Tuesday, December 30, 2008

THE PEARL

Author:  John Steinbeck
Genre:  Classic
Published:  1947
Personal Rating:  3.5/5
Yearly Count: 166



A Mexican man finds a pearl of great value on a dive.  He, then, attempts to trade it for security and education for his wife and their little boy.

Yay!  I read another classic.  I thought this one was good.  It kept me wondering and hoping the family would redeem their fortune.  Since finishing it, though, I have pondered the progression of the story and the outcome.  I find that I have ambivalent feelings about the moral/theme/lesson.  It fits this story, but in general, I'm not so sure I agree.

7 comments:

  1. I read this one a very long time ago. I had forgotten all about this book until now.
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

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  2. I read this one in high school, I still have my copy. That was over forty years ago, I did enjoy it very much but I have to wonder what I'd think about it now. I love seeing oldies reviewed. Thanks for the memories.

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  3. Naida ~ I hope my thoughts brought back some good memories for you. :)

    Sandra ~ Yea, everybody read the classics in high school - but not me! :( I wish I did. I've been playing catch up over the last few years. I just keep thinking that that's okay, this is the time for me. :)

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  4. Between The Pearl and Lord of the Flies in grade 10 English, it's a wonder I ever read a book again. Those 2 novels would not have encouraged a love a reading in me had I not been a reader already.
    Blech!

    But I'm glad you enjoyed it, Joy!
    Happy New Year!

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  5. Raidergirl3 ~ That's one reason why I'm trying to look at reading the classics now as a positive thing. :) However, I think I would have liked the discussion portion. I thought The Pearl was a little better than The Lord of the Flies (which I read last year), but I was beyond annoyed with the narrator of The Pearl, UGH!

    Happy New Year to you, too! :)

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  6. I really need to reread this one. I loved it when I had to read it in 8th grade, but I honestly remember so little of it. I loved Of Mice and Men, too, but I don't remember it all that well either. However, I hated Steinbeck's The Red Pony, and I remember it all too well. Hmmm...what does that say about me?

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  7. Debi ~ In general, I believe the negative memories of books, events, etc. stick with us, along with the extremely positive - it's not just you. I don't think I'll attempt The Red Pony. Thanks. :)

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. :)

I hope you have a great day and ...
Happy Reading!