America and Americans and Selected Nonfiction by John Steinbeck

This collection of nonfiction confirmed my love for Steinbeck's
writing. This volume is named after the essay's named "America and
Americans" where Steinbeck examines various aspects of the collective
character of Americans. The other articles, essays and other writings
collected here similarly delve into the character of individuals he
knew and the nation he loved. Although these writings were all
written prior to 1970, I was surprised at how much the issues he
discusses, and the character traits he identifies, are still in play
and relavent today. I would definitely recommend reading this
charming book.