Steinbeck is an amazing writer. His books are not chick flicks. They are engaging, powerful, in times disturbing and well worth the read. You won't come away the same person. Try East of Eden or The Grapes of Wrath. I'm a heterosexual boy.
"Steinbeck is an amazing writer."
Agreed. Steinbeck's books are great reads (had to read Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath in high school).
Trouble is though, they've been challenged because they're not politically correct and don't fit in at all with the social engineering the Libs/Socialists/Communists who control the education establishment seek to achieve...
Check out "Travels with Charley" by Steinbeck if you haven't already. Plus, if you're into audiobooks, Gary Sinese reads it (nice for long trips).