I read this book as part of a reading challenge that required me to read a book with a house on the cover. I loved Of Mice and Men when I read it in High School but I was uncertain how I’d like Cannery Row. I actually ended up loving it! If I had to compare the two I would say both tackle sad topics and the struggles of the poor but Cannery Row is much more light hearted and has happier, almost comical moments. The story focuses on a single street in Monterey California and the poor but honest people who live there. Some of the major characters include a Chinese store owner, a bearded marine biologist who loves poetry and classical music, and a poor drunkard who has very bad luck. I loved that the story attempted to show that all people are good hearted or mean well on some level. The only thing preventing it from being 5 stars was the fact that some chapters discuss characters and situations that never come into play with the main characters or situations and though they add to the theme there’s one in particular that seems off (I won’t spoil it by saying what chapter but it is from the POV of an animal). However, that’s just my opinion. I did love the book overall and would recommend it. FYI- CW/ TW on the book for death, mental health, suicide, and racist portrayals of Chinese people.