I think I was twelve when I read Of Mice and Men, and I can remember how I felt about the characters and what was going on as I read. I remember thinking it was so good when Lennie smashed Curley's hand! Then I felt bad when the puppy got crushed, but understood at that young age he couldn't help it. Or when he unintentionally took the life of Curley's wife.

Reading that book was quite a ride for my first dip into appreciating classic literature. I should read it again too, but my memory of that story is still so vivid in my mind!