To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Group Classics Read June/July '15)

[Greg]

Please discuss our June and July Classic Group Read here.

[Leslie]

Thanks Greg -- slipped my mind to set up this thread!

[E.A.]

I read this book as say over 10 years ago, for school. I can't really recall that much about it, the movie is more vivid. But I know I didn't hate it. I'm going to have to re-read it.

[Leslie]

I might see if I can find an audiobook edition at the library. I haven't read this in many years...

[Teri-K]

FWIW, I recently reread this for my book club. I still really loved it, in fact we all did, whether it was new to us or not. And there is an audio version narrated by Sissy Spacek which several of our members praised. :)

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

Yes, Sissy Spacek was an excellent narrator for this book. She makes you feel every word. I listened to this book last summer and was hooked on the story. I thought about the unique type of person that Atticus Finch was for a long time afterwards.

[Evelyn]

I have just read this for the first time and can see that it was intended for a young audience, probably why it is on the syllabus for so many schools. What I took away most from the book was a father trying to teach his children about respect. Respect for other children, for their neighbours, for property. Respect for consequences and discipline, and for the comfortable life they lead. Respect for all ages, races and genders. A great Dad.

[Alice]

It's my first time read too. I loved the Gregory Peck film. As I'm reading the book, scenes of the film keep popping up in my mind :)

[LauraT]

I'd like to reread it. I'm working a bit too much at the moment; I'll se what I can do ...

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

Evelyn wrote: "I have just read this for the first time and can see that it was intended for a young audience, probably why it is on the syllabus for so many schools. What I took away most from the book was a fa..."

Totally agree...the best all around good, moral character, humble without being preachy, and best Dad ever!

[Teri-K]

It's funny, because when I started rereading this I was thinking that Atticus wasn't a very good father, and it made me uncomfortable. Then I realized I was using my emotional evaluation that "A good parent spends lots of time with their children and focuses their attention on them". And Atticus doesn't really do that in the book.

So I thought about it some more, looked at his situation in life, and decided "A good parent gives their child what they need to grow and develop and leads by example". And Atticus does do that. (Including his wise choice of who helps him raise them.)

One of the many things I like about Atticus is that he is a humble man, as Terry said. You don't see humble people in fiction very often, but it's an attribute I value IRL.

[Evelyn]

Teri-K I really like how you worked around your first impression to see beyond. To (somewhat) quote Atticus, you have lived in his skin.

[Chinook]

When I read this in school, it didn't do much for me. But I reread it about five years ago and was really moved. I ended up crying while reading in on a Seoul subway at one point towards the end.

[Alannah]

Read this not so long ago but will be taking part in the discussion.

[Shirley]

I read this again last year and loved it.

[Free]

Currently rereading this book for the group read. Been waiting for the thread and was kind of confused. But thank you for setting it up this will be my first group read other than high school and I am very excited. About a hundred pages in. I love the simplicity to this book. And I moved to Georgia three years ago so I understand the southern mentality better. I do believe Atticus was a good parent he taught his children as much as he could and while he didn't spend tons of time with them he did spend quality time with them. I also believe good parent set a good example and teach their children good morals but you do have to let children learn, which I felt like he did.

[Hayes]

Yay, the thread's up! I'm like Reina in that this will be my first group read in quite a while.

I could remember bits and pieces of TKaM from back in the day, but it was so long ago that it was nice to reread it. It's just such a great story.

I had a little more difficulty getting into it this time around, as I found it kind of off-putting that Scout's interior monologue was written through the eyes of seasoned adult, while her dialogue was age-appropriate. But whatever, I got over it. Story's the most important thing, anyway.

Did anybody else grow tired of Dill?

[Teri-K]

I didn't grow tired of Dill. In fact I missed him when he disappeared from the story. However, I'm a huge fan of Capote's A Christmas Memory, so I enjoyed putting the two stories together in my head. (Given that Dill was based on Truman Capote, who was a childhood friend of HL.)

I also liked seeing how the three children interacted, since they were so very different. Why did you think you got tired of Dill?

