The Transparent Pearl - Alison Lewis - Bog

America as we know it is gone, consumed and torn apart by its citizens own lack of empathy, and unwillingness to work together. The old welfare system has collapsed, in its place is a new system that is as inefficient as it is unfair. Pearl Wood is an introverted, yet passionate, housing clinic employee, working in the system. She sees the injustice in the system, but can't seem to find the strength to assert herself. One day, a confident, abrasive, "all-American" reporter named Luke Matthews comes in to research a documentary on the new welfare system. Through Luke we are introduced to the system, meeting the employees and really seeing the horrible conditions that people are forced to live in. Pearl encounters many different people in her day to day job, but she is most intrigued by Luke, who possesses a confidence and detachment to the people around him, and Dr. James, who reflects Pearl's empathy for people and desire to fight the injustice of the system. Although this is set in the future, this is a story about the attitude of American society today, and what it will become if we don't learn to listen to each other, and form a new, more inclusive and empathetic American Dream. All proceeds will benefit The Bally Foundation, Inc, a community fund dedicated to providing immediate funds to people facing financial obstacles from underemployment or unemployment, and who are trying to rebuild their lives. The community fund was started to inspire a new American dream, about sharing not getting, about real community.