1. “The Grapes of Wrath” “Of Mice and Men”

2. Born in Salinas, California Father, Ernest, tried several jobs to care for his family Owned a feed and grain store Managed a flour plant Treasurer of Monterrey County Mother, Olive Hamilton, was a school teacher Three sisters Decided at 14 to become a writer At 19, enrolled at Stanford University Was enrolled on/off for six years, before finally dropping out in 1925

3. Moved to New York City Construction worker Newspaper reporter Moved back to California Caretaker in Lake Tahoe Published first novel, “Cup of Gold” (1929) Met and married first wife, Carol

4. “Tortilla Flat” (1935) “In Dubious Battle” (1936) “Of Mice and Men” (1937) “The Long Valley” (1938) “The Grapes of Wrath” (1939) “Cannery Row” (1945) “East of Eden” (1952)

5. Was a war correspondent for The New York Herald Tribune during WWII Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 for “The Grapes of Wrath” Died of heart disease on December 20, 1968

6. Setting The Great Depression The Dust Bowl Between Oklahoma and California Themes The effects of the Great Depression Man’s Inhumanity toward Man The Power of Family

7. “Of Mice and Men” has been a frequent target of censors for vulgarity and what some consider offensive and racist language Setting The Great Depression California Themes Dreams Loneliness and the need for companionship Evil of oppression and abuse