From the interactive exhibits at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, to lunch at the Steinbeck House and a view of the author’s childhood room where he later wrote “The Red Pony” – I was immersed in everything Steinbeck.
When I was in Steinbeck country a few years ago, I read “Sweet Thursday” for the first time, but did not understand the relationship between the real Doc and John Steinbeck until I saw the exhibits this time at the Center.
The Center’s bookstore had every Steinbeck publication as well as DVDs of books made into movies; of course, I had to add to my collection:
Steinbeck’s classic “The Pearl”; Steinbeck’s last published book, “America and the Americans”; and “The Steinbeck House Cookbook.”
I came away determined to reread a few old favorites too, especially the two slated for remakes: a Steven Spielberg version of “The Grapes of Wrath,” and a Ron Howard directed “East of Eden.”
Have you read any Steinbeck or seen the movie versions? John Malkovich in “Of Mice and Men” is one of my favorites.
The No Charge Book Bunch 
I would love this excursion! I loved the movie, Grapes of Wrath and I loved the book, Of Mice and Men.
It was great – lots of hands on exhibits. If you are ever in the area, you need to go. And stop by the Steinbeck House for lunch – volunteers are friendly and so knowledgable.
Actually that’s the way it’s always been. Very well-designed, and the interactive activities are great. On to San Francisco next? I hope you’ll be blogging about the conference!
Staying around here for a while. Next stop is Asilomar in Pacific Grove (Empty Spools quilting class), then the Left Coast Crime Conference in Monterey. I’ll keep you posted.
SO glad you made it to the museum! Last time I was there it was struggling financially, so it’s a relief to know it’s still in existence. I love Steinbeck – east of Eden and Grapes of Wrath are my favorites. Didn’t know they’re being remade into films.
The museum/Center looks new. Lots of interactive exhibits for children and adults. Might have been refurbished and updated? So glad I visited.