John Steinbeck, born on this day in 1902

One of my most revered writers. I love so many of his books, especially "East of Eden," "The Grapes of Wrath," "Tortilla Flat," "Sweet Thursday," "In Dubious Battle," "The Pearl," "The Red Pony," and "Travels with Charley." I remember well the day I learned that he had died, way too young in 1968 at the age of 66. I cried that day. A light went out in the world for me then. Thank God his works remain. And thank God that his widow later published a partial collection of his letters, nearly 900 pages of them, which in many cases is among the best writing that Steinbeck ever did.