East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a widely recognized novel that explores the ideas of good versus evil, free will, and redemption through the intertwined lives of the Trask and Hamilton families. The four-part novel follows two generations of Trask brothers—the troubled relationship of Charles and Adam and Adam’s twin boys, Cal and Aron. The generations grapple with love, betrayal, and destiny as the novel examines whether people are bound by their past or have the power to shape their future.

Oh. My. God. This book is one of my favorite books of all time. It was difficult to even write a synopsis without spoiling the book's best parts. The character development of each character is so beautifully crafted that I felt like I was in Salinas Valley right alongside them. Although the plot line can be confusing, Steinbeck does an amazing job of keeping a good pace within each part, and its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes make it an unforgettable read. I also enjoyed that Steinbeck took a simple trope, such as good versus evil, and twisted it to become complicated yet interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a good book to read, especially if you’re looking to dive into more classic literature.

Review by: Sylvie Kay

Sylvie is a teen volunteer at West Los Angeles Library. She is in 12th grade at Santa Monica High School.

—Danielle Fox, Young Adult Librarian, West Los Angeles Branch Library