Back to John Steinbeck.
Since you enjoyed East of Eden you may want to try some of his other writings. Many are easy and quick books to read. I have read all of Steinbeck's books and without a doubt he is my favorite author of all-time.
I intend to re-read all his books again sometime soon as I seem to get more understanding from them in re-reads. Four of his books I have already read twice....Tortilla Flats, Cannery Row, Sweet Thursday., and the controversial The Moon is Down.
Tortilla Flats, Cannery Row, and Sweet Thursday all take place in an area of California that I have visited (Monterey - we were racing at LaGuna Seca and we stayed for an extended visit, had dinner at Cannery Row)