Great American Read List discussion
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Go Set a Watchman
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January 2019—GO SET A WATCHMAN—Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird Series—Book 2 of 2)
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Mod
I started yesterday. I'm on p. 62—at 31%.
This novel reads like a book-length epilogue (I'm not complaining, merely making an observation). So far, it doesn't have much to do with To Kill a Mockingbird. It centers around Jean Louise (mainly referred to as Scout in TKAM) and Hank (Henry Clinton). I don't remember Henry Clinton from the previous book. I do remember Dill, and at first, I though Hank was Dill, but he's not.
I am enjoying this story. I find the playful banter between Jean Louise and Hank highly amusing and I like both of their characters a great deal. Their relationship is interesting. Will they get married? I've no idea, but it's fun witnessing their journey. Jean Louise is quite modern in comparison to the womenfolk of her hometown and I love that Hank finds this so alluring. She's not fake, at all. She doesn't pretend to be how others expect a lady to be.
I also like the flashbacks. It's entertaining to read about additional childhood memories that weren't included in TKAM.
At this pace, I think I'll finish by the 8ᵗʰ.
Mod
I see that my library has multiple copies, so at least I can give it a try without it costing me anything.
Mod
I'm on p. 146—at 73%.
Okay ... now I understand what all the controversy is about.
However, I can't believe that the low opinions and ratings of some readers are due to the writing. Lee was a phenomenal author and this novel is no exception.
This book took a turn from an endearing story about Jean Louise and Hank's budding relationship to the former discovering that her father, and many others she grew up with, aren't who she thought they were.
It's provocative and fascinating and does an excellent job of making me feel uncomfortable (which it should). I need time to digest the heavy content and decide how I feel about it, but I don't regret reading this as a book series. In fact, I'm glad I am. Otherwise, I would have missed out on Lee's only other published work which is incredibly thought-provoking.
I am at about 75%. I agree this is the part that really challenges your views on prejudice. I am still trying to figure out Uncle Jack. He sounds crazy, but there is some wisdom there.
Mod
Uncle Jack is an interesting character. As you mentioned—he's chock-full of wisdom, but he's also a gentleman who's eccentric and loyal and loving to his family.
I finished yesterday.
I think many readers don't like this novel because it shows that Atticus is not as perfect as we thought he was in To Kill a Mockingbird. Either this part of him was there all along and Scout didn't see it and/or Atticus was careful not to show it or it's possible that after two decades he changed somewhat.
For whatever reason, I can't dislike a book simply because the author created a character so wonderful in book 1 that when I discovered his flaws in book 2 it broke my heart. That's skill, to Lee's credit. Who am I to say she was wrong for revealing more of Atticus' true self or who he became after living in that place at that time?
I'm not from the south so I won't pretend to understand southern politics and even if I was, these books were set in the 1930s (TKAM) and 1950s (GSAW). Of course I can read about what it was like, even discuss it with those that lived it, but it's not the same as experiencing it for yourself.
This book really opened my eyes and reminded me that life is rarely black and white. It's complex, as people are.
I will definitely reread this series again in the future.
I only wish Lee had written more.
Mod
I think I could read GSAW and treat it as an "alternate universe" version of the characters, if I can't reconcile, say, Atticus from TKAM with Atticus from GSAW. I read enough comic books that I'm used to that kind of thing.
I'm still not thinking about picking up GSAW any time soon though, since I have too much other stuff I want to get to.
Mod
"I think I could read GSAW and treat it as an "alternate universe" version of the characters, if I can't reconcile, say, Atticus from TKAM with Atticus from GSAW. I read enough comic books that I'm used to that kind of thing." — That made me smile!
I wrote an AU scene for an OC (original character) so I know what you mean.
I understand. Now that I'm mostly caught up with our GAR group reads (I only have Comanche Moon left, but that's scheduled until Feb. 28ᵗʰ so I have plenty of time to finish) I'm able to focus on some side-reads for the next couple of weeks.
To everyone—I hope you'll participate and read this selection for our book club.
For those who do—share your thoughts as you read, please!
Spoilers are allowed; add a considerate warning if your comment includes any so members have the option to skip.
Feel free to begin reading it early, if you'd like, and start the discussion at your leisure.