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The Pearl
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
113 posts | 367 read | 5 reading | 62 to read
?There it lay, the great pearl, perfect as the moon. One of Steinbeck's most taught works, The Pearl is the story of the Mexican diver Kino, whose discovery of a magnificent pearl from the Gulf beds means the promise of a better life for his impoverished family. His dream blinds him to the greed and suspicions the pearl arouses in him and his neighbors, and even his loving wife Juana cannot temper his obsession or stem the events leading to tragedy. This classic novella from Nobel Prize-winner John Steinbeck examines the fallacy of the American dream, and illustrates the fall from innocence experienced by people who believe that wealth erases all problems. This Penguin Classics edition features an introduction by Linda Wagner-Martin and original illustrations by Mexican artist Jos Clemente Orozco.
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WildAlaskaBibliophile
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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dabbe Love me some Steinbeck! 🧡🖤💜 13mo
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Dp40
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

I'm new to reading and this was my introduction to the world of reading. I really enjoyed this book and the in depth descriptions that really bring visualization to your mind.
#newlitten

natsahara Welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon 1y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🥳📚👋🏻 1y
2 likes2 comments
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Sharv_Sona
Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Sharv_Sona
Pearl | John Steinbeck

It was a morning like other mornings, and yet perfect among mornings.

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LisaLovesToRead
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

I think I read this in high school, but nice to reread

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PurpleyPumpkin
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

This is the first ever Steinbeck book I've read, which surprises me given how much reading I've done in my life! You'd think I would have read at least one of his books during my formative years, but nope. I listened to the audiobook and it was a quick read. It reminded me of a book I read last year, tagged below. Same setting, similar themes and outcome. 3/5⭐️I‘m looking forward to reading more Steinbeck in future! #authoramonth
(April 3, 2023)

MemoirsForMe Welcome to the John Steinbeck Fan Club! My top faves are Travels with Charley and Cannery Row. 2y
PurpleyPumpkin @UwannaPublishme Ooh I‘ll move those to the top of my JS list. Thanks for the recommendations!😉 2y
Tamra One of my all time favorite novellas. So theme rich! 💙 (edited) 2y
PurpleyPumpkin @Tamra Indeed!🙌🏽 2y
44 likes5 comments
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Julsmarshall
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Mehso-so

Well, this was depressing. Well written, good pacing, and a solid story but my goodness, this was a dark story. With this one, I will have read most of Steinbeck and I still don‘t have much love for his work. The narration was great, Hector Elizondo was wonderful! #audio #authoramonth @Soubhiville #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

AmyG Yes. He was the best part of this audiobook. (edited) 2y
Read4life I agree. Elizondo‘s narration kept me listening. 2y
TheAromaofBooks I've definitely seen mostly so-so reviews for this one. 2y
Tamra This is a favorite of mine. 💜 It was one of my first “adult” books in the 6th grade and the rest is history. 2y
48 likes4 comments
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Read4life
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Mehso-so

I enjoyed the narration by Hector Elizondo more than I enjoyed the book itself. I believe @IndoorDame used the word lackluster & I think that‘s the perfect word for my feelings about this one.
#AuthorAMonth #BookSpinBingo #MarchMadness #MarvellousMarch

AmyG I listened to this, too and thought the same thing. 2y
all_4_kb Love this one 2y
Andrew65 One to avoid by the look of it. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2y
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IndoorDame
Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Mehso-so

I‘ve never been a Steinbeck fan so I was going to skip #AuthorAMonth, but then I thought I‘d give this one another try. It was the first of his I read, & by far my favorite, so I thought maybe I was just too young to appreciate it in school (11) since it did actually stick with me all these years… But I‘m still not a fan. I still appreciated all the elements I remember liking, & I still found it lackluster. Good to know young me knew her own mind.

Cuilin My daughter just got this at the library and asked me what I thought of it. Lackluster should have been the word I used. I think I said meh. 🤦‍♀️ I also had to read it for school. 2y
IndoorDame @Cuilin I would have said meh too if I‘d been chatting with a teenager 😌I get the impression that school reading lists are both way more accessible than when we were kids and still not nearly enough more… 2y
BookNAround Steinbeck is one author I‘ve read multiple works from through the years from school aged to my thirties and disliked all of them. I might try Travels with Charley one day but that‘s his last chance. 2y
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AmyG I read this, too. I liked the moral of the story more than the actual story. 2y
dabbe I did love Travels with Charley. There's a seen with his dog at Yellowstone Park that made me laugh so hard I spit out what I was drinking all over my laptop. 😂 Now, a quick question: should I read Pearl or Cannery Row for the #AuthoraMonth? Those are the only 2 of his I haven't read. 2y
IndoorDame @dabbe well I haven‘t read Cannery Row either so I‘m not sure I‘m qualified to answer that… Pearl is short, highly atmospheric writing, (not funny) 2y
dabbe @IndoorDame Thanks. Not sure I'm in the mood for highly atmospheric writing (the book I'm reading now is like that, and I'm hoping just to finish in time for my local book club). 2y
IndoorDame @dabbe my pleasure ❣️ 2y
MemoirsForMe @dabbe I loved Cannery Row, but I‘m a big Steinbeck fan. Travels with Charley is one of my favorites too. 2y
68 likes1 stack add9 comments
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Soubhiville
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

