The Pearl, book #13

So Katie had to read this short story for English and although I am not usually a fan of "old" literature (remember, I flunked College Lit 2x and barely made it out the 3rd time!) I found this one interesting.  We borrowed it from the library so I just picked it up one night and started reading it and was immediately drawn to the amazing descriptive writing.  Each night she had to read a chapter so I would try to keep up so I could ask her what they talked about in regards to it in school.  The story itself I thought was sad and morbid, but the writing - the telling of the tale - I loved!  

“There it lay, the great pearl, perfect as the moon.” Like his father and grandfather before him, Kino is a poor diver, gathering pearls from the gulf beds that once brought great wealth to the Kings of Spain and now provide Kino, Juana, and their infant son with meager subsistence. Then, on a day like any other, Kino emerges from the sea with a pearl as large as a sea gull's egg, as "perfect as the moon." With the pearl comes hope, the promise of comfort and of security.... A story of classic simplicity, based on a Mexican folk tale, The Pearl explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the luminous possibilities of love.  (picture and description from amazon)

Ready to move on to another book I have been waiting to read - a nonfiction one again!

Happy Reading!

O:)
Melissa

To Whisper Her Name, book #12

I have found a new book to love.  Of course it is historical fiction and of course it has to do with the Civil War, but no pioneers.  This author is a local chick and writes many historical books based on old houses around Franklin and Nashville.  Can't wait to hear from my Book Club Buddies if they liked it as much as I did!

Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Harding's head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a Southern man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman. Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives. As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again. (photo and description at amazon)

Happy Reading!

O:)
Melissa