of his works. 5/5 stars