Of Mice and Men

I read this book because my daughter, 9th grade, was assigned to read it for 9th Lit class. I’d never read it and only knew of the title and author, knowing they are classics and well-respected in the literary world. I hated the book. Hated the characters, the feeble-minded Lennie and his enabling friend George. George knew that Lennie was a danger to others: small animals, people... yet he coddled and protected him, all the while grumbling and complaining that Lennie holds him back. That’s about all you get to know of the characters. I kept reading, thinking the relationship would be explained somehow, thinking there must be something good about the two guys, but no, there isn’t. A few characters caught my interest: Slim and Crooks, those two could have an interesting story separately. But George and Lennie are pathetic characters and Of Mice and Men is a boring, terrible waste of time. Don’t bother reading this one. So many quality books to choose from and teachers keep pushing these “classics” that suck. I sure hope this 9th Lit teacher chooses something better for the next assigned book. Of Mice and Men isn’t one to keep kids interested in reading novels for school. One good thing about the book: it’s short. Thank God. Maybe that’s why she chose it for the class.

I am a middle school teacher, and we use this book in our curriculum. The book does have some mature themes, but each use of language or violence has a good reason and a positive message to be gained from it. This book is a good way for parents to talk to their children about loneliness, responsibility, disability, racism, sexism, gender roles, and action versus intent.