Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion
This topic is about
To Kill a Mockingbird
New School Classics- 1915-2005
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To Kill a Mockingbird: NO spoilers
I read this back in junior high, and thought it was great. I started re-reading it about two years ago and it wasn't as great as I had remembered. I didn't want to ruin the book for myself, so I set aside. I haven't decided yet if I want to attempt another re-read for the discussion yet or not.
I really enjoyed this book. What always struck me was how the message of the responsible use of power is so beautifully illustrated in the main character's dad (I'm bad at remembering names). I can't say more or I risk spoilers!
Mockingbird was chosen from monthly nominations as our May Contemporary Classic Group Read. Please use this thread for First Impressions, (non-spoiler) Background/Author Material, etc. This thread is limited to discussions that DON'T include plot spoilers, so take care not to give away any plot points! :)
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For discussions limited to Part One of the book ONLY, here is the link to the Mockingbird Discussion, Part One ONLY - Spoilers!.
For the thread open to full discussions about the book, here is the link to the Part Two/Book as a Whole - Spoilers!.
Thankyou! Happy Reading :D
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Link to nominating thread - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Link to poll - https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/9...
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There is also a film adaptation of this book. If you've seen the movie, and/or would like to discuss it, here's a link - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
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I first read it a couple years ago, as an adult. I never read it in high school. I've been meaning to read it again, and this is the perfect time. I can't wait to get reacquainted with Scout, Jem, and Atticus.
Lindsey wrote: "I first read it a couple years ago, as an adult. I never read it in high school. I've been meaning to read it again, and this is the perfect time. I can't wait to get reacquainted with Scout, Je..."I *think* I had a brief encounter with it in high school ;-), but I remember so very little, that I'm not entirely certain! I'm really looking forward to this one too. My 8th grade niece was raving about how fantastic it was, when I saw her just a couple weeks ago! With a recommendation like that, how can I NOT read it (again?). :D
I read this one a few years ago.. And to be really honest I don't understand the hype around it. I thought it was quite boring. It just didn't "do" anything with me, if you know what I mean.. I don't know what to think about it, maybe I was too young to get it, but in all honesty I wouldn't want to go through the trouble of reading it again. Especially when there's this looooong list of books I still want to read!So yeah, I don't mean to discourage anyone!! A LOT of people do like it, so it's probably just me being silly :D
MK wrote: "With a recommendation like that, how can I NOT read it (again?). :D "Hey, if an 8th grader recommends it and its a classic, then you can't go wrong. And the movie is pretty close and true to the book, and its one of my favorites. It made me fall in love with Gregory Peck :D
I think this will be one of the books that I'll be looking to borrow the dvd for, from my library, after I read :D
My son is reading this now for 10th grade English which, if I remember correctly, was the same year I read it. I am looking forward to seeing if I enjoy it as much now as I did then.
yeah!!I'll definitely join this one :)
Gina wrote: "yeah!!I'll definitely join this one :)"
Wonderful! Welcome :)
MK wrote: "Gina wrote: "yeah!!I'll definitely join this one :)"
Wonderful! Welcome :)"
Thank you :)
Mod
I have read this one a couple of times. I pulled it out to read again and couldn't put it down. It is such an interesting story.
I would strongly commend this book to people who have just taken up the classics or perhaps just joined this group. To Kill a Mockingbird is oft-listed as a "classic", and, for many people, that must mean that it is dry, boring, difficult to understand. Not so. This is a book with a strong plot and powerful climax that you'll never forget. Don't be fooled by the relaxed early chapters introducing you to the small town that is the setting of this novel. All good roller coasters begin with a slow easy departure out of the gate, but hold on... You're in for a great ride...
Paul wrote: "I would strongly commend this book to people who have just taken up the classics or perhaps just joined this group. To Kill a Mockingbird is oft-listed as a "classic", and, for many people, that m..."Hi Paul, welcome :). Thanks for a great first post!
I'm really looking forward to this one, I have to say. So many strong recs on this book.
I recently read it because my son had to for school and I wanted to be able to help him if he needed it. I loved it and had a hard time reading anything else for a few days afterwards. It is a very powerful book. I can't believe that I missed reading it when I was younger!
SO many great recs! Thanks, Jalilah :)). I can't believe I never read it either. So weird.
I really loved this book. I first read this book about 5 years ago. Sad and embarassed to say, I never read it in school. Though, I'm not sure I'd have appreciated it as much.
I first came across the movie many, many years ago and loved it so much that I ran out to get the book. It remains my all-time favorite book ever. I can't even begin to convey how wonderfully and beautifully this book is written. Reading it is like cozying up in a comfy chair and watching something magnificent unfold over and over again. Please go out and get yourself a copy and read it. You will see why it has made every important booklist.
ty for the wonderful review, Marleny! I certainly will :)
Marleny wrote: "I first came across the movie many, many years ago and loved it so much that I ran out to get the book. It remains my all-time favorite book ever. The story is told by the young girl, Scout, bein..."I agree (with MK) that you wrote a great review, but be careful about spoilers!
Some would say that you haven't really revealed (spoiled) anything other than the highlights you would get from any typical book review, but I do believe that there is nothing quite so precious as reading (better term: discovering) a book with no foreshadowing, no preview, for The Very First Time. I remember thinking (the first time I read it) that this is a nice easy-going story and then, suddenly, wham! we're in the middle of real drama.
Or perhaps I'm just being a jerk (please forgive). It really IS a very special book, and your spontaneous, clearly sincere, review and commentary will doubtless motivate others to read it.
