Book #33

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

(87 pages)

I've said John Steinbeck is my favorite author since I read East of Eden back in 2010 (?). Man, I loved that story! I've also enjoyed many others of his since then.

I had never picked up one of his favorite novellas, The Pearl, until a few days ago. I read it furiously. Wow! What a powerful story about the dangers of greed and wealth.

This is a retelling of a Mexican folk tale about a simple man in a village who finds a massive pearl during his pearl-finding work. Before he can sell it, he has ideas and dreams about how he and his wife will spend the money to provide a better life for their young son. But with this great pearl comes great danger for the family. Others are jealous of their good fortune, and others want to profit off their good fortunes themselves.

I read this short story in two sittings. It will stick with me for awhile.

Next up: The First Affair by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus