Portola Book Club! February Pick: East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Welcome back to our Portola Book Club series where each month we share novels that are set in Monterey County, inspired by Monterey, are written by an author from the area, or are somehow related to this destination. As a destination rich in literary history, Monterey is a dream for literary tourism, inviting visitors to explore the places that have shaped iconic stories while discovering new favorites along the way. As always, we’ll have copies of this month’s book available to borrow in our lobby library.

February’s Pick

With Netflix’s limited series East of Eden coming out this year, we felt it was only fitting to pick John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Born and raised in the Salinas Valley, Steinbeck often used his own surroundings as detailed settings in his novels. East of Eden does just that, where the Salinas Valley’s landscape is vividly brought to life.

About the Book

The novel starts with Adam Trask moving to California from the East to farm and raise his family in the Salinas Valley. Unfortunately, the birth of his twins, Cal and Aron, brings his wife to recklessly abandon her family, and Adam is left alone to raise his boys on his own. Aron thrives nurtured by the love of all those around him, but Cal grows up in loneliness, enveloped by a darkness he believes he inherits from his mother. The book showcased themes of good vs. evil, free will through moral dilemmas and family dynamics with different family relationships.

What to Visit While You’re Here

National Steinbeck Center

Dedicated to John Steinbeck’s life and writing, the National Steinbeck Center, features exhibits on his books, manuscripts, photographs and more. This is a great place to visit after reading any of Steinbeck’s novels.

Wineries

Known for its cool climate vineyards, the Salinas Valley produces high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There are a few wineries that are located along River Road backdropped by the Santa Lucia Highlands, and offering a relaxed activity during your visit. For an effortless experience, check out Monterey Guided Wine Tours for a chauffeur driven wine tour tailored to your interests.

Ag Venture Tours

Take a tour and learn about the agricultural side of Monterey County through Ag Venture Tours. They have a wonderful Salinas Valley Agricultural Education Tour where guests can learn about the “Salad Bowl of the World” and watch as vegetables in the fields are being planted, harvested, packed, and irrigated.

Image courtesy of See Monterey

Where to Read the Book

This classic book needs a classic reading spot and what better place than our beautiful lobby. The gorgeous trees provide the perfect ambiance to get you to feel like you are out in nature with the characters. If you are out exploring Monterey, take the book to Cannery Row to read the book in Steinbeck Plaza, which showcases a statue of the author with a breathtaking view of the Monterey coastline. Paired with the sounds of the waves in the background it really is the perfect spot to read a Steinbeck novel.

Cocktail Pairing at Jacks Monterey

Pair this historical fiction with our Monterey Old Fashioned at Jacks Monterey. East of Eden is rich, reflective, and deeply rooted in the setting and history, so picking a drink that’s classic and timeless will pair perfectly. It’s a slow-sipping drink that encourages you to pause and sit with the story.

Book Your Literary Itinerary

Explore Monterey and experience for yourself the beauty and nature that John Steinbeck wrote about. Portola Hotel & Spa is a great home base for your adventure as it’s only 30 minutes from Salinas Valley and just minutes away from Monterey’s most popular attractions. To reserve your stay, visit our website or call us at (888)-222-5851.

Featured image courtesy of See Monterey