When you're ready, read Grapes of Wrath. I'm just some random guy, but it's the best book I've ever read. I was like you after Grapes of Wrath about 18 months ago, not wanting to read another Steinbeck in fear of it not living up to GoW, but just finished Of Mice and Men earlier this month and it was absolutely worth it. The man knows how to write a compelling story.