* "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck: This novella, set in the same era as "Of Mice and Men," also features the Salinas River, though not as central to the story as in the later novel.
* "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck: This novella takes place in a fictional Mexican village by the sea, but the Salinas River is mentioned as a possible location for the protagonist's journey.
* "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck: While the novel focuses on the Dust Bowl migration, the Salinas River is mentioned as a point of reference for the Joad family's journey from Oklahoma to California.
* "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger: The novel is set in various locations, but a significant portion takes place in the Salinas Valley, with the river mentioned as a background element.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples, and there may be other books that use the Salinas River as a setting. However, it is not as common a setting as it is in Steinbeck's works.
Perhaps you are looking for books with similar themes to "Of Mice and Men" that are set in the Salinas Valley? If so, you might be interested in other Steinbeck works like "East of Eden" or "Tortilla Flat." You could also explore works by other authors that focus on themes of poverty, labor, and the American Dream in the early 20th century.
Could you tell me more about what you're looking for so I can give you a more specific recommendation?