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READING JOURNAL
A Letter of Introduction


 
    Click here for the teacher's letter of introduction.

    11th October 1999

    Dear Mr Meehan

    I have just finished reading a book called “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck. It’s set in Mexico and the main character is Kino, a very poor oyster catcher. Kino finds a huge pearl and thinks it will make him a rich man. He dreams about sending his son to school and buying new clothes. However, many people are jealous of Kino and make evil plans to steal his pearl. Even the pearl buyers try to cheat him. In the end, Kino, his wife Juana and baby Coyotito set off through the mountains, trying to reach the city. On the way, they are attacked and Coyotito is killed.

    I found this a very sad book. Kino and Juana are poor and hardworking, but rich people are cruel to them. The story made me realise that money is less important than happiness. In fact, the pearl only brings sorrow to Kino’s family.

    Do you know anything about the author? I wonder if he was ever poor himself, like Kino. Do you think he was really trying to tell us that money is a bad thing? I would really like to hear what you think.

    Best wishes

    Kartika