The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the The Grapes of Wrath Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on August 2nd and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 08/2
8/2: chapters 1-2
8/3: chapters 3-4

Week of 08/4
8/4: chapters 5-6
8/5: chapters 7-8
8/6: chapters 9-10
8/7: chapters 11-12
8/8: chapters 13-14
8/9: chapters 15-16
8/10: chapters 17-18

Week of 08/11
8/11: chapters 19-20
8/12: chapters 21-22
8/13: chapters 23-24
8/14: chapters 25-26
8/15: chapters 27-28
8/16: chapters 29-30


PARTICIPANTS
~ Brianna
~ Anushka

through end of chapter 2: Thankfully the first couple of chapters were on the short side to help ease into things. I enjoyed the first chapter with how they talked about the different colors and such. As someone who lives in a desert I am quite familiar with the "rain" that barely wets the ground - just a few splatter holes essentially. I genuinely don't remember much from reading this previously so going in basically blind. I wonder if Joad actually did kill someone. Using today's punishments as reference, it doesn't feel like 1st degree is he only had 7 years as a sentence but things could have definitely been different back then.

through end of chapter 4: So we learned a bit more about what Joad did to end up in prison. Some of the language (specifically some of the dialogue) is a bit hard to follow but I'm sure once I get into the rhythm of it I'll be able to follow easier. I hope the turtle is okay!

Hope you don't mind but I will try to join the BR. I have been meaning to read this one for ages.

Finished chapters 1 and 2 last night. I assume that Joad did actually kill someone but I wonder about the context of that death. The ride in the truck was so awkward. I guess social skills get a bit rusty in prison.

It is also interesting that Joad didn't seem to know about the current dust issues in the region. I read The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl―A National Book Award Winner a few years back and learned so much about about the era.

I agree about some dialogue being hard to follow. I'm rereading so much of it to comprehend what the characters are saying. I guess it's harder for me because I'm not a native speaker of the language but at the same time, I'm finding it a fun experience.

Finished Chapters 3 and 4. Odd conversation with the ex preacher. I actually truly appreciate that he realized that he needed to stop being a preacher after reflecting on his actions.

Also hope that the turtle is okay!

Jen K wrote: "Finished Chapters 3 and 4. Odd conversation with the ex preacher. I actually truly appreciate that he realized that he needed to stop being a preacher after reflecting on his actions.

Also hope th..."

Hahahahah and i thought i might be the only one concerned about the turtle.
The preacher seems to be becoming a central character, which was unexpected to me. But it's nice that our hero has a friend now that he's out of jail and heading to be reunited with his family.

End of chapter 6

Glad that there was a bit of a resolution for the turtle!! Simply heartbreaking that so many families who worked so hard and sacrificed so much that the land was so much a part of their life to just be told to get out immediately.

Muley is an interesting character. I get his principle but also tough to send off his family alone. I am interested in the upcoming family reunion.

For some reason, Muley reminded me of Curly from peaky blinders. Can't explain it. Him living there all alone was sad. I wish he would tag along like the preacher and not stay back.

Technology taking away jobs is something that is so relevant even today when AI has rendered so many people's employment unstable and at risk. Their pain and uprootedness is so brilliantly portrayed by Steinbeck. No wonder this is such a celebrated book after all these decades.

Agreed that chapter was so well done and the tractor driver justifying that he needs to feed his own family. All of them lose except the rich at the top.

I'm appreciating the rhythm of the short context chapter and then the Joad chapter.

Of course I'm already behind. lol
through end of chapter 6: All the talk about the bank being the monster - I liked. It seems very true, especially given the timeframe.
Is the house the reverend and Joad go to the same as the one from the prior chapter with the tractor? I think so?
If Joad is on parole, I wonder if he will stay with his family or not.

Brianna wrote: "Of course I'm already behind. lol
through end of chapter 6: All the talk about the bank being the monster - I liked. It seems very true, especially given the timeframe.
Is the house the reverend a..."

