The Pearl

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Summary: I loved the book!
Review: I think this book illistrates a signifigant amount of love and compasion for people. I think Kino's and Juana's conflict was probably the key point of the story. Hands down, this is the best book I have ever read.

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Summary: Great Book and I had to read it for 8th grade
Review: I'm tired of having reviewers gripe about how teenagers obviously don't understand what theya re talking about and simpy can't fully appreciate a work of literature. I am in 8th grade and this book was required reading for me. At first I agreed and didn't really enjoy it. Fortunately I had an English teacher who was perceptive enough to be able to point out the subtle metaphors that Steinbach uses consistantly throughout the novel. Everything from the recurring ants to the subtle legerdemain of the pearl buyer. I for one am one satisfied reader who was forced to read this terrific novel.

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Summary: I was an o.k. book I wouldn't have read it on my own though.
Review: I thought the book was o.k. I think I would recomend it. I didn't enjoy it as much because I had to read it for school this summer. I didn't quite think it was as bad as Johnny Tremain, but the good part about it was that it was short. I didn't understand the spirit hooplah though. Overall I thought it was an o.k. book. I would like to recomend "Gifted Hands."

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Summary: A Classic...Beautifully Written
Review: Personally, I loved this book. It was very detailed about the characters and their emotion/actions. It gives a true to life portral of human emotions. There is a lot of action in the story and some plot twists at the end. This was the first John Steinbeck book I've read and I would definately read some more...I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of age.

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Summary: The Pearl, obviously misunderstood.
Review: The first literary novel I ever read was "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck. It seemed boring at the time but I was forced to stop at the last chapter and write my own ending to the story. I wrote that the baby and the family survived through skill and coincidence. I was very proud of my ending, and recieved an "A-" grade. As I have grown older and read the "The Pearl" over, I understand it more and have a greater concept of what the author is trying to say. The story is based in a different time than we live in today, but there are so many similarities that refere to our times, not only the people, but the hierarchies, the politics and the beauty of culture. Steinbeck always considers all of these elements in his works, and much more. Although I at one time felt this novel boring, I now revel in what it says about every human being alive. There is a reason it is a classic, and it isn't because it's required readi! ng.

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Summary: Full of meaning....a classic.
Review: This is a great book, complaints of teenage readers notwithstanding. But this is not a plot-driven work; it is a literary masterpiece to be savored and distilled; to be read and re-read until the reader has finally understood that it illustrates the abuses perpetrated upon those who, unfortunately, are born and reared in poverty. It is a book that portrays the hopes of a man who longs for wealth because he thinks that it will render him a respected citizen among those who despise his race. Alas, how sad is his surprise when he realizes that money serves to bring the worst out of people: envy, greed, treachery, hate.... Ultimately, though, this is a book that shows us a family destroyed by the riches they yearned for, yet never expected to attain.

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Summary: very very boring and depressing
Review: I had to read this book for a requirement for eighth grade.I thought the book was a waste of my time.Anyone who actually likes this book has problems.

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Summary: Book that has potential but loses it all in the end!
Review: This book is a requirement for new york state 8th grade. we read the book and this is the WORST ending to a book I have EVER read. It is sooooo unlikely almost IMPOSSIBLE read it you will see!

Rating:
Summary: John Steinbeck... Literary Genius
Review: The Pearl is one of my all time favorite novels. Steinbeck effectively illustrates the moral strength of his characters through economic depression. It depresses me however, to see such filth written about his works (obviously by people with a grade school education equivalent). Thankyou for the memories John...

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Summary: The students were facinated by the struggles of the family.
Review: My eighth grade students are not easily captivated by the reading of novels. However, after reading and discussing the novel together in class, several of the students stated that they had never enjoyed discussing a novel as much as this one. They empathized with the main characters, and condemned the injustices of society. They connected in a way they did not think possible with this poor family. They were able to understand the rich symbolism of the novel and were touched by tragic, yet hopeful ending. As their teacher. I felt that they truly understood the rich meanings of the book and were able to experience the pain and injustices of these characters. It is a novel I will teach again because I saw and felt the strong impact it had on my students.