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Mother of Pearl
How Far Would You Go for your Child?
Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed and lashes out.
Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail, and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when Barrie discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.
Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Mother of Pearl brings us into the heart of a mother bound by an incredible burden, who ultimately finds she must recognize her own vulnerability and learn to trust in something much bigger..
Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed and lashes out.
Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail, and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when Barrie discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.
Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Mother of Pearl brings us into the heart of a mother bound by an incredible burden, who ultimately finds she must recognize her own vulnerability and learn to trust in something much bigger..
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2017
54 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Kellie Coates Gilbert
50 books330 followers⭐️ USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR ⭐️
Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, she is especially known for keeping readers turning pages and for creating nuanced characters who seem real.
In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were awarded a coveted spot on the Library Journal’s Best Book List.
Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.
Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, she is especially known for keeping readers turning pages and for creating nuanced characters who seem real.
In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were awarded a coveted spot on the Library Journal’s Best Book List.
Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 30, 2020
This was an interesting story about marriage during a very difficult time involving their teenage daughter. My daughter is about the same age as Pearl and I cannot imagine the devastation. Nor do I want to imagine the havoc such stress would have on the family.
October 3, 2012
Just to add a bit of background -- this is my cousin's book :) I find it difficult to review it because of that; not because we're super close or anything, but because the author is no longer a distant idea of a person, but a real, tried-hard-to-make-this-thing-perfect writer. I hate to hurt anyone's feelings, and I know how I feel when I'm critiqued on something I worked hard on.
I worried about the Christian aspect of it, not because I'm not religious but because I don't read Christian fiction so I didn't know what to expect. I went into it hopeful, but worried and in the end, this book is so much better than I expected it to be. (What? Really?) See, I knew this was published by a Christian publication house, so I had my own preconceived notions of what this was going to entail. Surprisingly though, even though finding the grace of and connection with God gets more prominent about half way through the book, it wasn't overwhelmingly so. It was there, obviously, but it didn't make me feel like all the book was about was how this mom gets through everything that's happening to her because she finds God, is saved, and is "magically" healed. I know this isn't really how things work, but this is really, truly what I thought it would be like. So... if you're worried about reading any Christian fiction because of these ideas, then, at least with this book, don't worry about it. :)
This book falls somewhere between a 4 and 5; maybe closer to a four than a five, but it's a debut novel, so that tips my scale. The plot and characters are believable, which is probably why when I guessed parts of it, I continued reading the book; I felt really connected to the story and the main character Barrie. Even though the book cover a long time period, I never felt like it was draggy or hard to get through; I really wanted to know how it would all end up and where it was all going.
One side note, Pearl doesn't play as much of a direct role in the story as the blurb about the story makes it seem, or at least not as much as I thought she would.
I'll definitely read anything else Kellie writes without hesitation :)
I worried about the Christian aspect of it, not because I'm not religious but because I don't read Christian fiction so I didn't know what to expect. I went into it hopeful, but worried and in the end, this book is so much better than I expected it to be. (What? Really?) See, I knew this was published by a Christian publication house, so I had my own preconceived notions of what this was going to entail. Surprisingly though, even though finding the grace of and connection with God gets more prominent about half way through the book, it wasn't overwhelmingly so. It was there, obviously, but it didn't make me feel like all the book was about was how this mom gets through everything that's happening to her because she finds God, is saved, and is "magically" healed. I know this isn't really how things work, but this is really, truly what I thought it would be like. So... if you're worried about reading any Christian fiction because of these ideas, then, at least with this book, don't worry about it. :)
This book falls somewhere between a 4 and 5; maybe closer to a four than a five, but it's a debut novel, so that tips my scale. The plot and characters are believable, which is probably why when I guessed parts of it, I continued reading the book; I felt really connected to the story and the main character Barrie. Even though the book cover a long time period, I never felt like it was draggy or hard to get through; I really wanted to know how it would all end up and where it was all going.
One side note, Pearl doesn't play as much of a direct role in the story as the blurb about the story makes it seem, or at least not as much as I thought she would.
I'll definitely read anything else Kellie writes without hesitation :)
September 17, 2018
This book will touch your heart in many ways and I felt a range of emotions from sadness to anger to joy.