I read this in school, and loved the images it evoked of diving and finding treasure.

I‘m glad #authoramonth gave me reason to revisit it. It‘s dark though as others have said.

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Melismatic
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Mehso-so

This was my first time reading this - I initially thought it‘d be more of an uplifting parable. Should have known better. 🥺 Sad but honest when it comes to greed. #AuthorAMonth

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Soubhiville
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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March #Bookspin list! I don‘t think I‘ve ever posted so last minute before, but I kept reading books and having to change it up.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! A good problem to have!! 2y
59 likes1 comment
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Nebklvr
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Mehso-so

Descriptive and brutal. Depressing as all get out.

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breadnroses
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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The Pearl is a gorgeous novella based on a Mexican folktale about the uneasy discovery of a splendid pearl that unleashes in the hearts of men the ultimate evil: greed. Steinbeck is no doubt one of my favorite writers and I really enjoyed this quick, stunning read.

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mrp27
Pearl | John Steinbeck
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June #wrapup

Good reading month, 14 books. Fairest and The Bone Vault were dnf and I should have dnf The Bookstore. Stand outs this month were The Pearl and Grass.

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mrp27
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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#two4tuesday

Better late than never!

Yes, my most recently read book accurately reflected the story but it did not influence my choice to read it as I have been meaning to read it anyway. I loved it by the way. I‘m always blown away by his writing and storytelling.

TheSpineView Never too late to play! 😊 3y
18 likes1 comment
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Addison_Reads
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

I haven't read this since high school. Being younger when I first read it I can remember liking it but I feel that I couldn't fully appreciate this gem of a novella.

The Pearl is such a heartfelt tale that has more depth to its layers than I realized. Another wonderful story from Steinbeck.

SRWCF Such a heartbreaking tale. 💔 3y
Tamra A very favorite! ❤️ 3y
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Gissy
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

A retelling of an old Mexican folk tale. What a sad story😢but beautifully written. It has been analyzed from the social-political perspective. It has an average rating in GR but for me...How powerful the words are in these 87 pages. The audiobook was narrated by Hector Elizondo.
4.8/5⭐️
#DoubleSpin @TheAromaOfBooks
April 2022 #20in4readathon @Andrew65

Gissy #OriliumMagicalReadathon YouTuber @BookRoast YouTuber
For this semester (spring equinox) I chose 2 careers but I will extend the semester for the whole summer-I need tutoring 🤣
This book is for:
Mage Hunter: class-Elemental Studies=book under 100 pages
3y
SRWCF This is such an amazing book! I have librarian rights in Goodreads and I spent a lot of time adding the characters in the book record. 3y
Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 3y
TheAromaofBooks I haven't read this one yet, but I've loved every Steinbeck I've read so far even though they are all SO SAD! 3y
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KatieDid927
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

A beautiful Mexican folktale / parable retold in Steinback‘s genius prose. Also nice and short, so it helped me reach my reading goal for 2021 on time.

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KatieDid927
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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🎉

Megabooks 🎉🎉🎉 3y
Reggie Congrats!!! 3y
fredamans Congrats!! 3y
sprainedbrain Yay!! 🎉🎉🎉 3y
j9brown 🥳🥳🥳 3y
33 likes5 comments
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JenlovesJT47
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

You guys...this little book ripped my heart out at 3 o‘clock this morning. 😭 I read it in one sitting. It‘s a great cautionary tale based on a Mexican folktale about greed and the reminder of what‘s really important in life. John Steinbeck paints such a vivid picture of these people and the setting of the story that it feels like you‘re right there on the journey with them. 5⭐️ Highly recommended!

