Of Mice and Men
By John Steinbeck

This tale is simple, suspenseful, and poignant. As a writer, I can't help admiring (and learning from) Steinbeck's gift for descriptive prose. He manages to balance his descriptive elements with the storyline to make a wholly compelling and enveloping experience. Of Mice and Men remains a wonderful escape to times when the pace and chaos of modern life were not so overwhelming. Despite its idyllic setting, the tale's more serious and sorrowful moments prevent us from getting too wistful for the good old days, offering instead the stark suggestion that tragedy and heartache are as timeless as hope and joy.