If you are on social media at all, you see many stories that fit into the #MeToo movement. This could be one of those stories. I'm hesitant to say too much because it would give away part of the story, but this is the story of Pearl whose life ended too soon with some secrets that hadn't been told yet. It is also her mother's story and her actions and reactions to losing her daughter.
My heart broke for Barrie when she finds out her daughter is gone. I can't imagine what it is like to lose a child. But at the same time, I wondered how long she was going to be so wrapped up in the loss of her daughter that she would alienate her husband and lose touch with her son. However, her perseverance in seeking the truth made the rocky months worthwhile.
There are times when I wonder if certain things had gone another way if the truth would have come out sooner. But then the book would have been over way too soon.
If you are on social media at all, you see many stories that fit into the #MeToo movement. This could be one of those stories. I'm hesitant to say too much because it would give away part of the story, but this is the story of Pearl whose life ended too soon with some secrets that hadn't been told yet. It is also her mother's story and her actions and reactions to losing her daughter.
My heart broke for Barrie when she finds out her daughter is gone. I can't imagine what it is like to lose a child. But at the same time, I wondered how long she was going to be so wrapped up in the loss of her daughter that she would alienate her husband and lose touch with her son. However, her perseverance in seeking the truth made the rocky months worthwhile.
There are times when I wonder if certain things had gone another way if the truth would have come out sooner. But then the book would have been over way too soon.
May 20, 2012
Oh, I loved this book! Just as the summary says, it is emotionally riveting and profoundly moving. I cried and cried while reading Mother of Pearl (outright crying while reading is a rare thing for me). I was sitting on my couch during my baby's nap time, with a box of tissues next to me. The book was just so moving, I could not hold the tears in. I don't think I would have been so affected, but for the fact that I am a mother now and could really identify with Barrie. That's not to say that Mother of Pearl was a depressing book. There were sad events, to be sure, but ultimately the book was uplifting and ended on a positive note.
Mother of Pearl is written from Barrie's perspective---which I loved. I've read so many coming-of-age stories written from the teen's point-of-view, it was nice to read one from the mother's perspective. Except that Mother of Pearl was much more than a coming-of-age story. It was about so many things: the relationships within a family and extended family, people dealing with overwhelming loss, and people growing in faith (or coming to faith for the first time). Gilbert writes about a messy situation---one that is becoming all too common in our society, and how it affects one family, and the community as a whole.
I loved reading about all of the relationships in Barrie's life. From her relationship with her husband and children, to her interactions and troubled past with her own mother, to her friendships with her coworkers, every interaction served to enlighten the reader to Barrie's character. She changes so much throughout the novel, and grows in ways she never thought possible. I loved how she transformed from someone who shied away from Christians and inwardly groaned whenever someone brought up God or faith, to someone who comes to lean on God in all things. By the end of the book, Barrie's view on the world is totally transformed, through events which are horrifying but ultimately strengthen her and mold her into a new person.
Gilbert's pacing was excellent. Mother of Pearl covers about a year in time (I'm approximating here) without feeling like the story jumped around or moved too fast or too slow. The story moved at just the right pace, which kept me reading long past the time I thought I would stop.
I was so, so happy with the ending of this book. I loved the way Gilbert handled the events that concluded the story. She turned the focus towards inner change, and ultimately, activism on Barrie's part. I loved seeing the glimpse into the future and how Barrie becomes an advocate for troubled teens. I'm trying hard not to say too much because I don't want to give the story away.
If you're a fan of contemporary fiction, women's fiction, or Christian fiction, this book's for you. If you typically shy away from Christian fiction, be advised that the faith element is subtle enough for those new to the genre to like the book. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read more from Kellie Coates Gilbert!
Mother of Pearl is written from Barrie's perspective---which I loved. I've read so many coming-of-age stories written from the teen's point-of-view, it was nice to read one from the mother's perspective. Except that Mother of Pearl was much more than a coming-of-age story. It was about so many things: the relationships within a family and extended family, people dealing with overwhelming loss, and people growing in faith (or coming to faith for the first time). Gilbert writes about a messy situation---one that is becoming all too common in our society, and how it affects one family, and the community as a whole.
