Last week I visited the wonderful National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California, the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to a single writer. Steinbeck (1902-1968) had a fascinating life. His best-known works include Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, Cannery Row, and of course, The Grapes of Wrath, awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1939. His literary reputation has suffered ups and downs but despite some critics, his books remain popular. The museum is very lively. One room has the movie “East of Eden” playing. The actual camper-truck called Rocinante that Steinbeck traveled across the country in (Travels With Charley) is there. These are my friends getting fresh with Mr. Steinbeck in the museum lobby. If you ever find yourself in the Salinas area, the museum is well worth a visit.
freshmoonpie 