To those who have read The Grapes of Wrath?

Question

I have been told lately that I should read the Grapes of Wrath by several people. But I have also heard that it's a very depressing book. I have been diagnosed with depression. I love to read, but am unsure if I should read this one. Any advise?

Ok so I think I will read it and try to keep in mind that the message is supposed to be uplifting. Thanks! I'm trying to be cautious about the depression thing.

Newspapers? Haven't picked one up in years. Or watched the news!!!!!

Answer 1

"The Grapes of Wrath" is one of the best books I have ever read, and I recommend it to everyone.

I, too, have depression. I have a very severe chronic clinical variety, and I have been dealing with it for about 20 years now. I learned long ago how to separate my emotional life from my intellectual life, but it is not a skill I possessed when I was first diagnosed. It took me a while to learn that. My advice is if you have just recently been diagnosed, wait a while to read the book. You are very vulnerable to outside influences when you first find out about a life-altering illness like depression. Take time to get used to living with it, and treat yourself gently during that time. When you feel you have a handle on your illness, and how it affects you, you can pick up where you left off. Steinbeck will be waiting for you when you are ready for him.

Answer 2

Well, it is a sad story - but it is the real types of events that happened during the Great Depression. My recommendation is that if you have had people close to you die that it may dredge up some emotions and you may want to avoid the story.

I suffer from depression also, but I found that the novel did not make me any more depressed. When you read about how horrible these "real" people's experiences were, you can't help but feel good about your own life and the opportunities you have been given. If you have relatives who lived through this time period you will gain a new respect for them and what they had to endure. At the very least, you will be able to see what the human spirit can go through and still survive.

Don't let the worry about reading or watching films about sad or disturbing things stop you from doing it. There is usually always a message that you can gain and hopefully apply to your own struggles.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Depressed people should suround themselves with positivity. Do NOT listen to sad music, do NOT watch unhappy movies or television shows, do NOT hang out with negative people, do NOT read sad books.. THINK about the reason you read. To do yourself some good. To benefit yourself. You don't read a good book (which The Grapes of Wrath IS) for the sake of reading a good book. If it makes you sadder or more hopeless what the heck good is it? You need to go read something that will uplift you or MAKE YOU LAUGH. The book store has a WHOLE section on humor. The reference librarian can suggest humorous books. Check out the self help sections. Anthony Robbins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Norman Vincent Peale. Of all I have learned in my life I am at least sure of this: Unlike the scientific realm in the spiritual realm Negativity attracts negativity and positivity attracts positivity. It's easier to stumble when you travel in darkness than when you travel on lighted paths. Good luck.

Answer 4

It is not a depressing book at all. It is about the strength of the human spirit to face injustice and fight for ones basic human rights. It is very involved and does have some sad moments, but it is a great read. Go for it you may even find the message uplifting.

Answer 5

Good book but yes depressing. Also, Streinbeck is a bear to read. Actually not too many of Steinbeck is uplifting. If you want a good classic that is uplifting and beautiful, Siddartha by Herman Hesse. Sorry about the depression.

Answer 6

You can read it with the attitude, "Holy crap, I'm certainly glad that's not happening to me!" It's fiction, though and getting depressed over something that isn't really happening to someone who doen't really exist is nonsensical. I don't mean to say that you are foolish, it's just that it has been my experience as a bipolar guy that I spend much mental energy getting worried and upset over things that are only thoughts in my mind. Try reading it and if it bums you out too much, put it away and read some P. G. Wodehouse, an author from the same time period, his stuff's very funny.

Answer 7

I'm bipolar, usually depressed. (I DO take meds, though)...Anywayz.......I read anything I want to read. "Grapes" is depressing, but also uplifting in that it is so wonderfully written. Read it if you are so inclined. It is a novel--MADE UP--so, even though it could be the story of many people who survived the "dust bowl", it is not, per se, true! Also, it is about something that happened a long, long time ago.

If you're worried about reading affecting your state of mind, what the hell do you do about the newspapers?????

Answer 8

Yes, it is very sad. But it is about the Depression, and it is so far removed from our own lives now.

I would recommend the movie first, if you like the story, then read the book. Of course a book is always better than the movie, but it's a good rendition of the story.

Answer 9

Wait until you are no longer depressed and are emotionally healthy before you read Grapes of Wrath. The plot and setting of the book are dismal, and there are disturbing characters and events.

Answer 10

I would read this because it is about struggling and how some people overcome it. Yes, it is indeed very sad but perhaps their struggle with life will overshadow your own and you may find yourself overcoming what depresses you. It might be a good idea to go to amazon.com and read what other reviewers have written and then make your decision before you read it.