Customer Reviews

The Pearls of the Stone Man

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This is by far one of the best books that I have ever read. Edward Mooney has a way of pulling you into the story and really making you feel like you're right there with them. Being a father myself, Pearls of the Stone Man helped me realize how important it is to keep family bonds strong and the wisdom that the generations before me have to offer. After you start reading this book, just try to put it down!

In the prologue to "The Pearls of the Stone Man" a young couple, Shannon and Tim, are driving up to Pine Mountain on a Saturday in spring with their two kids in a mini-van. Once again, Shannon wants to stop and see the old house, still trying to solve the mystery of an old man's final words: "Remember the stone." The old man they called grandpa was not related to either of them by blood, but that is the point of this novel by Edward Mooney, Jr.

At the heart of this delicate little novel is the marriage of Joseph and Anne Marino. After 53 years of marriage these two still love each other and live in a small house at the base of Pine Mountain. But even before they find out that there are only months left to their love affair instead of years, Joseph has been aware that they are running out of time and has become preoccupied with thoughts of things undone. For thirty years he has been talking about climbing the mountain that he talks to every day, but that is just one of a long list of things he has not done. In fact, there is a list on his closet door that he made of things that he wanted to do. But Anne challenges him to name two projects that he has actually finished and Joseph is consumed with the idea he has so many unfinished pieces of business and all the regrets that he is carrying.

Then, everything changes because time is running out and the most important thing in Joseph's world becomes trying to reconcile with his estranged son and finishing the stone wall that Anne asked for years ago. Seeing Joseph pulling his wagon full of stones for Anne's wall earns him the nickname of the "Stone Man." The pearls in the title belong to Anne, although obviously there is a metaphorical meaning to world as well, as a much younger Shannon and Tim learn.

That is because while the love between Joey and Annie has not changed over a half-century lots of other things have, such as the way children are raised. Shannon and Tim are but two of the troubled teenagers living on Pine Mountain, where the sight of an old man pulling a wagon full of stones is something that inspires words of ridicule and acts of cruelty. But whereas Joseph responds to these insults and injuries with anger over the impotence of an old man, it is Annie who suggests a better way of dealing with the escalating problem.

"The Pearls of the Stone Man" is about a love that transcends death and that is there today and always. It is also a tale about responsibility that makes the case for how in a relationship each person has 100% responsibility for that relationship, in contrast to the erroneous assumption you only have 50% of the responsibility (it is 100% responsibility because it is a total responsibility for the relationship). Mooney creates a beautiful portrait of such a relationship and when we finally learn the meaning of the old man's words it is a simple and profound message. You should have come to all of these conclusions through reading the novel, but just in case anyone misses the point Mooney provides an eloquent benediction.

It turns out that "The Pearls of the Stone Man" is the first of a trilogy, the second volume of which, "The Journey of the Stone Man," will be published next month (September 2004). This will be an interesting trilogy in that the story will be apparently working its way backwards through time. The second book takes place a quarter-century earlier as Joseph and his teenage son, Paul, take a cross-country trip in a "Woody" station wagon. Given what we know about the troubled relationship between father and son from this first novel, it will be interesting to see what Mooney weaves with his next narrative.

While in The States last summer, I visited a bookstore and came across the 'Pearls of the Stone Man'. I read the first page and couldn't put it down. Edward Mooney's moving novel reveals the power of love in family life.
Joseph and Anne, in their seventies, don't have the passion of young lovers but share the deeper love and intimacy that comes from sharing their lives for half a century. 'The Pearls of the Stone Man' is a heavenly guide to understanding the basics for a better, richer life.
Family bonds are as strong and meaningful as love is. Stones will turn into pearls if one can find the truth of life. I look forward to a translation of 'The Pearls of the Stone Man' for the German market. I'm sure it will be a big hit here.
Mooney is a masterful storyteller, and I eagerly await his next book 'The Journey of the Stone Man'.