Good point! This thread is the "no spoiler" thread. Thanks, Paul. Sorry I didn't really notice, despite not having read the book, I do know the storyline for some reason. Thus, it just went right by me, that it was spoilery ;-)Marleny, you can put the spoilery part in spoiler tags, or put it in the other thread, the one for spoilers:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Paul and MK (and everyone else) I'm so sorry if I put in a spoiler, I really didn't intend to. I re-read and re-read my comment before posting thinking I had avoided spoilers. I see now that I should only have written about how the book made me feel rather than what it was about.In the end, I just edited out the spoiler stuff.
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL STORY!
It's fine, Marleny. No worries. When we discuss plotlines, we use spoiler threads (I forgot/didn't notice too/either heh).
This is one of my favorite books! I've been looking for an excuse to reread it. ;-)
I never got the chance to read this book in school, instead we studied 'Of Mice and Men'. I'm excited to finally read it, I've heard such great reviews.
I put my hold request in at the library :D
It is one of those novels that even though it was written in the 60s, it does not feel dated.
No, I think that it too. It still resonates today. I am ashamed to say I never read it in school. It should be required reading.
I haven't To Kill a Mockingbird since high school. Looking forward to reading it again! :)
MK wrote: "I put my hold request in at the library :D"I picked my copy up :). Not ready to start until the 1st tho, I'm still working on April books ;-).
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I'd like to take this opportunity to give a reminder that this thread is for NON-SPOILER information only, and to include some easy navigation links to the rest of the discussion threads for Mockingbird.
This is edited into one of the posts at the top, but just in case no one scrolls up, here it is again:
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Mockingbird was chosen from monthly nominations as our May Contemporary Classic Group Read. Please use this thread for First Impressions, (non-spoiler) Background/Author Material, etc. This thread is limited to discussions that DON'T include plot spoilers, so take care not to give away any plot points! :)
-------
For discussions limited to Part One of the book ONLY, here is the link to the Mockingbird Discussion, Part One ONLY - Spoilers!.
For the thread open to full discussions about the book, here is the link to the Part Two/Book as a Whole - Spoilers!.
Thankyou! Happy Reading :D
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Link to nominating thread - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Link to poll - https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/9...
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There is also a film adaptation of this book. If you've seen the movie, and/or would like to discuss it, here's a link - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
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Mod
Kathy wrote: "I edited my first post to add some of the links to the other threads. Hopefully all can be found and navigated to easily."Thanks, Kathy! :)
I read this in high school and still remember it as one of the best books I've read. However, I haven't ever re-read it, so don't know if my opinion would have changed in the past 20 years! If I had more time and less other commitments with group reads, then I'd join in and give it a re-read, but I don't think I'll get around to it this month! It's definitely a must read book for anyone who hasn't read it though :)
Pink wrote: "I read this in high school and still remember it as one of the best books I've read. However, I haven't ever re-read it, so don't know if my opinion would have changed in the past 20 years! If I ha..."Love Pink's comment. She read it in high school and still remembers it as "one of the best books [she's] ever read". A powerful endorsement.
Mod
NEW YORK (AP) — "To Kill a Mockingbird" will not be Harper Lee's only published book after all.
Publisher Harper announced Tuesday that "Go Set a Watchman," a novel the Pulitzer Prize-winning author completed in the 1950s and put aside, will be released July 14.
Rediscovered last fall, "Go Set a Watchman" is essentially a sequel to "To Kill a Mockingbird," although it was finished earlier. The 304-page book will be Lee's second, and the first new work in more than 50 years.
The publisher plans a first printing of 2 million copies.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/harper...
I read this announcement from the AP on my phone, I'm really excited. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best books I ever read and I have always wondered what happened to Scout etc.
Mod
Kathy wrote: "Harper Lee to Publish 'Sequel' to 'To Kill a Mockingbird'NEW YORK (AP) — "To Kill a Mockingbird" will not be Harper Lee's only published book after all.
Publisher Harper announced Tuesday that "..."
I will definitely read it when it comes out!
Jalilah wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Harper Lee to Publish 'Sequel' to 'To Kill a Mockingbird'NEW YORK (AP) — "To Kill a Mockingbird" will not be Harper Lee's only published book after all.
Publisher Harper announced ..."
I'm in two minds. When you have something as near perfect as To Kill a Mockingbird there's also the fear that a sequel might somehow destroy your feelings about the original.
I agree, except the AP article stated that this new book was actually the original book that Harper Lee wrote and her publisher thought that she ought to write a book about Scout when she was a child instead, so she did. To Kill A Mockingbird is actually the second book.
To Kill a Mockingbird was chosen as our May 2016 Revisit the Shelf Reread. Who will be reading (or rereading!) this classic with us this month? Have any of you read the recently published sequel?
I read in ninth grade. It's been awhile. I have blocked off the next few days to reread it now.
This is one of my favorite books, although I don't think I have time to read it this month. I've been told not to read the sequel by someone I trust so I'm skipping it.
Reading this one for the first time, the audiobook narrated by Sissy Spacek . Been on my list for a while.
Daniel wrote: "Reading this one for the first time, the audiobook narrated by Sissy Spacek . Been on my list for a while."Me too, Daniel. ;-)
Mod
I teach this book to a pack of 8th graders every year. I've also read Go Set a Watchman. My embittered review is over here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...I have a lot of thoughts on TKAM, and I can't wait for the discussion!
Are we using the really old spoiler threads, or just this one?
Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)
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Non spoiler thread
Mockingbird was chosen from monthly nominations as our May Contemporary Classic Group Read. Please use this thread for First Impressions, (non-spoiler) Background/Author Material, etc. This thread is limited to discussions that DON'T include plot spoilers, so take care not to give away any plot points!
For discussions limited to Part One of the book ONLY, here is the link to the Mockingbird Discussion, Part One ONLY - Spoilers!.
For the thread open to full discussions about the book, here is the link to the Part Two/Book as a Whole - Spoilers!.