... continues to draw much attention: The Balloting So Far. I'm somewhat annoyed by the potshots some have taken at Steinbeck. I suggest they open up any of his books and notice how good a writer he actually was. Let's forget the ideological crap.
I agree Steinbeck wrote very well and should be included, but it's not just the omission of certain writers that bothers me. It's also some of the books they chose. For example, I thought This Side of Paradise was much better written than The Great Gatsby and I preferred Puddinghead Wilson to Huckleberry Finn.
What isn't clear is the criteria they are using for determining the 'best' American novel.
I agree Steinbeck wrote very well and should be included, but it's not just the omission of certain writers that bothers me. It's also some of the books they chose. For example, I thought This Side of Paradise was much better written than The Great Gatsby and I preferred Puddinghead Wilson to Huckleberry Finn.
ReplyDeleteWhat isn't clear is the criteria they are using for determining the 'best' American novel.
I must be getting shy. I keep putting myself in as anonymous.
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck is probably having the last laugh from the grave, ie people reading and enjoying his wonderful books.
ReplyDelete