I've been thinking of the parole thing as well. If everyone is crossing state lines and moving away, will he break the rules of his parole and go with his family? This book needs some happiness. I've been on the verge of tears twice already.

Read through chapter 10:

Loved the family reunion. His family was so fiercely loyal and that they were all quick to check if he was on the run. Grandpa is feisty. The parole really is an issue but not sure how Tom could stay behind and not join his family at this point.

Jen K wrote: "Read through chapter 10:

Loved the family reunion. His family was so fiercely loyal and that they were all quick to check if he was on the run. Grandpa is feisty. The parole really is an issue but..."

Exactly! He must go. I feel an affinity with Tom's mother. She's such a precious woman. The introduction of each family member, their traits and tiny anecdotes, was done so well. Southern hospitality is legendary and how they just took the preacher in when they have so little to their name, was so kind. It made me tear up a little bit.

through end of chapter 8: I am really liking what seems to be the format of this - one shorter chapter with a little side story that ties into the main one followed by a longer chapter that moves the story along.
I loved meeting Tom's family and the little differences between them all.

@Anushka: I agree about the hospitality - they didn't question anything about the preacher and just brought him into the fold.

@Jen K: I also loved how they all thought he was on the run and were worried about him (except for Al - he seemed disappointed).

Yes, everyone is just so generous- Muley offering the rabbit, the family offering their food and for both the preacher and Muley to join them despite the limited space and resources- despite having so little.

Through chapter 12- Two short context chapters. I really love how Steinbeck is able to explain the transition of farming from livestock and farmers to a distanced tractor and tractor operator. He is so well able to humanize the consequences of technical advances and how it displaced so many people with family, stories and ties to the land.

through end of chapter 10: I can't imagine having to decide what to keep or not with a trip like this but even less so deciding to burn what you aren't keeping? That would be difficult!
I have a bad feeling about this - Grandpa being potentially sick all randomly. It also seems like Young Tom is probably going to break parole but like - who would catch him or how would they find him again?

Yesss @Brianna. I thought I was being materialistic and emotional at that scene as to only carrying the necessities but it really is sooo hard. My whole life, my parents moved around a lot and my father complained sometimes of all the knick knacks I tend to hoard (my mom only laughed, she got it). And now that I'm married, my husband and I are also going to be moving for the second time and I. just. cannot. seem to throw or give anything away. letters. postcards. dresses that don't fit. shoes that hurt if I wear them too long. jewelry that I almost never wear. books. endless books. even fridge magnets haha. and having to fit your whole life in the back of a car and still leave room for so many people!? I'd have a panic attack.

through end of chapter 12: As someone who actually lives on Highway 66 in New Mexico and has a car without AC - I can only imagine how that trek would be almost 100 years ago. It would take ages and probably feel miserable (at least depending on time of year)!

Through end of chapter 14:

Sad day for the Joads. I do love that they joined up forces with another couple who seemed to really need the support. Everyone is so generous in this story despite being the worst time. It gives me hope.

I'm with you both on packing up only one car worth. I've been cleaning out my apartment a bit and it is so hard to actually follow through on getting rid of stuff!

@Brianna, no AC sounds so tough. I guess at least the windows are open and they are going slow??? but so many people crammed together :( I guess I can somewhat relate to travel in Africa when I was a volunteer and so many people would cram together in the back of a pick up with luggage and animals or in a minibus and never any AC and super hot. It was a bit miserable but usually not longer than a few hours.

Really sad day for the Joads indeed. I felt bad not just about what happened to Grandpa but how the others had to deal with it because they had no money. The other couple really was nice, giving their mattress and just being kind to strangers in hard times.

The next chapter and the description of the little kids staring at candies in wonder made me sob so hard. I don't know why the candy scene tore me up when so much hadn't. It's weird.

I loved the candy scene too!! Especially when she was struggling to give them the bread at first. The kindness of the diner and the truck drivers and all are just so heartwarming and seems to become more rare as they get closer to California.

