It's easy to see why this book is a classic, and it's one of the few that I really truly enjoyed. Steinbeck is telling one family's story, but alternates his chapters with a more universal picture of what was happening in that time period. I learned so much about the history of it all. 
 While the writing is truly poetic and beautiful, it is also not what you would describe as a page turner. Take your time with this one. It deserves it.