Pearl: A New Chapter in an Old Story [Paperback]

Joseph E. Scalia (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 2001

Lucio is a pearl fisherman in La Paz, Mexico. Like the others in the village, he has heard the stories of his grandfather Kino and how he found and lost "The Pearl of the World." Now, nearly a century after his grandfather Kino's ordeal, little has changed in the Mexican town, and less for Lucio. Life has been hard for him, that is, until Luck rewards him with a great pearl of his own, and then it becomes unbearable. Lucio's pearl seems to unleash the evil lying always just beneath the surface in La Paz, and when it does, Lucio must confront the danger or lose everything that he loves.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A., Joseph E. Scalia moved to Long Island, where he taught English and Creative Writing for 33 years. Always a writer himself, he started by scribbling what he calls "terrible rhyming poems on bathroom walls." Over the years he has written three novels, a volume of short stories, countless humorous essays, and a filing cabinet full of poetry, much of which has found its way into print on paper. The idea for FREAKs came to him one morning in a Study Hall class, when he met Carol, the limping 7th Grader who would become the model for Hildy. Similarly, all the other characters in FREAKs have been drawn from his long teaching experience. Today he lives in Farmingdale with his cat Silvier.

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris (May 14, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401000452
• ISBN-13: 978-1401000455
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,361,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joseph E. Scalia was raised by wolves. That prepared him to teach junior and senior high school English and Creative Writing, which he intended to do only a few years until he wrote a best seller, appeared on the 'Tonight Show,' became rich and famous, dated beautiful models and drove a Porsche 9-11! Thirty-three years later he retired from teaching, published a YA novel, 'FREAKs,' followed by his second novel, Pearl,' a year later. Scalia now lives on Long Island and drives a 1989 Ford Probe.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, July 30, 2001

By 

Tricia Gross (Roundtable Reviews.com) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pearl: A New Chapter in an Old Story (Paperback)

This dark and brooding novel explores the heights men will go to when greed and cruelty consume them. Memorable, well defined characters add to the suspense and forward momentum of the plot. Written with the style and voice of the earlier work, this extraordinary novel is a perfect compliament to Steinbeck's short story and is a MUST for every high school English curriculum. A masterful achievement!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Italian American Press says..., March 1, 2005

By 

JES - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pearl: A New Chapter in an Old Story (Paperback)

"FREAKs and PEARL are well-written books containing vivid description and interesting characters and plots. We thoroughly enjoyed reading them and believe both books would appeal to a wide audience of readers with FREAKs of particular interest to a young audience. Congratulations on a job well-done." Ralph Ferraro, Director

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Librarian's Pick, February 22, 2003

By 

Carol Byrne (Islip Terrace, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pearl: A New Chapter in an Old Story (Paperback)

Steinbeck...move over! Scalia creates a thoroughly enjoyable story with vivid and unforgetable characters. He draws the reader into a world unlike our own but with a universal message~be careful what you wish for.

I know my high school readers (including reluctant readers) will be captivated! Great selection for a 'class read' -- lots to dissect and discuss. A gem.