A Year of Reading Sharon discussion

This has always been one of my very favorite books. I can read it again and again, always finding something special. Lately, I've been drawn to the last pages of it where Scout finally understands Boo because she sees what he's seen. There's a testament to growing up there that is anchored in the empathy we have for others. It's one of my favorite lesson/reminders about the book.

I read it again after reading it many years ago. It's amazing how much I'd forgotten. The writing is beautiful. I'd forgotten how kind Atticus is and how his lessons to Jem and Scout given with love and a very gentle hand.

It has been a long time since last read this book. What struck me as I read it this time was the thoughtful, chosen word. At times, it felt like I was reading poetry. I would find my self re-reading a sentence, not because I casually blew by it and was trying to figure out what was going on, but because it was such a powerful, emotional grouping of words. Here is one small example I found as I flipped through the book, "Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” Harper Less may have published only one book, but what a book it was.

Why do you think she never published another book?

I strongly recommend after completing To Kill a Mockingbird that you read Mockingbird by Charles Shields. This book is often a book club selection and a fascinating look at what shaped Harper Lee. I was unaware of the childhood friendship and HL involvement in the writing Of In Cold Blood.

I agree, Maribeth. Harper Lee's friendship/relationship with Truman Capote is fascinating. One can't help but wonder if she had not been so instrumental in Capote's life would her own literary career taken another path?

Yes the book definitely inferred that she was betrayed by her childhood friend Truman Capote and soured her from further publishing efforts.

Interesting. I'll have to read Mockingbird.

I have listed or said To Kill a Mockingbird as my favorite book since I read it for the first time as a ninth grader. I went on to major in English and taught To Kill a Mockingbird for over fifteen years. It always gives me something new to think about. As for why Harper Lee didn't write any other books...I've come to believe she wrote her masterpiece with her first book and she knew she couldn't "top" it so she left well enough alone. She was perfect the first time she wrote a book and how lucky and blessed we are as a result!

Reading this book brought back many memories. I read it in a high school literature class. My high school was about 50/50 African-American/white. I don't think I fully appreciated how delicate reading this book was in that environment. I'm really glad I had that opportunity then and again now.

I read this book several times in high school yet haven't picked it up since. I've always thought of it as my favorite book, but as I started reading this week I questioned why. Was it because everyone said it was a favorite or is it truly one of a kind?

I'm only a few chapters in (having two small kids at home somehow makes it harder to find time to read than when I was younger!) yet I'm already laughing and crying. I find myself reading it with a new lens -- from a parent's point of view. When I was younger I focused on the themes of injustice and empathy as well as the historical context. Now I ask myself what I would have done if I were Mrs. Radley or Atticus. I can identify with Scout's description of school since I'm feeling apprehensive about sending my son to kindergarten next year. I'm laughing at Jem's interpretation of events, and I'm in awe of Atticus' character. Fantastic read.

Thanks for the tip about Mockingbird. I picked it up today and am looking forward to it!

Chris wrote: "Why do you think she never published another book?"

I guess I've always thought that she just had this one beautiful story to tell. I think we all do...

Michelle wrote: "I have listed or said To Kill a Mockingbird as my favorite book since I read it for the first time as a ninth grader. I went on to major in English and taught To Kill a Mockingbird for over fifteen..."

I agree, Michelle. Every time I come to it, I leave with a new perspective. Although that probably has as much to do with the ways I change, I'm grateful for a book full enough to welcome me over and over.

Sara wrote: "I read this book several times in high school yet haven't picked it up since. I've always thought of it as my favorite book, but as I started reading this week I questioned why. Was it because ev..."

Sara, your reaction seems to mirror mine. Being a parent made it a different read for me too!

Sarah wrote: "Chris wrote: "Why do you think she never published another book?"

I guess I've always thought that she just had this one beautiful story to tell. I think we all do..."

What a wonderful way to describe it! You are absolutely right that we all have a story to tell. I think about this daily. This group and the meaning behind it has given me a fresh perspective on how much I have to share and how I want to share it. Legacy is the word that has been swimming through my mind since we started reading.

I found it interesting that the primary story revolves around racial tolerance but there were multiple mentions of other groups that have experienced intolerance...the Jews in nazi Germany, people with emotional and intellectual disabilities or lacking education and financial means woven into the novel.