One of my truths has been that I don’t like John Steinbeck, but I love Cannery Row. Recently, I’ve been reconsidering that position as I contemplated his books. I absolutely love Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday . I enjoy very much Of Mice and Men . I came to the realization that what I honestly meant was, “I don’t like The Red Pony , and I’m not too keen on The Pearl.

Our Book Club book for October was East of Eden – I’d mentioned previously that I was working on reading it, and now that I have finished I can definitely change my truth. Steinbeck is an amazing writer (and yes, The Red Pony is still bad). I love his descriptions and his characters, even when they are unseemly, they are well written. Another one of the things that I like about his characters is that there are good people in all stations of life, and you can't judge a person by their external situation. This especially comes through in Cannery Row, and in fact, I’d argue is the theme of that novel.

The lovely Kristina asked me if it was long, the copy I had was about 600 pages, but it goes by quickly, there were several football practices that I read about 100 pages. Since I knew that it was based on the story of Cain and Abel, I was concerned that something horrific was coming (remember the Red Pony thing?) but was pleasantly surprised. And, I can still say, his characters and writing are the cornerstone of his greatness. Someday, in addition to re-reading Cannery Row I should read his magnum opus, Grapes of Wrath

It has been a long time since I’ve been to Cannery Row, but I look forward to exploring the tide pools again. And, I am always up for seeing James Dean in a movie, so I should put the movie version on my “to watch” pile.

And, in another bit of book goodness, yesterday I stopped and bought Sharon Kay Penman’s newest book, The Devil’s Brood. I only got to read the first couple of chapters last night and this morning, I am looking forward to getting lost in Eleanor of Aquitaine’s stormy marriage. There is a very small group of authors that I won’t wait for the paperback release, and she is atop the list. I’d only add Barbara Kingsolver and Kh. Frederica Mathewes-Green (truth be told, I don’t have her complete collection, but most). I’d be curious to hear who are those few authors for others.

A friend wished me a cozy weekend curled up on the couch, under a blanket reading. This month isn’t going to offer many days like that, but I will take as many snippets of time as I can.

(photo credit)

Weekend Wrap-up.

Friday night, we went to The Oldest’s Senior Year Homecoming. Ironically, we went with the X-man whose football team is mentored by the high school kids, and The Oldest didn’t come along. It was really wet and rainy, thankfully while the football players and cheerleaders were in the rain, and the Homecoming Court was under umbrellas, the seats are undercover.

Saturday.

Grocery Shopping in the morning. Awesome CTMH party in the early afternoon, X-man’s Football game in the early evening (they remain winless, but there’s always hope as they enter the post-season)

Speaking of Post-Season, Yipee! The Dodgers are in the NCLS sweeping aside the Cubs (the Dh said, “this is proof that God hates the Cubs” Bwahahahahahahaha). Upon further reflection, maybe they were just working to keep the presidential campaign from going on hiatus during a Chicago vs Chicago series.

Sunday.

Drove to Seattle to attend Liturgy and the Russian Bazaar where I got to spend time with the lovely Lizzie Bennett – it was awesome to catch up with her, help put the bookstore out, enjoy Russian food (and brought home Baklava for the men in my life, in a bit of pan-Orthodox pastryness), and enjoyed the new iconography in the dome. Beautiful.

Came home, and bundled The Oldest along to have his Senior Photos taken by the fabulous Angela who I have known through Scrapbooking for years. I can’t wait to see them, even though it was drizzling, she took some amazing shots. We laughed at the difference between my hates to be photographed and to pose oldest and the X-man who I am sure is a photographer’s dream.

Zipped home, had vegetarian pozole for dinner, and went to the Season Opener of the Symphony

Last night was Book Club. Tonight, I’m looking forward to coming home, putting my feet up, folding laundry, and wearing sweats for awhile.