Sunday, September 07, 2008

The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis

The Necklace: thirteen women and the experiment that transformed their lives is the true story of a group of women that joined together to purchase and share a beautiful and expensive diamond necklace. For the most part they all realized it was about more then a necklace. It was about a group friendship, sharing experiences and helping one another. The necklace rotated from month to month between the women with exceptions for special events as well.

This was not always an easy experience, the women went through arguments and disagreements about the necklace and how it should be used in several cases. But the necklace really did bring these women together and in the process helped their community.

I really enjoyed this book. I can't help compare it to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book series in the fact that a group of women/girls share an object that brings them closer together. I also liked the idea that women that were almost polar opposites could come together and set aside differences to be part of the group.

For the most part I like how the book worked, featuring one women for each chapter, mini biographies of their lives and how they interacted with the group. I just wish each chapter was written more from each of their points of view more so than quotes sprinkled into a narration about them. I think it would have been more powerful it it all came right from their mouths. I do realize to link all the women together and keep the story moving their had to be a higher narration though.

I really liked Priscilla Van Gundy, who only joined because her husband asked that the women allow her to join when they bought the necklace from him. She didn't want to at first and then eventually realized she should give it a try and had a most wonderful experience. I really liked seeing how all the women knew each other and how they ended up being in the group.

I also was very pleased to see they did more with the necklace than just wear it, they had several fundraising events and also got great joy out of sharing the necklace with people they encountered in their everyday life. The people that got the chance to wear it were so excited and there are even testimonials of their experiences with the necklace!

This is a wonderful feel-good book about women that enhanced each others lives and helped their community in the process. I'm less than half their age but I still enjoyed it and could identify with it.

4/5 Stars
ARC provided by publisher

7 comments:

  1. Lol! I wrote: "Sounds kind of like an adult Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", before I had finished reading your review so you're not the only one!

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  2. Anonymous8:15 PM

    Priscilla Van Gundy was my favorite of the group also; seemed the most genuine. I liked the way the women helped her out with (xxx I can't give it away! xxx)

    You had a much more positive view of the book than I did. I did see the "Sisterhood" connection, but this was more contrived, and with a much more out-of-reach object for most people.

    Your review is really well-written; I'm just one of those that wasn't so hot on the book!

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  3. Ladytink_534- LOL! I know right! I feel like that might turn certain people off but to me it's a great great thing!

    sheistoofondofbooks- Yeah I rather liked it. I liked how it was a light read but also meaningful, I read it so fast and I don't usually do that. Thanks for saying my review was well-written, I just kind of sit here and type and see what comes out :)

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  4. Anonymous11:29 PM

    It sounds really good! Do you know I have not read Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...sad isn't it?

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  5. Right away, I also thought of TSOTTP when I read your post. Great review. :)

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  6. this does sound like a good read. I really enjoyed Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
    great review!
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

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  7. J. Kaye-Ahh you should read them for sure. Maybe even wait until you think your daughter would like them and read them together!

    Keri Mikulski :)- LOL! It can't be helped can it! Thanks!

    Naida- Yeah I liked it! I can't wait for Ann Brashares new series!!!!!

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