"The Pearls of the Stone Man" is a masterful literary work, which touches the very core of human emotion. It was my inspiration in creating the signature pearl necklace, featured in the book, for the author Edward Mooney Jr. It will speak to readers of all ages. It is now in production to be made into a movie. In an interview, which he graciously granted to do for my company Premium Pearl, he revealed the heart and soul of the man behind this special novel. It is one of those books that will stay in your heart and mind forever. I am proud to call Edward a friend and I highly recommend this endearing tale to everyone.

There is an incredible American author on the literary scene, which I have just discovered and I want you fellow readers to be acutely aware of. His name is Edward Mooney Jr. and the book, which is the first in a trilogy, is called "The Pearls of the Stone Man"
It is a wonderful, evocative novel that will truly touch your heart. I recommend this book to everyone without reservation.

For me the purpose of great literature, is to make you think, dream and more importantly feel. I must candidly admit, that even though I consider myself a mans man, I shed tears many times in the reading and rereading of this special work.

Mr. Mooney has a gift with words, and like two of my favorite American literary icons Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, he manages to capture the essence of the human condition and interaction with a simple elegance, that allows the reader to feel the full impact of what is on the page.

Read this book. I give this book 5 Stars PLUS. It is transformational.

the pearls of the stone man
Edward Mooney

Anne and Joseph are the main couple in this lovely novel by Edward Mooney. It is rare, I find, to read about the love of elderly married people who choose to love one another for always and never let go. I think this is why "the pearls of the stone man by edward mooney, jr. is so special. Throughout the novel I felt feelings of hope. Chronic illness nor weakness of mind and/or body do not necessarily destroy the love two people hold for one another. Edward Mooney Jr. uses pearls and stones to measure the love of these two people.

I love collected letters in a book. There are letters scattered in this novel. The letters are discovered in odd places at times when a sorrowing soul needs to hear the whisper of love in a practical way once again. I dwelled on the fact that these letters had been written at a desperate time in Anne's life for someone else. Then, they were read by Joseph in a present time of desperation. " I rediscovered the fact that loves grows. True love is like a spinning top toy twirling outwards and around and around making the world seem like it's made of a rainbow of colors. In the pearls of the stone man, I met Tim, Shannon, Isaiah, Shannon's mother. I won't tell their stories. Their parts in the novel are amazing. Needless to say I hope one day to be able to build a stone wall on a piece of property. Although, I am an older person, I have the hope that my ability to pick up the stones, shape the stones and put them in place will not feel exhausting. I will feel rejuvenated because it's all about never ending love. Love is a "pearl" of great price. Pearls and stones of different shapes shift and change like the love in our everyday lives.

Mending Wall by Robert Frost

To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.

I sat all day reading this book and didn't put it down until I was finished. If you like books such as "The Notebook," this one is for you too. This is the way to get lost in a book and this is one that will stay with you for a long time. LOVED IT!!

The Pearls of the Stone Man by Edward Mooney Jr. is the story of Joseph and Anne and the love they have for one another and their lives together after fifty-three years of marriage. He is determined to build a stone wall that Anne had asked for, and the task becomes more than the building of the wall. This novel moved me to tears (and I don't cry often). It is ne moving tale of love, redemption, commitment and bonding. You have to read this one!

Pearls of the Stone Man is a compelling story that shows the reader the struggles of Joseph Marino as he faces his worst fear in life: to lose his beloved wife of more than fifty years.

Mr. Mooney crafts a way for the reader to see just how Anne, Joseph's wife, speaks to her husband and helps guide him through his struggle with hidden letters.

Each letter gives Joseph strength and courage to continue with his life, continue with his dreams and continue with his work to fulfill his promises to Anne and to himself.

The ending was unexpected and quite dramatic. A wonderful story for all generations to learn about the "pearls" of life, the Pearls of the Stone Man.

This is a beautiful story of a man and relationships with his true love, a mountain, and some teenagers in desparate need of love. It's a powerful description of what Joseph goes through after losing the person who mattered so much in his life. It shows that you never stop loving, no matter what. Also, that everyone deserves love. I cried buckets and smiled lots. A well written novel, it's just so great! I want a sequel!!