I loved reading about all of the relationships in Barrie's life. From her relationship with her husband and children, to her interactions and troubled past with her own mother, to her friendships with her coworkers, every interaction served to enlighten the reader to Barrie's character. She changes so much throughout the novel, and grows in ways she never thought possible. I loved how she transformed from someone who shied away from Christians and inwardly groaned whenever someone brought up God or faith, to someone who comes to lean on God in all things. By the end of the book, Barrie's view on the world is totally transformed, through events which are horrifying but ultimately strengthen her and mold her into a new person.
Gilbert's pacing was excellent. Mother of Pearl covers about a year in time (I'm approximating here) without feeling like the story jumped around or moved too fast or too slow. The story moved at just the right pace, which kept me reading long past the time I thought I would stop.
I was so, so happy with the ending of this book. I loved the way Gilbert handled the events that concluded the story. She turned the focus towards inner change, and ultimately, activism on Barrie's part. I loved seeing the glimpse into the future and how Barrie becomes an advocate for troubled teens. I'm trying hard not to say too much because I don't want to give the story away.
If you're a fan of contemporary fiction, women's fiction, or Christian fiction, this book's for you. If you typically shy away from Christian fiction, be advised that the faith element is subtle enough for those new to the genre to like the book. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read more from Kellie Coates Gilbert!
November 26, 2012
Have you ever judged a book by it's cover and thought hmm that looks like a good book but then once you get into you realise that you are in for a ride because the content of the story is far grittier than you ever imagined ? That's what happened to me with Mother of Pearl, from the cover it looks like quite a posh- upperclassmen novel as we see a mother in a suit and the greens of a field and a rugby ball to the side. Mother of Pearl first introduces us to school guidance counsellor Barrie and her family including daughter Pearl and son Aaron , we then read as Pearl is becoming more and more rebellious, acting out etc and coming home drunk. One night which should have been the happiest day of her life, Barrie is presented with the news that her shining star and daughter Pearl has been killed in a car crash and soon Barrie's straight and narrow life comes crashing down and she lashes out to find someone to blame . It turns out though that Pearl was hiding a dark secret, she was pregnant and then what happens next is one mums race to find out not only the truth and what her daughter went through but also to bring her daughter's lover to justice as he turns out to be an authority and school figure. Can Barrie keep up the trials that she brings to discover the truth or will fighting for the truth, pull her husband and son away for good ?
Mother of Pearl encountered a twist I never imagined but in saying that it was a great twist as it made me want to keep reading the book and also ended up being a story that pulled at your invisible heartstrings causing emotions to be stirred up. I do advise that if you have or no someone that has been involved in a Student/Teacher relationship that has gone to trial etc this book may be a bit too close for comfort
Mother of Pearl encountered a twist I never imagined but in saying that it was a great twist as it made me want to keep reading the book and also ended up being a story that pulled at your invisible heartstrings causing emotions to be stirred up. I do advise that if you have or no someone that has been involved in a Student/Teacher relationship that has gone to trial etc this book may be a bit too close for comfort
August 26, 2012
Do you ever start a book and think - ok, I know what this is going to be about? Well, I did that with this book and got it totally wrong!
It was interesting to read the different reactions to what happened to Pearl. I liked the way Barrie fought for her daughter even though everyone was telling her to let it go. She just knows something is not right and refuses to give up on finding the truth.
I think at it’s heart, this book is about having faith even during times of struggle. A long time ago, there was a show called Touched by an Angel. One of the characters said “having faith doesn’t mean we will never have bad experiences. It means we will have something to hold on to and help us through bad experiences”. That is what I thought of as I read this book. Even though the basis of this story is sad, in the end it has a positive message.
A well written debut by Ms. Gilbert. I look forward to more from this very Talented author.
Thank you to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Publish date: September 1, 2012.
It was interesting to read the different reactions to what happened to Pearl. I liked the way Barrie fought for her daughter even though everyone was telling her to let it go. She just knows something is not right and refuses to give up on finding the truth.
I think at it’s heart, this book is about having faith even during times of struggle. A long time ago, there was a show called Touched by an Angel. One of the characters said “having faith doesn’t mean we will never have bad experiences. It means we will have something to hold on to and help us through bad experiences”. That is what I thought of as I read this book. Even though the basis of this story is sad, in the end it has a positive message.
A well written debut by Ms. Gilbert. I look forward to more from this very Talented author.
