One of the earlier works of Steinbeck, this short stories collection seems to be an experimental ground for his later great novels such as Grapes of Wrath, In Dubious Battle and Cannery Row etc. It seems like Steinbeck was trying different styles e.g. some of the stories sounded very Hemingway-esque to me. Overall a great read if you would like a "trailer" for Steinbeck's novels.