John Steinbeck wrote stories that stick with you. He had a way of showing you real people, especially those who didn’t have much, and the tough times they faced.
If you are drawn to authors who explore similar territory, writers who capture the struggles and triumphs of ordinary folks against big odds, then you might be interested in exploring authors who write with a similar spirit.
Books by Carson McCullers often explore themes of loneliness, social isolation, and the struggles of ordinary people, much in the spirit of John Steinbeck.
In “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,” McCullers paints a quiet Southern town during the Great Depression and follows several memorable characters whose lives intersect through their connection to a deaf-mute man named John Singer.
Each character carries personal dreams and struggles, and they all find comfort and understanding in the quiet presence of Singer.
Through intricate relationships and vividly rendered moments, McCullers shows how deeply human it is to crave connection and understanding, even in hard times.
Readers who appreciate Steinbeck’s sensitive portrayal of the human experience in works like “Of Mice and Men” will find McCullers’ storytelling satisfying and profound.
If you enjoy John Steinbeck’s vivid portrayal of characters and the honest depiction of life’s struggles, Ernest Hemingway might appeal to you as well. Hemingway’s style is straightforward yet powerful, often capturing complex emotions through simple scenes.
One of his most famous works, “The Old Man and the Sea,” tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who faces an epic battle against nature and his own limitations. Hemingway explores perseverance, dignity, and the quiet courage of staying true to oneself.
Santiago’s experiences at sea bring readers face to face with the human spirit tested to its limits. Hemingway’s storytelling provides clear imagery, sincerity, and deep reflection similar to Steinbeck’s narratives.
Readers who appreciate John Steinbeck’s thoughtful storytelling will likely connect with Harper Lee’s writing. Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” explores justice and morality in the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama.
Through the young eyes of Scout Finch, readers experience her father Atticus Finch’s courageous stand defending a black man falsely accused of a terrible crime.
Lee creates characters with depth and humanity, presenting a powerful portrait of bravery, injustice, and childhood innocence during difficult times.
Fans of Steinbeck will find Harper Lee’s exploration of moral conflict and compassion in this timeless story especially rewarding.
James Agee was an American writer known for capturing the hardships and humanity of ordinary people. Fans of John Steinbeck might particularly appreciate Agee’s book, “A Death in the Family.”
Set in Knoxville, Tennessee, the story explores how family members cope with sudden loss and grief. Through the eyes of adults and children alike, Agee portrays emotional struggles, small-town life, and the bonds that hold families together.
Its depth, honesty, and sincere tone echo the style of Steinbeck’s memorable work.
William Faulkner is a great choice for readers who enjoy John Steinbeck’s deep exploration of character and place. Faulkner’s novels often unfold in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, a setting rich in southern atmosphere.
In “As I Lay Dying,” he presents a family journey that’s both tragic and darkly humorous. The Bundren family undertakes an eventful trip across rural Mississippi to fulfill the dying wish of their matriarch, Addie Bundren.
Each chapter gives voice to different family members, revealing their secrets, desires, and conflicts. Faulkner’s storytelling captures the human condition in a tone that’s both gritty and poetic, similar to what readers often appreciate in Steinbeck.
Readers who enjoy John Steinbeck’s sharp portrayal of social struggles and deep exploration of human nature might appreciate Richard Wright.
Wright’s novel, “Native Son,” tells the intense story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man trapped by poverty and racial injustice in 1930s Chicago. After a tragic event, Bigger navigates fear and anger within a society structured against him.
The book vividly captures the painful realities of racism, poverty, and the desperate actions that can result when hope seems lost. Through Bigger’s story, Wright exposes harsh truths about America in a powerful, unforgettable way.
Truman Capote was an American author known for his vivid storytelling and sharp exploration of human nature. Readers who appreciate John Steinbeck’s clear style and deep insight into character struggles often find Capote a great discovery.
His book “In Cold Blood” explores the aftermath of a horrific crime in a small Kansas community. It’s a true crime novel that reads like fiction. Capote examines both the shocking murders and the complex lives of the killers with compassion and powerful detail.
This book isn’t just about crime—it’s a profound look into humanity that keeps readers thinking long after they’ve finished.
Willa Cather is an author you might enjoy if you’re drawn to John Steinbeck’s vivid portrayals of America and authentic characters.
Her novel “My Ántonia” explores life in Nebraska through the eyes of Jim Burden, who reflects on his memories of Ántonia Shimerda, an immigrant woman from Bohemia. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of the stark Nebraska prairie, capturing both hardship and hope.
