Steinbeck Relevant in any Economy

Posted on Sun, Jun. 16, 2002

In reference to columnist Mike Cassidy's June 9 column "It's wrong time for Grapes of Wrath," I need to correct some serious misimpressions.

"California Stories: Reading The Grapes of Wrath is a statewide project, but it's not a project of state government. It's being developed and organized by the California Council for the Humanities in partnership with the California Center for the Book, both non-profit organizations.

First lady Sharon Davis endorses the project because she believes reading is an important activity for everyone and a critical skill all Californians should possess. The Davis Administration has made reading a priority issue since its inception. To suggest otherwise is misguided and wholly inaccurate. We are pleased to have the first lady's support.

Cassidy fails to mention that nearly 50 prominent writers, artists, educators and organizations agree with Mrs. Davis or that more than 140 public libraries will host free discussions of the book this October.

He concedes that "The Grapes of Wrath" is a great book but assumes that in hard times people need mindless material to escape reality. We think hard times are exactly when people turn to books like "The Grapes of Wrath," books that can get us talking to each other about what's wrong and how to make things right.

One way is to heed the advice of a June 9 Mercury News editorial and pick up "The Grapes of Wrath," read it this summer, and join the discussions this fall. Please visit www.calhum.org to learn more and find the nearest participating library. You too, Mike.

Dr. James Quay
Executive Director
California Councilfor the Humanities

Mike Cassidy's column is simply unbelievable. He was wondering if the proposed John Steinbeck "read-a-palooza" is the correct medicine for our economically troubled times. I would point out that this book is one of the most important books of the 20th century and is an appropriate read at any time.

The book certainly deals with the woeful fate of the Joads, but it is also an uplifting and positive statement about the human condition and the fundamental goodness and strength of people. Perhaps if Cassidy had read the book to the end he might have realized this. I can only wonder what book he might propose in its place or what lessons he might want to instill in the population at large.

In a better world people with influence would gather together once a month to recommend a book of this caliber and encourage its discussion. Hats off to Sharon Davis.

Lawrence Dick
Watsonville