Go Set a Watchman

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

This thread is to discuss Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.

Pages: 278 pages

Length: 1 Month (April)

Participants: Lynn, Trisha, Gabriella, Ruthie, Flora

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.


Happy Buddy Reading!

[Ruthie]

Hey y'all! My library hold for this came through so I should be able to start it soon.

[Veronica]

I just read this book! I love it so much.

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "Hey y'all! My library hold for this came through so I should be able to start it soon."

Another buddy read with you, Ruthie! Yay! Let me know when you start this one.

[Trisha]

Veronica wrote: "I just read this book! I love it so much."

I've read To Kill a Mockingbird and as I'm informed that this book was the first draft for it, I am really curious. The Wiki says that the publishers made Harper do massive changes to the draft.

You can post your review here under spoilers, Veronica! I'd love to hear your views!

[Ruthie]

That’s cool I didn’t know that about the book Trisha! Nice to have another buddy read with you!

[Ruthie]

I’ll be starting this today!!

[Floor]

I’m quite new to goodreads book clubs so I don’t really know how this works, but I recently read this book and would love to discuss it with you all!

[Ruthie]

Flora we’d love to have you! Just make sure you mark spoilers in your discussing since we haven’t finished yet and we can look at your spoilers once we finish to discuss with you.

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "I’ll be starting this today!!"

Starting today, Ruthie!

[Ruthie]

So I started it and not too far in. I liked how it started but I had to pause it because I'm at a part that almost put me to sleep lol.

We will see how I go on this because I'm starting to think classics aren't my thing after I read The Count of Monte Cristo in January and was bored except for the first third and last third of the book.

[Trisha]

I’m about a little more than 100 pages in, and I can say why the publishers made Harper do all those changes. This is not even 1/4th as good as To Kill a Mockingbird. I think it was very smart to change the storyline to see the world from the perspective of a six year old. I think after this one, I’d like to re-read To Kill a Mockingbird. Anyway, let’s see how it goes!

I do like the flashbacks though.

[Ruthie]

I like the flashbacks too and I agree they prob read those stories and told her to write the whole book from the younger child's perspective.
I'm almost done with it. I feel like it's ok, the writing is good and the dialogue is written so it sounds really genuine. It just doesn't really hold my attention. But I know that's really my fault because I prefer fantasy and keep trying classics but have a hard time enjoying them.

[Trisha]

Haha! Classics is my favourite genre. But even then, I’m reading it too slow. I think it’s because the atmosphere around is so gloomy owing to the virus outbreak. I’m about 60% done and will try to finish the remaining book today. The plot has gotten better from chapter 9 and I like how Jean Louise is comparing the present to the past. (view spoiler)[I’m as intrigued as her as to what changed in between, that has resulted in Atticus’ changed behaviour. (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

That's cool!
I finished it! I will say I liked the long talk towards the end btw Jean Louise and Atticus. Let me know when you read that part I think it was my favorite of the whole book.

[L Y N N]

I will plan to read this one very soon. I admit I am a bit hesitant. I did a recent reread of To Kill a Mockingbird after 50 years. I think I had forgotten just how much I love that book! Good to see others who are enthusiastic about it!

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "That's cool!
I finished it! I will say I liked the long talk towards the end btw Jean Louise and Atticus. Let me know when you read that part I think it was my favorite of the whole book."

I’m done! I think my favourite part (other than the flashbacks) was (view spoiler)[the last conversation between Dr.Finch (Uncle Jack) and Jean Louise, it kind of gave me some closure on Atticus’ changed behaviour. Everything else was pretty confusing to me, because I kept on comparing each dialogue and character to how it was originally in To Kill a Mockingbird, so probably it’s my fault not liking this book as much as I would have, had I not read To Kill a Mockingbird before. (hide spoiler)] I’m clearly unimpressed!

But having said that, I think it deserves being read.

[Trisha]

Lynn wrote: "I will plan to read this one very soon. I admit I am a bit hesitant. I did a recent reread of To Kill a Mockingbird after 50 years. I think I had forgotten just how much I love that boo..."

To Kill a Mockingbird is my all-time favourite! I wanted to re-read it too, when I saw your reading updates, but somehow couldn’t find time then. I’ll probably read it soon!

I wonder how you will react to Go Set a Watchman since you have just re-read To Kill a Mockingbird; I found the books quite contrasting in their core element. Would love to hear your feedback once you have read this one.

[Ruthie]

Yes you're right Trisha! That conversation you mention in your spoiler definitely helped the book make more sense.

[Rob]

Sorry if I'm a bit late to the party. I've been meaning to read this for years so might use this as my excuse to catch up. Hope that's ok.

The reviews at the time were very poor so I've been putting it off. I hope it won't ruin mockingbird for me.

[Trisha]

Rob wrote: "Sorry if I'm a bit late to the party. I've been meaning to read this for years so might use this as my excuse to catch up. Hope that's ok.

