John Ernst Steinbeck Jr. was born on February 27, 1902, in Salinas, California, to John Ernst Steinbeck and Olive Hamilton Steinbeck. His father, among other things, was the treasurer for Monterey County, where he spent much of his life. His mother was a former schoolteacher who loved reading and writing as much as he did. Steinbeck grew up with his three sisters—Beth, Ester, and Mary.

Steinbeck’s ties to Monterey County heavily influenced his writing and served as the setting for some of his most famous works, including Tortilla Flat (1935), Cannery Row (1945), and the short story “Flight” (1938). His father struggled to find his calling in life, moving from one job to another while his mother, a strong, independent woman, stayed home with the children. This dynamic between his uncertain father and strong mother can be seen in “Flight,” as the women are portrayed as strong and wise while the men make foolish mistakes.

Steinbeck decided that he wanted to be a writer when he was young—as early as age 14—but writing is not the only type of work he pursued. He also spent many of his summers working on ranches near his home in Monterey County.