Benson, Jackson J., John Steinbeck, Writer: A Biography, Penguin USA, 1990.

To better understand the writings of Steinbeck, it helps to understand his life, as much of the material of his books comes from his personal experience. Benson offers a comprehensive look into the life of Steinbeck.

Hill, Cherry, The Formative Years: Raising and Training the Young Horse, Breakthrough Publishing, 1988.

This definitive study of what it takes to raise a colt provides the information required to take on this task.

Steinbeck, John, Working Days: The Journals of "The Grapes of Wrath," 1938-1941, edited by Robert Demott, Penguin USA, 1990.

While creating the novel, Steinbeck kept a daily journal of his accomplishments and his frustrations. For an insider's look into the mind of an author, this book provides not only interesting background material for the novel but also a lesson for would-be writers.

Wallsten, Robert, ed., with Elaine Steinbeck...