Review: Pearl

Jul •  26 •  2011

Title: Pearl
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary

Author: Jo Knowles
Publisher: Henry Holt
Release Date: July 19, 2011
Book: I Read Banned Books Book Tours



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.”

 This book is really fast read for me. I was able to easily step in to the story cause of the major drama going on. The plot line of this book is simple yet significant.Lots of secrets, floating around revealing themselves one by one that you are hooked on it like a Spanish novella.
I love the main character Bean. She demanded answers and got them. Even though they weren’t what she expected she handle it the best that she could. She knew her mother held secrets, she just never thought it would affect her life so greatly. I have to admit, that what the mother did was just, crazy. T he secrets she held cause so much trouble not only in her life but in her daughters as well. I felt like the mother was selfish and didn’t take the chance to even help daughter. 
One thing t hat I also like in this book is the one stable relationship Bean had. I believe that without Henry, Bean would just be lost. I am happy that she had someone that she cared for there for her and honest with her. He didn’t judge her or get angry with her. Instead he stood by her like the best friend he is and just held her. Their friendship could stand the test of anything and they both get through it. 
Pearl is a filled with dark secrets that finally come to light. Secrets that have been held for so long that they busted from the seem of the book blinding the reader. I gasped like I don’t know how many times! At times it was intense, with angry emotions and saddness. Other times, you were finally happy the truth is out and everyone can just breathe.
I give it 3 BITES!
Happy Reading!
Special Thanks for Jen for the Book Tour!

7 Comments

  1. Missie
    Jul 26, 2011

    WOW! So many secrets and lies. The friendship Bean shares with Henry sounds really solid. I like that.

  2. Jenny
    Jul 26, 2011

    I really liked Bean as well, she was a great characters. And it was interesting that even with all the secrets floating around, the book still had a kind of quiet intensity. It wasn’t ever overly dramatic even when there was drama which was kind of nice:)

  3. Savannah
    Jul 26, 2011

    @Missie, secrets and lies I loved to devour in books!

    @Jenny, right. It was perfect!

  4. She sounds like a great character! Between you and Jenny, I have become so curious about this book. Oh the emotions you go through! Sounds like she captured you. Brilly review!

  5. You are so right! Pearl is all about secrets! Great review!

  6. I love that this doesn’t sound overdramatic. Fabulous review, girl! 🙂

  7. I Read Banned Books
    Aug 26, 2011

    Great review! Can you send me a link? As always, thx!

    Jen