Since I couldn't remember the required books for high school classes I chose an author I read during that period:  John Steinbeck.  Just completed his Journal of a Novel, which he wrote while he developed East of Eden.  I can't decide if one should read this interesting book in conjunction with East of Eden, after one has read Eden or follow it with Eden.  At any rate, Journal gives one an in depth look into Steinbeck's life.  He discusses his health; his sons and his wife, Elaine; his critics; his books; his fears and joys; and the development of East of Eden and with many of its characters and their experiences.  I truly enjoyed this glimpse into the life and heart of this sensitive author because I have read many of his novels.  Journal was written in the form of letters to his friend and editor of The Viking Press, Pascal Covici, and were written on the left-hand pages of the notebook in which he write East of Eden.   The editor received the letters after the book was completed.  It's a most interesting book and an enlightening look into the life of an author who struggles and struggles in his writing.  What pains Steinbeck went to make his characters lifelike and their experiences true to their personalities!