Mrs. Little
English I
Independent Reading
2015-2016
Sally Student
November 5, 2015
English I
Book Report 1
Of Mice and Men Book Report
Book information: 5 to 10 sentences
Who is the author? When was it published? What is the genre? Explain interesting background you find on this
novel. Perhaps it is fiction, but it is based on true events. Explain the interesting/unique elements that went into
writing this novel. Make sure your writing is fluid and has cadence. In other words, do not merely answer each
question listed above without connections and transitions.
Summary: 10 to 20 sentences
Summarize the events that take place in the story. The key word is summarize; you don’t need to tell me the
protagonist’s favorite food unless it is truly pertinent to the rest of the plot. Remember to just give the plot
details. Also, if there is a twist ending, you may not want to give it away for your reader. Think about how
movie trailers leave teasers and use that to entice your reader to go out and get the book.
Critique: 8 to 12 sentences
This is not simply telling your reader that you liked it or didn’t like it. You need to explain text elements.
Discuss the author’s style or his/her ability to add suspense. What was interesting or unique? Perhaps the events
are not in order or the twist at the end was lame. You can be critical, but explain the elements of the text that
bring you to this opinion. “I just didn’t like it” communicates two things: 1) I didn’t really read it and/or just
skimmed it and 2) I cannot think for myself so I will play it safe.
Recommendation: 5 to 10 sentences
This is the place where you can explain why you did or didn’t like it. You cannot just say you would or
wouldn’t recommend it, however. You should have some reasons to back this up. Remember to keep your
writing academic – “because it was stupid” is not a reason.
You should have a minimum of about 30 sentences. If the above format is followed you should have a page of
writing. I am not going to count your sentences. I am grading on your ability to show what you have read and
how well you can express your ideas about it in writing. You will also need to submit your paper to turnitin.com
by the due date for on-time credit. This process will be explained and demonstrated for you.
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. 5. New York: Penguin, 1995. Print.
Mrs. Little
English I
Independent Reading
2015-2016
Sally Student
November 5, 2015
English I
Book Report 1
Of Mice and Men Book Report
John Steinbeck’s gripping tale of friendship and loneliness is a timeless classic for any historic fiction
fan. In Of Mice and Men, published in 1937, George and Lennie portray the kind of relationship that is hard to
pin down, yet one to which many can relate. Originally meant as a play for the stage, Steinbeck changed his
story into a novella – this style is evident in each of the six chapters as each opens with a description of the
setting, followed by authentic dialogue from the characters. And it is the many well-rounded characters in
addition to the flat characters that make this story so memorable.
During the Depression of the 1930s, George and Lennie set out to find employment as migrant workers
on ranches. The two men (though Lennie’s mental disability likens him more to a small child) find work in
Salinas and meet many men and one treacherous woman, all of whom carry their own loneliness. George, a
small, curt man, takes care of the giant teddy bear Lennie. While Lennie’s size makes him a star worker on the
ranch, it is revealed that his strength has “gotten them in hot water” in the past. In one instance, Lennie
accidentally kills a mouse and tries to keep it as he likes its soft fur. George must play the parent to Lennie
throughout the text, though they are not related. As the book progresses, readers meet Candy, the old swamper
who keeps an old, smelly dog; Crooks, a black stable buck with a crooked back; Curley, the boss’s cruel son
and his wife, a raging flirt; and Slim, “the prince of the ranch.” These characters’ all show how lonely the world
is…it seems only George and Lennie have each other, a source of hope that leads them to dream of owning their
own ranch. Will they ever fulfil their dream? Can they overcome the hopelessness and isolation of the time?
Pick up Of Mice and Men to find the answers to these questions.
Beyond the page-turning talent of Steinbeck’s writing, there are many other reasons to pick up this book.
As mentioned above, his characters are complex and interesting. Even characters who are seemingly flat, allow
the reader to consider their point of view. The settings are rich and vivid with imagery, providing clear vision in
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. 5. New York: Penguin, 1995. Print.
Mrs. Little
Independent Reading
English I
2015-2016
the reader’s mind. Steinbeck is a simple writer, employing colloquial slang to bring authenticity to his story; yet
he also manages to embed foreshadowing, symbols, and metaphor, which allow for a deeper analysis of his
social commentary of the time. While at times, the plot seems to slither along, it aided in the feelings people of
the time would have felt living through the Great Depression.
Thus, due to the suspenseful plot, relatable characters, and intriguing style, I would recommend Of Mice
and Men to any reader of high school age or older. Some mature scenes and statements require an older
audience, but strong and more basic level readers could easily comprehend this book and enjoy it. I thoroughly
enjoyed this bittersweet tale of two friends chasing their American Dream as many have before and many will
well into the future.
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. 5. New York: Penguin, 1995. Print.