#novella
#JohnSteinbeck
#historicalfiction

Tamra It‘s my favorite novella. 💜 3y
JenlovesJT47 @Tamra it‘s so good! Have you ever listened to the audiobook? 3y
Tamra @JenlovesJT47 no, maybe I should try it? 3y
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JenlovesJT47 @Tamra I just looked on my Audible app and Hector Elizondo narrates it. It‘s 2.5 hours long. I definitely plan on getting it in the future! You can‘t go wrong with Steinbeck imo 🤓 3y
Tamra @JenlovesJT47 agreed! 3y
282Mikado I read this over 30 years ago and still recall how strongly it affected me. It is on my to read list. Perhaps I'll bump it up a bit. 3y
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CuriousG
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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I'm posting one book per day from the ever growing unread stacks in my personal library. No description or explanation, just books I own and plan to read. #tbr

Day 38

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I had to read this one in school, middle school if memory serves, I should reread it now as an adult...I bet I‘d get more out of it now. 4y
Bits Love this one 4y
CuriousG @bits @Riveted_Reader_Melissa East of Eden is one of my favourite novels ever. Unpopular opinion, but I struggled to engage with Grapes of Wrath. Planning on working my way through the rest of his work to find the gems and will likely start with this one 4y
19 likes3 comments
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Kelly326
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

Finished my March #doublespin book already. This was a short novella about poverty, greed, evil, and love. So many life lessons built in to just over 80 pages. Steinbeck can write a story and this one did not disappoint.

suvata Such an incredible book and very unlike his other books 4y
GinaKButler I loved this one...you can definitely relate it to present day. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
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GinaKButler
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Squeezing in one more read for 2020...

britt_brooke This is a great little book - enjoy! 4y
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dearb00kshelves
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
Bailedbailed

I also bailed on this audiobook while doing laundry this morning. I might come back to it but I'm not sure. There are so many other things I'd rather read right now.

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bookandbedandtea
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

In sparse, beautifully descriptive prose Steinbeck gives us an adaptation of a Mexican folk tale that explores human nature (vile), materialism, racism, and greed. My favorite part was the music Kino hears as he goes about his life, especially his Song Of Family. This is my #BookSpin for August @TheAromaofBooks

MemoirsForMe Steinbeck! 🙌🏻 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
32 likes2 comments
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Bigcountry15
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

Steinbeck tells another tale that makes you think. This short gem tells the tale of Kino and the finding of the "Pearl of the World." It could be read as an allegory or parable warning of the traps that come with sudden wealth. Kino sees in the Pearl future success for his family and material riches. Others also want the Pearl...

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Brie
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Some new additions! #bookhaul 📚

Klou I LOVE the Penguin clothbound classics!! 😍😍😍 Are you collecting them? I have the Jane Austen boxed set and they are some of my favourite on my shelves (haven't read any of them yet though 🙈😂) 5y
42 likes1 comment
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mydearwatson
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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#setinmexico #day5 #bibliomaynia @OriginalCyn620 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

I feel like I read part of this a long time ago. I kind of want to read the whole thing, but it‘s been awhile since I‘ve read Steinbeck, and I didn‘t like it then. It‘s probably time to try again.

(pic from #goodreads)

MemoirsForMe Steinbeck! 🙌🏻 5y
OriginalCyn620 I haven‘t read it either but I‘m willing to give it a go! 5y
18 likes2 comments
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TheEllieMo
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Saw this mentioned a lot in the American Dirt controversy. I‘m intrigued to read it.

#SetInMexico
#BiblioMAYnia
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@OriginalCyn620

OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚🇲🇽 5y
34 likes1 comment
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VeryLazyDaisy
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

I‘m filling in those gaps in my reading of the classics. Steinbeck‘s prose is succinct yet beautiful and descriptive. I can‘t believe I‘ve gone my whole life so far without reading his work. What a waste. I am so glad I picked this up.

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VeryLazyDaisy
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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What a striking description. I can imagine exactly how that scene looks.

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ATB
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Surprised I didn‘t have to read this in high school. Will finish tomorrow. Quick win for #24B4MONDAY

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Tamra
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

My 6th grade teacher read this to the class and I fell in love. I‘ve read it several times since and it never gets old as it‘s a classic tale about avarice and the meaning of the “good life.” This is the first time I‘ve listened to an audio version.

My son is in the 6th grade and I can‘t quite see him loving it, but maybe I‘m selling him short because it has suspense and action. 😆

Anna40 Loved this book so much! 5y
Tamra @Anna40 👏🏾 5y
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Eggs
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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The Pearl is a classic based on the Mexican folktale.

