East of Eden

More enjoyable than I generally find “literature.” It was long and complicated at first, but never dragged once it got started. Some pretty gross people but some good ones too. I was looking forward to Lee breaking out into the world to pursue his dream, especially because it was to own a bookstore, and was disappointed when he returned but also relieved that his character wouldn't disappear when he had been so interesting and good. Second place: Samuel Hamilton, of course.