October Must Read: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

Nobel Prize winner Pearl S. Buck traces the whole cycle of life: its terrors, its passions, its ambitions and rewards. Her brilliant novel — beloved by millions of readers — is a universal tale of the destiny of man. -Pulisher comments on The Good Earth

I read The Good Earth by Peral S. Buck last summer and it was one of those books I couldn't put down. I absolutely loved the book! I am fascinated by China and I loved learning more about China from a common man's perspective in the time of the last emperor. This book was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for the Novel in 1943 and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1944.

From the very first page I was drawn into Wang Lung's life as he excitedly, yet timidly prepares to wed a slave from the Great House of Hwang. I immediately loved Wang Lung's wife, O-lan and her wisdom and work ethic. I triumphed with Wang Lung and O-lan as they had a good harvest and felt their pain as they were destitute during the famine. I felt their joy and relief when they were able to go back to their land and again have a good crop.

As Wang Lung's wealth grew, I was saddened by the bad choices he made. He grew idle and immoral and in turn raised sons who were caught up with the ways of the world. It was interesting how many more problems came into Wang Lung's life when he stopped working the land himself and got caught up in his wealth.

This was a moving story and I highly recommend it. Once you read the book, I recommend you watch the movie The Last Emperor. It takes a look at the time period of the last emperor of China.