Cather paints a clear and honest picture of immigrant experiences, human resilience, and the complex bond between people and the land. This book transports you to the heart of America’s past, with rich storytelling and unforgettable characters.
If you enjoy John Steinbeck’s heartfelt storytelling and vivid portrayals of society’s struggles, Charles Dickens may offer the depth and character you appreciate.
Dickens, a master of social commentary, offers rich, timeless narratives filled with compassion for everyday people. In “Great Expectations,” he introduces readers to Pip, a young orphan raised by his fierce sister and her kind but humble husband, Joe Gargery.
Through a mysterious inheritance, Pip leaves behind poverty and embarks on a life of ambition, love, and moral confusion. This classic novel explores class divisions, the meaning of true kindness, and the struggle between ambition and integrity.
Dickens builds a sympathetic world full of memorable figures, such as the reclusive Miss Havisham and enigmatic Estella, whose complex lives keep the pages turning.
Cormac McCarthy is an American novelist known for stories that capture the harsh beauty and darkness of the human condition, often set against stark landscapes.
Readers who appreciate John Steinbeck’s gritty yet poetic portrayal of human struggle may find McCarthy’s work compelling. His novel “The Road” follows a father and his young son through a devastated, ash-covered America after an unexplained apocalypse.
Facing constant danger and scarcity, they focus only on survival and each other. McCarthy explores themes of hope and despair, family, and morality in a bleak, unforgiving world. His writing style is powerful and direct—it will stay with readers long after finishing the book.
Flannery O’Connor is a writer whose stories explore the darker shades of southern American life with sharp insight and vivid characters. Readers of John Steinbeck will appreciate her gritty portrayal of human struggles and moral tensions.
Her collection “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” presents unsettling yet unforgettable narratives that confront themes of redemption, violence, and human frailty.
For instance, the story that shares the book’s title follows a family road trip in the Deep South that takes an alarming turn. O’Connor uses dark humor and stark reality to reveal unexpected truths about human nature.
Her stories leave the reader thinking long after the final page.
Readers who enjoy John Steinbeck’s vivid portrayals of life and struggle might appreciate Jack London’s gritty storytelling and powerful glimpses into human nature.
London was an American author whose stories often center on survival and the raw struggles of individuals against tough circumstances.
His novel “The Call of the Wild” tells the story of Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from a comfortable life and sold as a sled dog into the harsh Alaskan wilderness.
Through Buck’s eyes, readers experience cruelty and hardship, but also the enduring strength and primal instincts that surface as he finds his place in this unforgiving environment.
London’s mastery in exploring the fierce side of nature and society’s darker realities may resonate deeply with Steinbeck fans.
John Dos Passos was an American novelist known for his sharp eye on society and his unique narrative style. Readers who enjoy John Steinbeck’s honest depictions of American life might find Dos Passos a rewarding author.
His novel “Manhattan Transfer” paints a vivid picture of New York City during the early 20th century. It follows several characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, showing a mix of ambition, struggle, and hope that captures the essence of a bustling city.
With clear prose and realistic scenes, Dos Passos creates a mosaic of urban life filled with memorable moments and strong emotions.
John Updike is a great choice for readers who enjoy John Steinbeck’s realistic narratives and thoughtful exploration of American life.
In “Rabbit, Run,” Updike introduces us to Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom, a former high-school basketball star feeling trapped in his mundane family life.
Troubled by restlessness and an urge to reclaim his past glory, Rabbit impulsively leaves home in search of independence and self-fulfillment. Updike portrays with sharp detail the everyday struggles, desires, relationships, and frustrations that shape ordinary lives.
The realism, honesty, and careful attention to small-town life make this novel appealing to readers familiar with Steinbeck’s storytelling.
Readers who appreciate John Steinbeck’s vivid characters and insightful exploration of human nature might enjoy Saul Bellow. Bellow crafts stories filled with sharp wit, complex personalities, and thoughtful reflections on modern life.
His novel “Herzog” follows the life of Moses Herzog, a troubled professor whose career and personal life are unraveling after his second marriage collapses.
As Herzog writes unsent letters to friends, family, and famous thinkers, he reflects humorously and thoughtfully on love, ambition, and intellectual life.
Saul Bellow’s writing combines social observation with deep personal insight, offering readers a compelling mix of story and introspection.