"The Sun Also Rises"

I finished reading "The Sun Also Rises" last night. I know Hemingway is probably the greatest American author to ever exist, but I just don't get it. This is the second book of his that I've read, and all his characters ever do is wander aimlessly while drinking heavy alcohol of every other page. I just don't get it. Maybe I'm missing something, but personally, I'll stick to Steinbeck for my authentic American literature. He's the second greatest of all time anyway, so why bother with Hemingway! :) (I despise the smily face thingys, but sometimes they are necessary to make a point)