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Newsletter: East Of Eden

by John Steinbeck
Struggling to face the truth in our selves. Moving forward with that knowledge. Reconciling pain and joy, weakness and strength, reality and dreams. I believe that is the key to growth, to wholeness, to life, just as it is the key to East of Eden. What more will we share as we turn to the final section?

Keep reading, and we'll talk about Part Four next week!

— Oprah

Footnote: * Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters, page 124.

Photo Credit: Painting of John Steinbeck courtesy of the Center for Steinbeck Studies at San José State University

The Wounds Time Can't Heal
She's so bad and he's so innocent...does the story of Cain and Abel intertwine with Adam and Eve in the relationship between Cathy and Adam Trask? What is Charles' motive for leaving Cathy half of his inheritance? Who was Dessie's one true love? Our literary guide, Margo Jefferson, had her work cut out for her!

Read the Q&A now.

A Story Steinbeck Wrote for You
Although it's true Steinbeck wrote East of Eden for his sons, Steinbeck wanted the issues of family and place—so intimately his own—to be achingly true for others. Take a closer look at how Steinbeck captivated his readers.

Get the new article from Professor Susan Shillinglaw

Host Your Own Book Club!
It's never too late to get a group of friends together for a Book Club! We've got great ideas on how to invite people, where you should meet and how to make it fun! Hint: Serving foods reminiscent of the Salinas Valley are a great way to get conversation flowing. Why not serve a crisp salad in honor of Adam Trask's lettuce venture?

Find more helpful hints for the host
  • In Part Three, six characters die or their deaths are described. How does the omnipresence of death change the mood and atmosphere of the novel? Get discussion questions for your next book club meeting.
  • Wherever you live, whatever time it is, log on and connect with readers everywhere online! Join a worldwide discussion.
  • The e-mails and pictures are rolling in! Check to see if your book club is featured and get to know others who love to read together!