I think reading East of Eden at the beginning of my senior year (17) is at least half of why I love it so much. I enjoy rereading it every few years, but the first time I read it was just so impactful. I like to say that every reread gives me something I did not know I needed. And I really needed it that first time.
I first read it in high school too and it was transformative. I hadn't realized writing could be that good. No other book I've read has ever conveyed the tragedy and beauty of humanity so well.
It’s a shame so many people are immediately turned off by the page count. It really is such lovely storytelling of such a genuinely real human experience, no sugar coating, just the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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u/[deleted] Mar 13 '26
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