The Grapes of Wrath

This book was a little bit harder to get into. It starts explaining the setting which to me is harder to pay attention to rather than explaining the main character first. I like the character Al because he is 16 and already having to put in his opinion and feeling pretty high up. I think we all need to have the chance to feel we have knowledge and share it. Al seemed mature for his age and the hard times his family were having made him this way.
I think the setting of this book is really important to know about. You need to know that this was during the depression and the great dust bowl. Without that knowledge everything doesnt fall into place. I feel the preacher helped make Joad who he was, he was a help to Joad because he didnt judge him for what he had done in the past but looked to the future.
In chapter 9 when it talks about the family leaving the house and the dust lingering in the air it seemed to me a symbol that they wont ever forget their homeland. Traveling is hard for the family because as they go the people are cruel and bitter to them, and the culture is new and different for them. It is nice when they find the Wilsons to travel with thougth because it helps when you have someone to support and help you along the way, and who are "in the same boat as you".
In the ending I got the picture of when there is death there will be life. Rose of Sharon gives life to the man even after the death of her child.