Thank you to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Publish date: September 1, 2012.
May 1, 2012
Heart-wrenching yet filled with grace and hope, Kellie Coates Gilbert's Mother of Pearl is beautifully written and a book that needs to be read by everyone with a child or grandchild. Novel Rocket and I give it a high recommendation.
April 20, 2017
I think there's the potential for a great story here, but it felt disjointed to me. There were several story lines that were picked up and then dropped. Still, the main character is likeable and the story is suspenseful.
November 12, 2013
This book ranks among my favorites! It was compelling and relevant, hard to put down. This was Kellie's debut novel and I hope she continues to write on this level. Highly recommended.
My review says it all:
http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
My review says it all:
http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
June 22, 2021
Powerful...had me wondering how I would react as well perhaps..
August 31, 2022
Mother fighting for the kids at school to have a good future, that grades and football are not as important as doing the best you can. To being a school counselor and seems like she was having to do it on the home front also. A book that deals with teens, the emotions and friends and bad actions. The roller coaster of what happens that turns a home into a nightmare of what happened. Emotions are high in this well written story.
September 9, 2012
Kellie Coates Gilbert in her new book, “Mother of Pearl” published by Abingdon Press brings us into the life of Barrie Graeber.
From the back cover: “The day my precious Pearl entered this world, I said goodbye to my heart. It would not be the last time.”
School counselor Barrie Graeber’s world shatters when her teenage daughter sneaks out in the middle of the night and is killed in an automobile accident. Amidst her grief, nothing prepares her for the news that Pearl was pregnant at the time of her death and that Barrie’s nemesis, the high school football coach, is responsible.
Barrie vows to do whatever it takes to bring the sexual predator to justice. But when the prosecution accepts the popular coach’s plea bargain, Barrie feels forced to seek her own retribution, placing her marriage at risk and damaging her family and career relationships. Absolute truths and convictions are put to the test, and Barrie must recognize her own vulnerability and find the grace to re-examine her need for vengeance and her trust in God.
This is a book that should be made into a TV movie. “Mother of Pearl” is filled with tension and many twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is about sexual predators and the effects they have on the families of the young people they prey upon. A predatory attack upon an innocent young girl sends her spinning into self-destructive behavior that the parents don’t understand the reason for. When Barrie finds out that Pearl was pregnant when she died she and her husband are shocked. In the hands of a less skillful writer this book could degenerate quickly. However, Ms. Gilbert is highly talented and keeps, not only the story moving, but she keeps it at a high level of quality. Mother of Pearl” is about taking vengeance. Barrie wants to take her own when it seems the courts fail her. However that begins to do all kinds of damage to her relationships. So she finally has to put up her hands and give her desire for vengeance over to God who said that vengeance was His. The last ten pages of this book will keep you reading as fast as you can. Ms. Gilbert makes you care for all the characters and their journey. This is also just plain fun and exciting as well. Don’t start this book late at night because it will cost you sleep.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: “The day my precious Pearl entered this world, I said goodbye to my heart. It would not be the last time.”
School counselor Barrie Graeber’s world shatters when her teenage daughter sneaks out in the middle of the night and is killed in an automobile accident. Amidst her grief, nothing prepares her for the news that Pearl was pregnant at the time of her death and that Barrie’s nemesis, the high school football coach, is responsible.
Barrie vows to do whatever it takes to bring the sexual predator to justice. But when the prosecution accepts the popular coach’s plea bargain, Barrie feels forced to seek her own retribution, placing her marriage at risk and damaging her family and career relationships. Absolute truths and convictions are put to the test, and Barrie must recognize her own vulnerability and find the grace to re-examine her need for vengeance and her trust in God.
This is a book that should be made into a TV movie. “Mother of Pearl” is filled with tension and many twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is about sexual predators and the effects they have on the families of the young people they prey upon. A predatory attack upon an innocent young girl sends her spinning into self-destructive behavior that the parents don’t understand the reason for. When Barrie finds out that Pearl was pregnant when she died she and her husband are shocked. In the hands of a less skillful writer this book could degenerate quickly. However, Ms. Gilbert is highly talented and keeps, not only the story moving, but she keeps it at a high level of quality. Mother of Pearl” is about taking vengeance. Barrie wants to take her own when it seems the courts fail her. However that begins to do all kinds of damage to her relationships. So she finally has to put up her hands and give her desire for vengeance over to God who said that vengeance was His. The last ten pages of this book will keep you reading as fast as you can. Ms. Gilbert makes you care for all the characters and their journey. This is also just plain fun and exciting as well. Don’t start this book late at night because it will cost you sleep.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 27, 2013
To say I loved this book is an understatement!
