May: To Kill a Mockingbird

[Paul]

I'd be very suprised if this doesnt provoke a lot of discussion. Its always been one of my favourites, and Atticus is one of my favourite characters in fiction.
I'll enjoy my reread and I'll watch the film as well ( Trelawn never watchec it)

[Seraphina]

I really enjoyed this one, I read this not so long ago and watched the film which I thought was a really accurate portrayal of the book. Atticus was a slow grower of a character for me, I didn't like him early in the book as I felt he was cold towards the children but he soon came to become one of my favourite characters. Definitely a hero of fiction. Great story

[Kevin]

Even if everyone likes this one there should still be lots to discuss regarding characters, events and morals. I was planning a reread for the sequel anyway so this fits in nicely.

[Veronica]

An exciting choice! This was my annual spring read as a young girl.
Looking forward to joining the discussion.

[Barbara]

I read this for the first time last year. I think I'll rewatch the film which is so evocative.

[Paul]

Definitely a lot to discuss. Opinions on Boo Radley will be very interesting.

[Thomas, Moderator]

I read this fifty two years ago. My daughter read it in fifth grade(10 yrs old). It is my all time favorite. I love also

[Thomas, Moderator]

Fans of TKAM might like Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Mary McDonagh Murphy I read it in 2013, borrowing a kindle edition from my library. My review:

Wonderful book with interviews from various people, including Harper Lee's sister and people from her hometown. Also interviews with people from the movie.

[Clare]

I found the film interesting from another standpoint as the screenplay adapted a couple of years' worth of tale into one year. We saw the kids grow up more during the book and their thought processes were maturing.

[Veronica]

Interesting article on related topic. See what you think.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/boo...

[Cathleen]

I have very warm feelings toward this novel. It was one of the first books I ever taught--to 14-15 year olds--and every time I taught it, every single student read the book. I must have my dog-eared copy around here somewhere :)

[Kathryn]

I read it in high school, read it again last summer (and I think I read it once in between). I loved Harper Lee's writing style, but also her message...which is seen through the eyes of Scout and articulated by her father Atticus, that we have to "walk around in another person's shoes" (paraphrasing here) before you "really know a person." I was so influenced by this book I wrote a piece about it for CrimeThrillerHound.
http://www.crimethrillerhound.co.uk/#...

[Susan]

I thought the new book was a pre-quell, Emma. I could be wrong, as I often am, but I think it's what comes before.

This book is one of my all time favorites. I first read it in junior high school and then it was required in high school. I've probably read it six or seven times and seen the movie as many times. I love Gregory Peck and it was Robert Duvall's film debut.

[Paul]

Susan , Its an adult Scout so definitely what comes after. Seemingly though it was written before To Kill a Mockingbird.

[Veronica]

Apparently, Lee's editor had problems with "Watchman" so she scrapped it and re-worked her characters, giving the world Mockingbird. Lots of controversy now about her intention to publish.

[Susan]

Thanks, Paul. I knew there was a prequel in there somewhere. It was the writing not the story. It's hard to get old and twisted up. :)

I have hesitated on this book, Veronica, for that very reason. I am not sure she really wants to publish it. It's like the book written by her "friend" and how disappointed Lee was to have that written. I respect her so much that I would like to honor her wishes. Still I am sure my curiosity will get the better of me.

[Paul]

Its a dilema all round with the book. People will expect a masterpiece but what is being released is an early book that was rejected. It certainly won't be as polished as To Kill a Mockingbird but still the story might be great.

[Veronica]

Well, it's supposed to be set in the 1950's during the turmoil of the Civil Rights era. Sounds awfully intriguing but Like you both, Paul and Susan, I'd be afraid of a disappointment....haven't made up my mind yet. Good thing we've got Mockingbird to love.

[Marcia]

Emma, I found the same thing when I reread it as an adult. I picked up so much more the second time round.

[Paul]

It does get you in quite a few ways all right :-)

[Susan]

Beautiful article, Emma. Thanks for sharing.

[[deleted user]]

It must be a decade if not more since I read the book so 6/10 didn't feel too bad especially as it was the average score.

[Claire]

I like your comment, Ianie B, and I believe this was Harper Lee's intention in writing "To Kill a Mockingbird." She wrote about human nature, and how people tend to shirk and judge what they don't understand, which makes people feel superior in some sort of way, while all the while leading to separation. It doesn't matter where one sets their story on human nature, but setting this book in the American South of that time gave Lee the opportunity to deal in extremes. I think this is the point of the similarities in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and the issue of gay marriage in Ireland. There's a bit of fear of the unknown in both stories, and the dogmatic way in which people defend own rigid, short-sightedness. It takes a lot of work to be open-minded, and more still, magnanimous.

[Colleen]

I got 8/10.