"The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world. And he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true."
-John Steinbeck
Both Madeline and Andrew, upon selecting classes for their freshman year in high school were chosen by the teachers to be placed in Honors English. One of the required readings over the summer was The Pearl by John Steinbeck.
Although this is a relatively short book, I have found that people either love or hate Steinbeck's descriptive writing.
I love it.
As an author, he has the ability to write in such way that when you are reading the words, you close your eyes and look around you, and can visualize everything Steinbeck has created. You can taste the food, feel the warmth of the sun, touch the sand and brush the cheek of the characters. And even though they were all created in Steinbeck's imagination, the illusion feels real.
Because Steinbeck's style of writing is so different than anything she had ever read, Madeline was having a difficult time reading the story. I agreed to read it aloud to her and anyone else who wanted to listen. My children have grown up listening to the written word read aloud to them because I do believe some stories are meant to be heard, and I think anything written by Steinbeck falls into that category.
As we sat near the marina on a blanket at Metro Beach, Madeline and I took turns reading aloud the sad story of The Pearl. My youngest son, Benjamin, only nine years old at the time was fascinated by the story. It quickly became his favorite book, reading it many times over the past three years.
He is now is seventh grade and last week, he took The Pearl with him to school to read during silent reading time. His English teacher saw it and asked him how he liked it. After some discussion and the acknowledgement of his advanced reading level, she suggested he read Of Mice and Men.
First thing in the morning, I went to the bookstore, purchased a copy Of Mice and Men, and left it for him to find after school. He was so excited and started reading it right away.
That is what Steinbeck's style does to you. You want to read the story, so you can feel yourself in his illusion, and just for a few moments be someplace else, glimpsing in another's imagination.