I do not often read contemporary fiction...I really love historical...but I am SO GLAD I read this book.
My only chance to read lately is when I run on the treadmill and use my iPad to read...it didn't take long for me to want to extend my running sessions b/c I didn't want to get off! This book captivated me. The writing is so intimate and the storyline hits you hard!
I'm not going to go into what actually happens in the storyline...you can read the summary in a million places...but I will say that at one point I was running and started to bawl like a baby. The story got to me so much I had a major "ugly cry" going on. So much so that I could barely run. It was awful and awfully great! I don't cry that easily and this book really brought it out in me. This story is so touching and will turn every mother heart into mush. The depth of love that Barrie has for her daughter Pearl will touch you and move you to reach out even more to your own children and know exactly what their sweet hearts are dealing with.
The way the author brings the reader through the events that Barrie, the main character, goes through is amazing. I have started telling everyone I know about this book b/c it was such a "hold-your-breath" read.
I have to say that the intensity and court room drama reminded me of a Jodi Picoult book...only I liked Gilbert more!
BUY this book.
I do not often read contemporary fiction...I really love historical...but I am SO GLAD I read this book.
My only chance to read lately is when I run on the treadmill and use my iPad to read...it didn't take long for me to want to extend my running sessions b/c I didn't want to get off! This book captivated me. The writing is so intimate and the storyline hits you hard!
I'm not going to go into what actually happens in the storyline...you can read the summary in a million places...but I will say that at one point I was running and started to bawl like a baby. The story got to me so much I had a major "ugly cry" going on. So much so that I could barely run. It was awful and awfully great! I don't cry that easily and this book really brought it out in me. This story is so touching and will turn every mother heart into mush. The depth of love that Barrie has for her daughter Pearl will touch you and move you to reach out even more to your own children and know exactly what their sweet hearts are dealing with.
The way the author brings the reader through the events that Barrie, the main character, goes through is amazing. I have started telling everyone I know about this book b/c it was such a "hold-your-breath" read.
I have to say that the intensity and court room drama reminded me of a Jodi Picoult book...only I liked Gilbert more!
BUY this book.
September 9, 2012
Barrie has a great family, and a respected job as a high school counselor. Her life is just puttering a long until one night her daughter Pearl is betrayed by her best friend, Callie and boyfriend, Craig.
Pearl goes from being the outgoing, smiling, teenage daughter that Barrie knew to withdrawing from the family, sneaking out at night, drinking, becoming a stranger.
Barrie has no idea what has happened to her daughter, but she is determined to find out!
Barrie's determination causes a huge rift within her marriage, her relationship with her mother has never been good and this doesn't make it any better.
This was a book that touched me on every emotional level. I was crying, laughing, and cheering. I don't want to give to much away, yet I want to say that Kellie conveyed the pain my dear cousin went through 14 years ago that I was able to glimpse just a tiny bit of it.
I had a hard time believing that this was Kellie's debut novel, she writes like a seasoned author.
Kellie's ability to delve into the relationships between Barrie and her mom, Barrie and her husband, and Pearl and keep the plot moving forward was phenomenal! I started it mid-evening and just couldn't put it down!
I highly recommend this! It will make my top list for 2012!
Pearl goes from being the outgoing, smiling, teenage daughter that Barrie knew to withdrawing from the family, sneaking out at night, drinking, becoming a stranger.
Barrie has no idea what has happened to her daughter, but she is determined to find out!
Barrie's determination causes a huge rift within her marriage, her relationship with her mother has never been good and this doesn't make it any better.
This was a book that touched me on every emotional level. I was crying, laughing, and cheering. I don't want to give to much away, yet I want to say that Kellie conveyed the pain my dear cousin went through 14 years ago that I was able to glimpse just a tiny bit of it.
I had a hard time believing that this was Kellie's debut novel, she writes like a seasoned author.
