Review: Pearl

May 24, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads): Bean (née Pearl) and Henry, misfits and best friends, have the strangest mothers in town. Henry’s mom Sally never leaves the house. Bean’s mom Lexie, if she is home, is likely nursing a hangover or venting to her friend Claire about Bean’s beloved grandfather Gus, the third member of their sunny household.

Gus’s death unleashes a host of family secrets that brings them all together. And they threaten to change everything—including Bean’s relationship with Henry, her first friend, and who also might turn out to be her first love.

My Thoughts: Upon finishing, one word popped into mind: “sweet.” Sweet as in nice, warm-fuzzies, etc. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not a sweet story from start to finish, but upon completion it is.

There is a lot of conflict in this book. A lot of yelling, fighting, misunderstanding, negativity, etc. And normally that totally turns me off to a book – and the characters. But it didn’t this time. There were nuggets of sweetness thrown about – like the explanation of what a pearl is – as the story progresses. And the characters progress, too. We aren’t left with the same arguing, dysfunctional family we started with. People grow, change, obtain a new understanding of each other. It’s not a very long book, but the characters grow a lot, and you can see it happening.

Add to that a couple of surprising dramatic twists, and you have a well-crafted story.

Minor spoiler (highlight to read)

I must admit, though, that I just couldn’t see how Pearl/Bean didn’t figure out that Claire and Lexie are a couple. It was quite obvious to me. The only satisfactory explanation I can come up with is that she’s just so overwhelmed by her grief over Gus’ death that she just doesn’t notice the signs. Either that or she’s just really dense – I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.

My Rating: 4 stars

Source: Received through Banned Book Tours for review.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011.

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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