The best book I have ever read. For a long time, it was The Jungle, but Steinbeck paints such a full landscape of characters, scenery and overarching themes that I had to bump Sinclair one down on the list. This book puts choice back into the hands of "fate" and "destiny" with the theme of "timshel" (thou mayest). I love the character of Cathy/Kate: she is a richly illustrated villian but a child at heart longing for acceptance. I really think everyone on the planet should be required to read this book.