[Hayes]

Teri-k wrote: "I didn't grow tired of Dill. In fact I missed him when he disappeared from the story. However, I'm a huge fan of Capote's A Christmas Memory, so I enjoyed putting the two stories togeth..."

Hmmm, I didn't know Dill was based on Capote. That's neat.

I guess I got tired of Dill because it just always ended up being more of the same. It was fun at first, how he was there to further the image of Boo as some mythical boogeyman, always trying to catch a glimpse and all that other fun stuff that an innocent kid would do. And I get that that part was necessary; building up Boo as the big scary monster in the beginning made for a better payoff at the end (and along the way as the reader finds that Boo really cares about the kids).

But it just got tiring, at least for me. After the first half of the novel, I found myself not wanting to get bogged down with Dill's escapades. I wanted the meat! Gimme Scout and Jem's take on the trial, what they're going through at school, more dialogue with Atticus, old lady DuBose, all those disapproving looks from the neighbors, etc. That's where I'm coming from. It's not that I disliked Dill, I just liked everything else so much more.

[Teri-K]

Hayes wrote: "Teri-k wrote: "I didn't grow tired of Dill. In fact I missed him when he disappeared from the story. However, I'm a huge fan of Capote's A Christmas Memory, so I enjoyed putting the two..."

I can see that. Maybe Dill was very much part of Scout's innocent childhood, and once she starts to grow up he doesn't fit in as well? Perhaps he even represents that awkward moving back-and-forth between childhood and adulthood, and the former does have to be left behind.

[Hayes]

Teri-k wrote: "Hayes wrote: "Teri-k wrote: "I didn't grow tired of Dill. In fact I missed him when he disappeared from the story. However, I'm a huge fan of Capote's A Christmas Memory, so I enjoyed p..."

I can see that. Perhaps I'm like second-half Jem: too old for all that kiddie stuff!

[Hayes]

Btw, how about the kids' mishearing of "hermaphrodite"?!!! That was too funny.

Wait a minute, maybe I DO like the kiddie stuff!

[Alice]

I'm on Chapter 13. I love this quote of Atticus's:

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions. But before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

[Alice]

Hayes wrote: "Btw, how about the kids' mishearing of "hermaphrodite"?!!! That was too funny.

Wait a minute, maybe I DO like the kiddie stuff!"

Yes, that's funny! And "characterture" for "caricature"!

[Greg]

I'm only about 50 pages in but I'm definitely enjoying the book - a strong narrative voice and an engaging story with plenty of humor laced in.

The writing style is great too - it doesn't have the soaring stretches that I enjoy in my top-of-the-top books, but I do like it.

Not far enough to comment much; I'm afraid to read everyone's comments in case I encounter spoilers, but I will go back and read them as I get further. I'm glad this book won - I don't know how I managed to go so long without having read it!

[Shirley]

Greg wrote: "I'm only about 50 pages in but I'm definitely enjoying the book - a strong narrative voice and an engaging story with plenty of humor laced in.

The writing style is great too - it doesn't have th..."

Glad you like it so far, Greg, and you still have the best of the book to come!

[Teri-K]

Greg wrote: "I'm only about 50 pages in but I'm definitely enjoying the book - a strong narrative voice and an engaging story with plenty of humor laced in.

The writing style is great too - it doesn't have th..."

It's great that you're reading it now, and enjoying it. I agree that her style is fairly straightforward. But I think it works well for the kind of story she's telling, since this is a book about ordinary people, not kings and queens or magic or superheroes. But she really manages to make the people come alive, doesn't she?

Since this was a reread for me I sometimes stopped to think about why she chose the details she used and left others out.

[Greg]

Teri-k wrote: "I agree that her style is fairly straightforward. But I think it works well for the kind of story she's telling, since this is a book about ordinary people, not kings and queens or magic or superheroes."

I don't know Teri-K, some books about ordinary people & events have extraordinarily lovely and even exotic prose styles, The Great Gatsby or certain stories by Katherine Mansfield for instance. But I am really enjoying To Kill a Mockingbird nevertheless!

Teri-k wrote: "But she really manages to make the people come alive, doesn't she?..."

100% yes!!!