Through Chapter 18: Difficult travels but I love the idea of the different cars migrating and becoming a bigger entity with rules to ensure that all are okay. I love that Ma is gaining her voice more and more. Tom needs to get his anger a bit more under control while breaking parole.

through end of chapter 16: There was some sadness in there. :(
I was bummed to read about the dog and bummed to read about Grampa. I am worried about Granma and hope she's okay. I like that they have built their little community but I worry with how everything is going to play out. It seems pretty bleak that everyone is heading out West.

They have such hope for the miracle of California and I don't think it will be so rosy unfortunately. I'm still hoping for a happy ending though!!

Jen K wrote: "They have such hope for the miracle of California and I don't think it will be so rosy unfortunately. I'm still hoping for a happy ending though!!"

Exactly, I don't think California would mean the end of their problems and that makes the sacrifices all the more sadder to bear.

through the end of chapter 19: I knew this book was sad but did not quite recall that overall it's just a downer. I really hope there is some type of positive ending. I'm glad they finally made it to California but it doesn't look like things will be that much better for them yet.

"And the little screaming fact that sounds through all history: repression works only to strengthen and knit the repressed."

Through end of Chapter 24:

The government camp seems like a good place if work is available. I loved the kids' introduction to sanitation unit. I hope that the people can keep it safe from those trying to tear it down. The farming/ labor practices are just a terrible system with the top profiting off the bottom trying to survive. It sounds like the farmers, at least the small ones, are stuck in it as well, forced to pay what the large ones want and beholden for loans to keep going. It is a sad book.

I'm not sure how this will end but I am getting anxious to get there.

Still at the end of Ch 19-
How the family has fallen apart. First Grandpa, then Grandma dead. Noah taking off in the wilderness. Mrs Sarah Wilson in that state that her and her husband could just not go on. Later, California, as was expected, turned out to be nowhere near the place that would mean the end of Joads' troubles. You're right about this book feeling like a constant downer. I need something happy here. I don't know how to go on like this.....

I finished last night. Overall I did appreciate the social commentary and lens on those affected by the shift to large scale mechanized farming and those taking advantage of the migrants who had nothing. It was a downer but it was to be expected. I really enjoyed all the small generosities in their interactions.

The very end/ last page was so odd though.

I have been a little bit slumpy so hard to want to pick up because SAD but hoping to get back to it soon!

@Brianna, I hope you are able to get back to it soon!! It definitely is a harder one because each chapter seems to make it worse for the Joads unfortunately.

Thanks to both of you for making the buddy read happen! I'm glad you motivated me to finally tackle this book.

I'm struggling too, agh. but I'm forcing myself to do at least one chapter every day and I will for sure finish it, even if not as per the intended timeline haha. I agree that the buddy read made it easier or else I might not have reached this point.

Jen K wrote: "Hope you don't mind but I will try to join the BR. I have been meaning to read this one for ages.

Finished chapters 1 and 2 last night. I assume that Joad did actually kill someone but I wonder a..."

Some other good companion books are Sanora Babb's Whose Names Are Unknown as well as Kristin Hannah's The Four Winds.

I read this book first when I was in high school and then my mom and I joined a book club and read it in 2008 during the housing crisis. Very relevant.

Jen K wrote: "@Brianna, I hope you are able to get back to it soon!! It definitely is a harder one because each chapter seems to make it worse for the Joads unfortunately.

Thanks to both of you for making the b..."

I'm glad you joined in! I will probably go to a chapter/day instead of a couple/day to not get too depressed as I work my way out of this slump.

Chapter 26-
The last few chapters had been nice. The government camp chapters with the community and the dances and kindness of all sorts. Looks like now we're back to heartbreak and pain.

through end of chapter 23: Things finally seem like they *could* be looking up. I wonder if we will see anything more from the preacher or from Connie or Noah or really anyone who we've met thus far.

yes Brianna I wondered the same thing. it would be interesting. not Connie, no. I share the others' contempt for him but the other two I'm intrigued about.