I very, very, very seldom re-read books. I generally think it's a waste of time when there's so much out there I want to read. However, this was my absolute favorite book when I first read it years ago so I wanted to read it again and see if it still holds up.

It does. This is still probably my favorite book (for now) and I firmly believe it's the best thing Steinbeck ever wrote. In my opinion East of Eden can hold its head up high as an American Les Misérables or Anna Karenina, sweeping in scope and incisively personal with its characters. Worth a re-read.