The Pearl is the retelling of an old Mexican folk tale in which the main character, Kino, finds a magnificent pearl and instantly begins speaking of all the great things he and his wife and child will do and have because of it. His dreams are neither overly greedy nor unrealistic. He wishes for new clothes (which they sorely need), a rifle, and an education for his son. However, by the standards of the time and their poverty, Kino's fortune breeds jealousy and greed in those around him and begins to distort his reality, which leads to trials and tragedy in only a couple days' time.
The story definitely teaches a lesson about the effect of money on a person and those around him/her. Although a good resource, not only will money not solve your problems, it may cause worse problems.
Are you a John Steinbeck fan? Which of his works have you read? The Grapes of Wrath is also one of my reading goals for this year.
I haven't read any of Steinbeck's books other than Of Mice and Men - I think I didn't know where to start really. I think I would quite enjoy The Pearl, so thanks for the review.
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Bits & Bobs
East of Eden is being made into a movie in the upcoming couple years and I enjoyed that one too. (Love Of Mice and Men!)
DeleteI've read The Grapes of Wrath time ago, and it's a fantastic book, but very-very hard. I found myself depressed after finishing it, seriously. I would like to tell you to be patient because the first 50-60 pages (or so, I don't remember very well) are very slow, but then it begings to be better.
ReplyDeleteI have also read The pearl. It's shocking because you think that the pearl can also bring good things and then it's just the opposite.
Agreed...American Literature itself is pretty depressing. My students tell me I'm a dream wrecker and depresser with every book we read every year! Lol
DeleteOne of my high school teachers tried to teach us speed reading using The Pearl. I sadly retained very little of it... I'll have to give this a re-read! The Grapes of Wrath has been on my TBR list for a very long time, I need to just read it!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't speed read, I'd be afraid I missed something and go back and read it again, which would take more time! Lol
DeleteI am unfortunately NOT a Steinbeck fan. I haven't been able to get into anything of his that I've tried to read, whether it was for school or on my own. :( I understand his impact and importance, I just don't enjoy his writing style, I guess? (On the other hand, I looooove Hemingway, and I know he gets a reaction of "either love or hate" pretty often, too.)
ReplyDeleteOh yea, they are both love or hate type authors. I haven't read Hemingway for awhile, but I don't recall hating his stuff.
DeleteI have East of Eden on my shelf--it's sitting there calling to me. :) I'm busy with bookclub books.
ReplyDeleteYou've got time...movie is in the talking stage still ;) It's a good one though.
DeleteI'm about halfway through East of Eden right now--I had to put it down for a book club book but I am enjoying it and look forward to the second half. I've only read Travels with Charley before and I liked it but have a feeling it's quite different from his others. I really should get to Of Mice and Men--it's too short not to! I'll have to look for this one, too.
ReplyDeleteLove Of Mice and Men. It's sad, but I teach it in a unit with like-themed books and have grown attached to it. I'm going to reread East of Eden soon.
DeleteI have read Of mice and men and East of Eden and I think that both of them are examples of how Steinbeck when writes a story whether its long or short it will still leave an impact on the reader. I loved East of Eden and recently made a review of it.
ReplyDeleteAgree, the man has talent either way. I will check out your East of Eden review!
DeleteI love Steinbeck - I haven't read "The Pearl" but have really enjoyed "The Grapes of Wrath" and "East of Eden." I think in terms of writers that to me feel so American, he and Walt Whitman are at the top of the list. Thanks for this review! I'll have to check out "The Pearl" next. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, he is among the top when I think American Lit. Grapes of Wrath is on one of my reading challenges for this year! Think I'm going to save it for summertime.
DeleteI'm a huge Steinbeck fan! I just looooove his books, and also loved The Pearl! I think people who don't read him are totally missing out!
ReplyDeleteThe more I read him, the more I like him. He has a way of making his characters front and center so I think of them actually saying and writing these things instead of an author behind the characters.
DeleteTeach your child to love books and they will have a friend for a life time.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely!
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