I also am really enjoying the good-heartedness of the book so far. I loved in chapter 8 that even the (view spoiler)[cantankerous Mr Avery risks his life to help get furniture out of Miss Maudie's burning house. This is both touching and realistic - even the most difficult people often have moments of grace! (hide spoiler)]

I know nothing whatsoever of the story; so I'm really enjoying the gently unfolding mystery about who Boo is. I love in chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ how he drapes the blanket over the kids' shoulders. (hide spoiler)]

And I was immediately drawn to the first overt metaphor/symbol in the book in chapter 10, (view spoiler)[the mockingbird that it's a sin to shoot because it does no harm. Thinking and hoping that image will gain resonance as the story unfolds. It feels like it will! (hide spoiler)]

One last thing that made me laugh in chapter 9-10: (view spoiler)[the air rifles Atticus succumbs to giving the children and his stern warnings .. and their subsequent misuse. My nephew was recently given an air rifle, and he's been something of a terror with it. He hasn't done anything major enough to take it away yet, but I won't be at all surprised if it gets taken away eventually! (hide spoiler)]

Atticus is a very kind and realistic father - he knows the limits of his influence, and he's careful to use it wisely - he turns a blind eye when it isn't serious, but he seems to know exactly what his kids up to. He's stern when he needs to be but in a loving way. A perfect balance, I think.

[Greg]

Teri-k wrote: "One of the many things I like about Atticus is that he is a humble man, as Terry said. You don't see humble people in fiction very often, but it's an attribute I value IRL."

I completely agree!

[Greg]

Well I'm about half way through now, in chapter 14. I'm enjoying it, and I think you're completely right Evelyn - it's a particularly good book for a young audience. I like the worldview of the author.

[Greg]

Alice wrote: "I'm on Chapter 13. I love this quote of Atticus's:

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions. But before I can live with other folks I've g..."

An excellent quote Alice, and a wise one too!

[Alice]

Greg, did you see the Gregory Peck movie adaptation (1962)? His performance as Atticus was impressive! That image just stuck in my mind. Atticus is the kind of father I, for one, would love to have!

[Greg]

Alice wrote: "Greg, did you see the Gregory Peck movie adaptation (1962)? His performance as Atticus was impressive! That image just stuck in my mind. Atticus is the kind of father I, for one, would love to have!"

No Alice - I like to read the book first in general; so I've put off watching it. I definitely will after I finish reading it though! I like Gregory Peck

[Alice]

I've finished reading the book. I didn't remember the ending from the film, and as I got to it in the book, it turned out to be a bit disappointing.

Here's my review for those who are ready for it!

[Cathie]

I am reading my daughter's copy and following the quote "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents" she wrote "why not?"

I wanted to point this out and hear some thoughts on this quote. Not so much as it relates to the story and Atticus, but overall. Do you feel this is a bit dated, classic?

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

I think it is honest and good to feel proud of your talent and accomplishments, but not so much that you are "prideful" and look down on other people and feel superior. Maybe that was the point the author was trying to make when Atticus said something about walking in someone else's shoes.

[Greg]

Cathie wrote: "I am reading my daughter's copy and following the quote "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents" she wrote "why not?"

I wanted to point this out and hear some thoughts on th..."

I copied that quote down too Cathie. I think it relates to Atticus' humility (one of Atticus' best features that Teri-K and Terry pointed out earlier).

But in my opinion, this is the general idea: a person doesn't do anything to earn their talents; they are a gift, whether from God or fate, depending on what one believes.

Everyone does have talents in one form or another - how much the larger culture happens to value any particular talent at any one particular moment in history is another question.

For instance, I remember when I was in college, there was one woman who struggled and studied like crazy in one of my Engineering classes (worked day and night) and could barely get B's, but I would read the chapter through the night before, work the sample problems, and would get it all figured out by the next day. Good thing for me because I was such a mess in those days; I had nowhere near the stability or emotional wherewithal to do what she did at the time, and raw gifts got me great grades that I could never have gotten otherwise. But that woman had much more to be proud of in her B's than I did in my A's because she had to go through hell to get them.

