the effects of affection

Affection (or the lack of it in most cases) sure has a way of effecting a person or child especially.
In East of Eden, Adam was neglected as a child making him a violent and rebellious person just to gain attention from his father since he was getting his love as most children do that feel that they are not getting equal or adequate attention from either or both of the parental figures in their family. It is very important to give each individual equal attention (and presents for that matter) because children don't understand and are not capable of understanding the difference between quantity and quality and always want more because they don't know what's better. The children that don't receive this attention from both parental figures (if they have them and they really need them both) will most likely either become violent towards other attention receiving children or become extremely secluded and eventually suicidal all which are habits that are bad to acquire and break. So, next time you see a person like this give them a hug, give them a complement or just smile at them and show them that they are noticed and acknowledged, how knows it just might change their life or even save it.

on the west side of East of Eden

"You can boast about anything if it's all you have. Maybe the less you have, the more you are required to boast."
— John Steinbeck (East of Eden) 

 

On the west side of East of Eden meaning the beginning, the beginning of the book being west metaphorically speaking.

My first impressions of East of Eden:

very first impression-It's about TWINS! :D
after I started reading it- This might actually be a decent book.
what made an impression on me- the quote above

This quote is so true. Coming from a family that doesn't have much to start with, I know that whenever I get something I am grateful that  I received it and excited to tell people about it (and most of the time their reactions are "it's about time"). When you don't have much of anything else, the one thing you do have is pride so that's what you show.