annaptobias's review against another edition
4.0
It's funny how we can attach a romantic ideal to a truly depressing time.
james1234's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thebodybuildingbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't mind it for a book that I felt was literally about nothing.
akmatz's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A good example of Steinbeck's prose. It was an easy read for me, I wish the ending had been more cohesive but overall a good plan read.
m1nature's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kaylamorin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jtferdon's review against another edition
4.0
This book is pure Steinbeck, set in Monterrey and character driven. There is very little plot but thoroughly enjoyable.
katebol's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t think I could like this book any better, then there was an entire chapter about a gopher.
moseslh's review against another edition
5.0
Cannery Row was a lot of fun to read. Of the five Steinbeck novels I've read, it's the only one I would describe as "cute." It's not as heavy (emotionally or physically—it's quite short) as his other works, and it's the type of story that makes you smile even when the characters mess things up for themselves.
Rather than following one protagonist, the novel follows a working class neighborhood (Cannery Row) in Monterrey, with chapters focusing on a number of the personalities who reside there. Cannery Row immerses you in the neighborhood, and by the book's end you feel almost like you live there yourself.
Overall, I would categorize Cannery Row as the literary equivalent of comfort food, albeit on the more filling and nutritious end of the comfort food spectrum. While it didn't feel life-changing for me like [book:The Grapes of Wrath|18114322] or [book:East of Eden|4406], I really enjoyed it and would love to read it again at some point.
Rather than following one protagonist, the novel follows a working class neighborhood (Cannery Row) in Monterrey, with chapters focusing on a number of the personalities who reside there. Cannery Row immerses you in the neighborhood, and by the book's end you feel almost like you live there yourself.
Overall, I would categorize Cannery Row as the literary equivalent of comfort food, albeit on the more filling and nutritious end of the comfort food spectrum. While it didn't feel life-changing for me like [book:The Grapes of Wrath|18114322] or [book:East of Eden|4406], I really enjoyed it and would love to read it again at some point.
wayneg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Wonderful collection of vignettes, sometimes laugh out loud comic scenes, such as the frog hunt…then utter sadness, a young girls body in the shallows…a celebration of simplicity, of an age long lost where a community of what “polite” society would call misfits, low life’s and losers finds solace and joy with each other