Kellie's ability to delve into the relationships between Barrie and her mom, Barrie and her husband, and Pearl and keep the plot moving forward was phenomenal! I started it mid-evening and just couldn't put it down!
I highly recommend this! It will make my top list for 2012!
June 13, 2012
I received an advance read through Net Galley. Debut novelist Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers a compelling story about a topic we'd mostly prefer to ignore, but can't and shouldn't. Gilbert's writing is smooth and engaging, and she explores touchy and emotional issues with grace. As a mother of teenagers, I found myself with a big lump in my throat on more than one occasion while reading. While MOTHER OF PEARL is from a Christian publisher, the characters are flawed and human and Gilbert's story does not feel constrained by "the rules" we often associate with inspirational novels (other than a few substitutions for swear words that made me smile). The story touches on spiritual matter, but does not hit the reader over the head with it. Ultimately, it was a fantastic read and I recommend it. This would be a great pick for book clubs.
March 3, 2013
Pearl's mother is Barrie, a high-school guidance counselor. Guidance counselors, as you know, see teenagers at their best and their worst, all the while working with them for their best possible future.
Barrie's daughter Pearl is seventeen-years-old. She is betrayed by her boyfriend. Then she withdraws from her family. Barrie says "Mothering is not for cowards." I chuckled, how true!
Barrie also rationalizes "Teenagers are supposed to begin withdrawing from their parents at this age. It's all part of the march of independence that will move her away from home..." In addition to troubles with Pearl, Barrie copes with a prying mother, a workaholic husband, and colleagues at her high school.
One day, her world turns upside down and changes the lives of her family.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and read it in a two-day span which is unusual for me. Recommended.
Barrie's daughter Pearl is seventeen-years-old. She is betrayed by her boyfriend. Then she withdraws from her family. Barrie says "Mothering is not for cowards." I chuckled, how true!
Barrie also rationalizes "Teenagers are supposed to begin withdrawing from their parents at this age. It's all part of the march of independence that will move her away from home..." In addition to troubles with Pearl, Barrie copes with a prying mother, a workaholic husband, and colleagues at her high school.
One day, her world turns upside down and changes the lives of her family.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and read it in a two-day span which is unusual for me. Recommended.
January 15, 2016
This is the most compelling novel I have read in a long time. I rarely read novels. The author made this story so real. A sexual predatory coach is so successful that he moves from school to school leaving behind championship teams and high school girls he has seduced. After he seduces and impregnated the high school counselor's daughter and then the daughter dies in a traffic accident, the mother makes it her life's work to stop this coach. She has to take on her family, the school, the school board and the town as she seeks to achieve her goal. This is a book I just could not put down. The author lives in the Dallas area and will be our guest at the Public Library on Thurs. night.
August 24, 2012
Barrie Graeber seems to have it all, two wonderful children, a loving husband, and a respected job as a high school counselor. When her daughter, Pearl, is betrayed by friends, Pearl withdraws from friends and family. As Barrie’s life unravels she must fight for justice, even as others chose to tolerate harmful behavior for their own gain.
Debut novelist, Kellie Coates Gilbert has birthed a beautifully written novel. Kellie’s background as a paralegal and legal investigator take the reader behind the scenes as a mother’s tender love searches for truth.
Debut novelist, Kellie Coates Gilbert has birthed a beautifully written novel. Kellie’s background as a paralegal and legal investigator take the reader behind the scenes as a mother’s tender love searches for truth.
September 4, 2012
From the first page until the last, debut author Kellie Coates Gilbert takes the reader into the heart of a broken mother with the skill of a seasoned pro. This tale told from the first person point of view of high school counselor Barrie Graeber is full of unexpected surprises. As a former trial paralegal, Gilbert excels at the courtroom scenes. With the ease of Jodi Picoult, Gilbert addresses headline issues then twists the heart strings with a Cassandra King emotional punch. Looking forward to more from this talented writer.
May 1, 2019
I almost never pass up books with teachers as main characters, and this novel didn't disappoint. Barrie is a supermom who works in her kids' high school and has high-achieving teenagers. But things start to unravel when her daughter begins to lash out after a very public betrayal by her boyfriend. Guidance-counselor Barrie can fix everyone's lives except the ones she loves, and she finds herself in way over her head when it looks like the football coach, who'd already made her career miserable, is involved in an unthinkable crime. I'll look for more by this author.