The reviews at the time were very poor so I've been putti..."

I've reviewed the book rather poorly myself (My review), but that being said, it didn't lessen my love for To Kill a Mockingbird.

[Rob]

I'm about 1/3 through and will pick it up later. So far I'm enjoying the story. It is less hard hitting and currently has virtually no plot but clearly the second half of a book is always the more important half for that sort of thing. I am liking getting reacquainted with the characters (Scout is exactly as I would imagine her).

Not sure if this is a spoiler so I'll spoiler it anyway.

(view spoiler)[ Learning that Jem has died and Dill was forgotten for the funeral made me a little upset. The first (and so far only) flashback scene made me laugh the holy ghost and guest preacher coming for dinner etc (hide spoiler)]

Any book that can elicit those emotional reactions is a good one in my opinion. Second half to come this afternoon/evening probably.

[Rob]

Yeah I got this finished just now. I like this far more than the majority. It incited feelings of anger as much as any book I have ever read. I am sometimes reminded how recent American history is and this book was one of those moments.

(view spoiler)[ It made me so angry that the male Finch's still left that book feeling smug because they are the all knowing God's of Maycombe. That there should be a slow gradual move towards emancipation and civil liberties takes the piss. (hide spoiler)]

[L Y N N]

I read this yesterday. Buzzed right through it and absolutely loved it! I was so surprised at my positive reaction in view of all the negative reviews I had skimmed/read. So many valid (in my opinion) points made. How insightful Harper Lee was in the very recent aftermath of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision! She was one smart person! I thought she was particularly brave to depict the racist backlash provoked by that decision, especially in the deep South. But more than that, I felt this was an example of publishers knowing their stuff. How insightful of them to have Lee rewrite from a child's perspective, which, in my opinion, was a much more powerful book. But I particularly appreciate this as a companion read to To Kill a Mockingbird. I do not know if would have enjoyed it nearly as much had I not read To Kill a Mockingbird first, and especially to have recently reread it. I would definitely recommend reading them in that order, just from my own personal experience, though others may not feel that way at all.

I keep wondering why Harper Lee never wrote (or at least never published) any other books? I find that so interesting and rather perplexing.

[L Y N N]

Rob wrote: "Yeah I got this finished just now. I like this far more than the majority. It incited feelings of anger as much as any book I have ever read. I am sometimes reminded how recent American history is ..."

I didn't feel as if Jack and Atticus were (view spoiler)["smug" as much as they were gratified that Jean Louise/Scout had retained (and honed) her ability to be an independent thinker. I felt that was what they both wanted for her and they were appreciative that she was. And while they espoused their theories as needing to progress the development of blacks on a slower scale, they also realized that with more people thinking like Jean Louise/Scout in the immediate area, "whites" could be encouraged to expand their own thinking to begin to not only accept blacks, but to begin to truly respect them and treat them respectfully, just as Jean Louise/Scout was suggesting as a starting point, because without that sense of respect, no one would have the confidence or motivation to achieve. I felt she was stating that was the most important aspect of giving others rights. That is in accord with educational theories I have studied. Acceptance and then respect and then beneficial relationships can be developed. Without that? There is not much or no progress to be made. Calpurnia's attitude toward Scout revealed this, IMO. That was a result of the increased antagonism between "whites" and blacks. It is one thing for a court to grant rights, but another for a group of people to feel empowered...particularly if they represent a minority (compared to the "white" majority) and are treated no differently or even subjugated/oppressed to an even greater degree by those in power in the everyday world.. (hide spoiler)] What do you think of that court decision?

[L Y N N]

Rob wrote: "[ It made me so angry that the male Finch's still left that book feeling smug because they are the all knowing God's of Maycombe. That there should be a slow gradual move towards emancipation and civil liberties takes the piss."

In rereading your comment I was reminded of the idea of such high recidivism rates for prisoners. I think the lowest I've seen is 40%. But I have read articles estimating it to be much higher. Having worked with several former prisoners and/or their families in the past, I can tell you that typically without MUCH support once they are released and living on the 'outside' again, most of them fail to successfully assimilate into society, and unfortunately, they feel more comfortable in the completely controlled prison institution. It is difficult for many of them to reject the temptation to take up bad habits and bad friends and acquaintances once they're on their own. Habits are indeed difficult to break for many of us. And perhaps for those who have been similarly oppressed it can require much support for them to be able to break free of that cycle and start to assert themselves into society in acceptable ways. However, the society (particularly the oppressors) must clear the way for such advances by respecting the "others," whomever they may be, so there is a safe and comfortable environment within which each person can grow and develop to their full potential. Yikes! I am on a soapbox today! Sorry for the rant...

[L Y N N]

Did you want Jean Louise to marry Henry?

