Week One: To Kill A Mockingbird

[Deanna and Jess]

This is the first week of our discussion and we realize that not everyone will have read their way through the novel yet. So, here are just a few easy questions to get the conversation rolling. And remember, no spoilers without a *spoiler alert*!

Have you read To Kill a Mockingbird before?

If yes, what do you remember about that first reading? Did you like it? Did the story stay with you?

If no, are you familiar with the story? What are your expectations? What do you think you will learn from reading this classic novel?

[Elizabeth]

I read it as an adult, in the past several years, and loved it. The story has stayed with me, though I'll say that I watched the movie first, and was surprised that I misremembered how things turned out.

[Deanna and Jess]

Elizabeth wrote: "I read it as an adult, in the past several years, and loved it. The story has stayed with me, though I'll say that I watched the movie first, and was surprised that I misremembered how things turne..."

Hi Elizabeth! I read the book first in High School. I am excited to have the impetus to read it again and see how my experience of it has changed!

[Vickie]

I know I read it at some point in my adolescence, but I don't remember much about the story. I'm looking forward to re-reading it to see what all the hype is about.

[Emily]

Have you read To Kill a Mockingbird before? - Yes I read it in 8th grade. Have not read it as an adult as of yet.

If yes, what do you remember about that first reading? Did you like it? Did the story stay with you? - I remember really identifying with Scout more than anyone else. I felt that her naïve and childlike perspective was integral to the story. I did like it! It did stay with me. It stayed with me in the sense that there are just different perspectives that you'll never change. No matter how wrong it is.

[Axel]

This was the first time I read it. Absolutely loved it. I want to see the movie aswell. I doubt it will be as good as the book though.

[Elizabeth]

Axel, I loved both the book and the movie, so think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Elizabeth]

I agree with you Emmie - seeing the world through Scout's POV was a brilliant way to tell this story. We know things she doesn't, and it's interesting to watch the events unfold.

[Mary]

I read it first as a teenager and it was my favorite book for a very long time. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but I loved the way one of the characters stood up for what was right and the way this important story was told through the eyes of a child growing up and learning a whole lot in her small town.

[Deanna and Jess]

Mary wrote: "I read it first as a teenager and it was my favorite book for a very long time. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but I loved the way one of the characters stood up for what was righ..."

I agree Mary. I think seeing the story through the eyes of a child (as told by an adult looking backwards) is important to the impact of the story. I have wondered how successful the novel would have been if it had been told by an adult while the events were unfolding.

[Lee]

I was given a copy for my 13th birthday, and read it then. I distinctly remember laughing about Scout’s reaction to the first snowfall she’d seen. The light-hearted moments at the beginning of the book help carry you through the rest. I watched the movie much later, as an adult. And I re-read it when it was the Chelmsford One Book, just a few years ago. I’d forgotten the part about the rabid dog, but most of the story stayed with me over the years. It’s really unforgettable.