June 1, 2020
Mother of Pearl
I have read several of Kellie Coates Gilbert's books and have enjoyed them. This one knocked it out of the park. It is raw and the emotions are so vivid. Barrie Graeber's is living the life of most American middle class women. A good marriage, two kids and a job she loves. Her life is fractured one morning. This story takes you through her heart wrenching journey with her family individually and collectively. If you read one book during this crazy year, this should be it.
I have read several of Kellie Coates Gilbert's books and have enjoyed them. This one knocked it out of the park. It is raw and the emotions are so vivid. Barrie Graeber's is living the life of most American middle class women. A good marriage, two kids and a job she loves. Her life is fractured one morning. This story takes you through her heart wrenching journey with her family individually and collectively. If you read one book during this crazy year, this should be it.
May 31, 2021
A heart-wrenching story
As a mother of four, grandmother of five, great grandmother of three, I can definitely relate to the emotional turmoil, the outrage, the need to take action, the need to make sure that all are held accountable, the need to have the truth known! A mother's need to protect her young can be as ingrained as breathing! Children don't ask to be born, we bring them into this world and we need to love and protect and defend them until they are able to fend for themselves! I'd like to believe that I would be as courageous as Barrie was!
As a mother of four, grandmother of five, great grandmother of three, I can definitely relate to the emotional turmoil, the outrage, the need to take action, the need to make sure that all are held accountable, the need to have the truth known! A mother's need to protect her young can be as ingrained as breathing! Children don't ask to be born, we bring them into this world and we need to love and protect and defend them until they are able to fend for themselves! I'd like to believe that I would be as courageous as Barrie was!
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November 5, 2016Kellie Coates Gilbert's debut novel Mother of Pearl is fantastic, devastating, thought-provoking and very-well crafted. The plot clips along at a quick pace, while simultaneously developing the characters so well, that when tough circumstances develop I found myself emotionally invested and pulling out the Kleenex (which is rare for me when reading). Kellie handles a story about every parent's worst nightmares with grace and sensitivity, and makes Barrie, the mother, especially relatable.
September 4, 2017
I am not really sure what it is about this book that I didn't like. To me it was predictable and the characters were just too perfect, everyone except Barrie. Pearl is the perfect daughter until she sees her boyfriend with her best friend. Barrie is the perfect school councilor, though she doesn't like the football coach, until "the accident". Steve is the perfect husband and Aaron is the perfect son. The concept of the story was good, I just wasn't impressed with the book.
December 31, 2019
I love when a story is so profound that it literally has a raw emotional hold of your heart! As heartbreaking as the story was , it is a realistic portrayal of a tragedy that likely has affected many young girls. As a mother I can only hope and pray it doesn't happen to my daughter . As a reader this story touched me emotionally, this story needed to be written and needs its voice to be heard. I am thankful that the author has the compassion and compelling voice to write this story.
September 30, 2012
The premise of this book is compelling. A mother who grieves over her daughter and fights to right the wrongs committed against her. The story seemed well researched and there was a fair amount of suspense and tension, but I just couldn't get into it. Mine is only one of many other reviews, most of which I've found are positive.
February 15, 2014
Mother of Pearl is written in first person present- and Kellie does it masterfully. The characters are so real you can touch them, and her descriptions put you right there in each scene. Nothing is sugar-coated or too preachy. Every mom (and dad)who has teenagers, had teenageers or is about to have a teenager should read this story.
April 9, 2022
I oh my God I really didn't think I was going to like this book but the more I kept reading the more I like it and the more it got interesting I really have to say this was a very good book. Sorry I'm not able to leave a review on Amazon. Amazon has blocked it to where I can't leave reviews anymore sorry.
November 8, 2019
Read this book on James’ and my trip to Phoenix. Easy read and kept me curious until the end. Gave me some new perspective of what my parents may have experienced with Amy’s death and made me want to hug my kids and live everyday to the fullest with them.
February 24, 2022
Gutt wrenching! This book should be a must read for every single school administrator, every parent, everywhere. Kellie Coates Gilbert digs deep and offers up her best work ever, taking us along as if we were right there with Barrie and Pearl. This one will stay with you.
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