#mexico #letstraveljuly @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

Image: Amazon

OriginalCyn620 I need to read this! 5y
LibrarianJen We read this in high school instead of Of Mice and Men. It‘s still one of my favorite classics. 5y
Tamra One of my favorites! 5y
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britt_brooke
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Impoverished pearl diver Kino finds “The Pearl of the World” and becomes cursed with horrid luck. It‘s a cautionary tale of greed and materialism; a story human nature and familial love. I was underwhelmed initially, but with a little research, I learned that this was based on Mexican folklore which helped my mindset. I didn‘t love it, but I appreciate Steinbeck‘s achievement. Still a “pick.”

QuintusMarcus I was thinking of reading some Steinbeck this summer. Might skip this one, though. I‘ve never read Grapes of Wrath, and think I really should. 5y
britt_brooke @QuintusMarcus The only other one I‘ve read is Of Mice and Men which I loved. I keep meaning to read his longer novels. 5y
Reviewsbylola I‘m finishing up my second reading of EoE right now but haven‘t read this one yet. 5y
102 likes3 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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This book was a required reading in school and honestly I don‘t remember much now (so long ago!) except it involves a diver and a pearl!
It takes place in La Paz, Mexico, about the life of a poor diver. Reading East of Eden now makes me want to reread this book.
#WanderingJune #downinmexico

BarbaraBB I read this one too long ago and don‘t remember a thing about it! 5y
Cinfhen Oh wow!!! I think I read this in junior HS!! I totally forgot about it. 5y
KellyHunsakerReads It is totally worth a reread. 5y
Tamra It is one of my top 10 reads! It was a transformative read as an early teen and I‘ve reread it several times since. It‘s wonderful! 5y
IndoorDame I read that in middle school too. I was too young to appreciate it then, but I'd be interested to read it now. (edited) 5y
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JamieLou
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

Y‘all. I just about threw this book. I have major anger at it. WHAT KIND OF ENDING IS THAT?!?!? I yelled at my co-teacher for having kids read it (like jokingly). But also I kind of delight in the idea of seeing their faces when they realize what happened. So I guess this book is both a pick and a pan and a bail. It‘s complicated.

quietjenn I remember pretty much nothing about this book, but you're certainly making me want to revisit! 6y
JamieLou @quietjenn it‘s only 121 pages 😉 6y
24 likes2 comments
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JamieLou
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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We have been reading this in my co-taught ELA class, but I missed the first few days. I just found a bunch of copies the teacher who used to have my room left, so I‘m going to spend my Prep reading. My brain to too tired for much else. 🤤 #teachersoflitsy

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ju.ca.no
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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September Stats! I‘ve read 13 books in total, two for/at work, four little black classics, and 5 MTBR! This means I‘ve reached Top of Mount Ararat for the goodreads #MountTBR challenge🎉 I‘ve even surpassed it by 3 books @DivaDiane #MountTBRChallenge and finished my goodreads challenge of 100books. Need to set a new goal again🤩

What a successfull reading month! Also what a successfull reading year!😍🤩😎💪🏼🎉

Ms_T 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 6y
Kalalalatja Way to go! 6y
DivaDiane Amazing well done!!! 6y
45 likes3 comments
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ju.ca.no
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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This is the third time I‘ve reached my Goodreads Goal... maybe this time I should set it much higher😂 the little black classics are very quick reads, hence the high number.
Even though I know the pagecount is not that high due to the many short books I‘m still happy- this is the highest I‘ve ever had😊

Suzze Nice work. Congrats! 6y
JoScho 🎉💖🎉💖🎉 6y
Trashcanman Woot Woot! 6y
See All 8 Comments
tina_b.ooks Congratulations! 🎈🌻 6y
SilversReviews Congrats!! 6y
Jas16 🙌🏽 6y
Kalalalatja 👏👏👏 6y
hes7 Yay! 🎉 6y
56 likes8 comments
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ju.ca.no
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

This was my first time reading the Pearl. Left the book my dad read in school, right the one my Mom read in school :)
A story about greed and envy caused by the finding of a big Pearl. Steinbeck‘s clear writing makes the story a very enjoyable read!
4/5 ⭐️

Tamra This was my gateway to adult literature, so it is special for me. 💜 6y
ju.ca.no @Tamra I wish we would‘ve read it in school as well, I would‘ve loved it as well when I was younger! 6y
54 likes2 comments
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Thebookhooligan
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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4th of July was so relaxing! I spent the day at a friends house and took advantage of the fire pit even though it was like 90 degrees. Still relaxing! Cooked some burgers and hotdogs and started The Pearl by John Steinbeck 👏🏼 so far so good! (Thebookhooligan on instagram)

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erista
The Pearl | John Steinbeck
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I really liked this story and admire Steinbeck's writing style and ability to draw the reader in. I'm glad I read this as an adult. I doubt I would've liked it as much if I'd read it as a younger person.