Books That Inspire 2007
 
The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck


For several years I have hosted a Women's Fiction Book Club at Barnes & Noble. I chose The Grapes of Wrath for January's selection because it is a great American novel, it is Oklahoma's centennial year and most of the young women in the group had never read it. John Steinbeck gave an in-depth portrayal of not only the struggle of the people escaping the Dust Bowl, but also a perspective into the economic, political, and climatological conditions during that time. Many people think the book gives a negative image of "Okies" but I disagree. Each time I read it I am touched by the determination, humanity, and courage of the people from Oklahoma. They were true pioneers.
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Dee R Fisher
Staff Assistant III
Naval Science