No reason to be proud of talents you were given that have very little to do with what you've done. Much better to be grateful for them. Talents aren't something to be proud of so much as to be grateful for, something to be tended and harvested for the best crop. The proper tending, harvesting, and use of a talent can be something to be proud of but the talent itself is just a gift.

There are a number of statements to that effect in the Bible as well if one happens to believe in it .. several parables about how more is expected from those to whom more is given. Although Harper Lee clearly has little sympathy for Old Testament vengeance and religious hypocrisy, I do feel a New Testament sensibility permeating the book, something not surprising for that period in the American South.

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

Greg wrote: "Cathie wrote: "I am reading my daughter's copy and following the quote "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents" she wrote "why not?"

I wanted to point this out and hear some..."

Right, good point Greg!

[Greg]

Terry wrote: "I think it is honest and good to feel proud of your talent and accomplishments, but not so much that you are "prideful" and look down on other people and feel superior. Maybe that was the point th..."

Oops, just noticed I cross-posted with you Terry! You make some good points too!

[Alice]

Good points, Greg & Terry! Absolutely agree! I admire Atticus for his humility!

[Free]

I'm on chapter 17. And was just thinking about how once Aunt moves in her whole quest is to get rid of Cal. My first thought was that it was selfish and wrong Cal has been with the family for years. My second thought was maybe there was something going on between her and Atticus. He really isn't that old and his wife did die sometime ago, it's not that far fetched.

[Greg]

Reina wrote: "My first thought was that it was selfish and wrong Cal has been with the family for years. My second thought was maybe there was something going on between her and Atticus...."

I didn't really get that impression Reina - I could be wrong, but my impression was that it was pretty normal to have longstanding black servants in those days and that they were almost considered a member of the family. I feel like turning out such a servant as they got older after a lifetime of service would be disloyal and perhaps a bit cruel. Of course I'm getting that impression second hand through a number of books and movies - I have no direct knowledge.

I personally was happy that Atticus considered Cal a member of the family .. it made me like Atticus more. What did everyone else think?

[Shirley]

Greg wrote: "Reina wrote: "My first thought was that it was selfish and wrong Cal has been with the family for years. My second thought was maybe there was something going on between her and Atticus...."

I did..."

I'd definitely agree with that!

[Free]

Well i just think that he might not be a young stud but he's not an old man either yes he was older and the boom really goes into that. People seek companionship and if the nine year old in the book had in some sort of a committed relationship why would that adults be any different. And he hadn't remarried which you would think he would feel the need to give his children a mother but Cal definitely filled that gap for them.

[Free]

*book

[Greg]

That's definitely true Reina that Cal fills in as a mother for the children, and it's also true that Atticus didn't remarry even though his wife died young.

It is a little unusual that Atticus didn't remarry. I wonder if he just loved his dead wife so deeply that he didn't want to marry again? Not really sure.

[Alice]

Greg wrote: "Reina wrote: "My first thought was that it was selfish and wrong Cal has been with the family for years. My second thought was maybe there was something going on between her and Atticus...."

I did..."

The impression I got is that Aunt Alexandra is basically a snobbish person who is racist and she's afraid that Calpurnia might have bad influence on the children because of her black culture and social class (as Cal was very close to them, too close as a servant). Her dislike of Cal is simply a matter of discrimination and it doesn't have anything to do with Atticus.

Like Greg, I feel glad that Atticus ignores his sister's prejudices and insists on keeping Cal. I like him more.

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

I think that is it exactly, Alice.

[Greg]

I'm in the last hundred pages and really enjoying the suspense of the (view spoiler)[trial (hide spoiler)]! After I finish, I'll read your review Alice.

So far I'd give the book a solid 4 stars, a very good book. An excellent job at all the nuts and bolts - strong narrative voice, memorable characters vividly drawn, an engaging storyline, some larger ideas. I'm glad this book was chosen because it was on my mental to-read list for ages!

[Greg]

Well put Alice! That was exactly how I saw it too! :)

Reina does bring up a interesting point though .. I wonder why Atticus didn't remarry.

What does everyone think? Did he just love his dead wife so much that he didn't want anyone else? Or was he just so hurt by her death that he couldn't go through it all again?