[L Y N N]

Did you want Jean Louise to move back to Maycomb?

[Rob]

Nope and nope. Easy answers for me to those last two questions.

It is fair to say we had very different reactions to the book. (view spoiler)[I saw little or no redeeming features to Atticus or Jack. The slow gradual emancipation is an excuse they are using to promote their racist prejudice and entrench their superior societal position. To be impressed by 'independent thinking' is quite frankly an insult in the circumstances. Perhaps the blacks should have to wait to be respected. If they truly believed more people should have been like Scout they could have been the leading lights. They had far more influence and respect.

There certainly had been increased antagonism. It was interesting that this was linked to Brown v Board of Education. I don't feel qualified to have an opinion on it though. The main reason against the court decision pedalled in the book was a constitutional one. This bit is only for Americans really I think. As a Brit I find the US obsession with their own very flawed constitution confusing as hell. Because I have no buy-in to the constitution it is very difficult for me to see the decision as anything other than a ringing endorsement for equality. I am sure it did cause ructions in the racist South but frankly I put the onus on the white community to start solving that problem.
(hide spoiler)]

I am aware my views aren't especially nuanced. But as I say this book made me very angry, nothing more, nothing else.

[Rob]

Just coming back to this one last time.

(view spoiler)[ I think what angered me most was realising that Atticus was evil throughout the Mockingbird book as well. It isn't that his views have hardened it is that we only saw a favourable snapshot of him in Mockingbird. I feel like my childhood has been slightly violated by that. (hide spoiler)]

[L Y N N]

Rob wrote: "Nope and nope. Easy answers for me to those last two questions.

It is fair to say we had very different reactions to the book. I saw little or no redeeming features to Atticus or Jack. The slow gr..."

Oh, Rob! Yes, you are correct, not being part of US society probably does make it a bit more incomprehensible to you! Trust me, there were near riots at many schools in the south and one state (I believe it was South Carolina?) absolutely refused to integrate schools. Then there were lawsuits, etc. It was a very divisive issue in the south and caused much turmoil, of course, those who suffered most? Were the minority children who were bused into the white schools. However, it caused consternation in much of the north as well. I can remember my mother and grandmother discussing it when I was very young, but (probably fortunately) I do not remember details of their conversation(s).

Our constitution is not an airtight legal document with much room for interpretation which is typically decided by the court system. There seems to always be some conflict between the right of each state to govern itself vs. the federal government to pass laws which are ostensibly applicable to each state, hence "states rights" is a huge issue that will probably never be fully decided one way or the other, IMO. For example, there are federal laws prohibiting sale and/or consumption of marijuana, yet several states have now legalized it for at least medical use, and some for personal use as well. It really is quite a conundrum and a source of friction, to be sure.

I agree with your anger. When I was younger, anger was all I could see with regard to such issues. However, with age I have tried to train myself to at least understand others' opinions/reactions rather than just discount them. (Disregarding our 45th POTUS. That I will NEVER understand. :)) People must be enabled to make successful societal changes. And I do agree, why didn't Jack and Atticus simply take the lead on that? I tried to believe they felt it would incite such negatively violent responses from the other white males that it would be more detrimental than not. I don't know, but in my experience, males tend to not be the tools for social change as much as females overall. Many males feel uncomfortable communicating with others in that way. This is just in my own experiences. I try not to generalize, but sometimes it helps me gain perspective. And I ended up feeling they were both simply cowards. But this is what makes literature so darned fascinating, what each of us gleans from reading the same book is so individually unique! :)

I seriously doubt that US society would have been as integrated as it is today, if not for that one court decision. It did force something that, IMO, should have occurred naturally, if only "whites" had been genuinely good people. (And I am "white" so I can say that! lol)

[L Y N N]

Rob wrote: "Just coming back to this one last time.

[spoilers removed]"

Aww. That is upsetting! Atticus does seem almost too good to be true in To Kill a Mockingbird. However, I felt Atticus was trying to "keep the peace" in the present-day situation while 'keeping his enemies close'. From what I have read and the films I've watched of the forced school integrations in the Deep South, it was such a volatile issue and time and communication had changed with TV. News was much more immediate and intense with the addition of images. In my opinion, this situation was much different from trying to protect one black man from a gang of local KKK-wannabes.

I was shocked at how much I enjoyed reading this one, and I realize I am in the minority in my interpretation. I am sorry it disappointed you so much in Atticus. Much as Jean Louise was disappointed in and/or disgusted by him...

[Rob]

It didn't disappoint me. It elicited very strong emotions in me, that's a good book. Bad books are the ones that I put down and immediately forget.

[L Y N N]

Rob wrote: "It didn't disappoint me. It elicited very strong emotions in me, that's a good book. Bad books are the ones that I put down and immediately forget."

I would definitely agree. I am sometimes shocked at how a book just doesn't stay with me... :)