To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
First published July 1960
336 pages
A few weeks ago when I was stumped on where to start with all of the posts I needed to write, I asked if anyone had questions about the books I had recently read. And whaddya know, there were all sorts of questions about To Kill a Mockingbird. Which is good, because there are oodles of regular reviews on this book, and the last thing I wanted to do was a synopsis.
So today we’re doing Q&A about TKAM.
Care asked:
Did you have any preconceived ideas about TKAM? Did it hold up to expectations? How do you think Scout’s character grew and what most influenced this growth?
No, I can’t say that I had any preconceived notions, other than the fact that I will always visualize Gregory Peck as Atticus. I was surprised that it took so long to get to the trial, maybe because the trial always seems to be brought up in regards to the book, so I thought it would be a larger part of the book.
I think Scout begins to have more of a world view as the book progresses. In the beginning, she is a child, concerned with her own small world. As the events of the rape and trial begin to be known to Scout, while she might not completely understand everything that was happening, she was affected by them and her world begins to expand. She thinks of more than just herself.
A Bookshelf Monstrosity asked:
Was this your first time to read TKAM? If not, how did your perception/feelings towards the novel differ upon a second reading?
This was my second time reading TKAM, but I have no memories of the first experience, unfortunately. I have seen the movie more times that I can count, but that was a long time ago, too. So it really was like reading it for the first time, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the writing, particularly the voice of Scout.
Vasilly asked:
Was To Kill a Mockingbird a re-read? Why did you pick it up to read now? Can you give us a favorite passage?
I’ve already answered the first question, but I chose to read this book in July because it was the 50th anniversary of its publication. I’ve had a copy on my shelf for the past 3 years or so, so it’s been in the back of my mind for awhile now, and I finally succumbed to all the hype for the anniversary. I also read Scout, Atticus and Boo, which made for a great companion piece.
I’m terrible at noting passages in books, but much of what Scout had to say was a favorite. In particular, I love this quote:
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
Gwen asked:
Who do you think are the Boo Radleys of today? Were you able to read the book without picturing Gregory Peck? What other characters from literature will forever be linked to the actors that played them in your mind?
Good question about the Boo Radleys. I’m going to go beyond a person and answer in terms of groups. I think child predators and terrorism are two examples of the Boo Radleys of today. Yes, there are child predators and bad people in the world, but I hear parents who worry endlessly about letting their children out of their sight for fear that something bad will happen to them. Child predators are the bogeyman. So are germs.
And then there’s that whole threat of weapons of mass destruction that I’ll just compare to Boo Radley and leave it at that.
I already mentioned that it was impossible for me to read the book without picturing Gregory Peck as Atticus. As for other characters that are forever linked to actors? Tom Cruise as the Vampire Lestat (unfortunately). Lately, I try to avoid movies that are based on books, so I have no recent comparisons.
Helen asked:
What did you think of Boo Radley?
Poor Boo. I actually would’ve liked to hear his side of the story.
gautami tripathy asked:
Do you think To Kill a Mockingbird is still relevant? If yes, how and why?
Hell, yes. There is still racism, and even more so, there is still intolerance. I think TKAM teaches a valuable lesson about the dangers of drawing conclusions based on stereotypes and bias.
Veens asked:
…it is a classic and I have never read it. Do you think it is a book that should not be missed? I mean, there are a few classics that I have passed off because I could not read them, is this readable?
This is the most readable classic I’ve ever read (not that I’m a fan of the classics). But Scout is a kick in the pants, and she (and the book) absolutely shouldn’t be missed.
I’m with you – Gregory Peck is Atticus.
I really need to reread this. I have almost no memory of it from the first time I read it (in middle school) and what memories I have are extremely minor, like I remember something about sitting on a fence and something about hiding stuff in a hole in a tree and that’s about it. I’ve never seen the movie either.
Amanda´s last [type] ..Genre- GLBT YA Coming of Age
I think it’s a bad sign I don’t remember if I had to read this in high school. Regardless, with all the hubbub of its anniversary, I realized that I actually want to read it. I’m glad to see you enjoyed it!
nomadreader (Carrie)´s last [type] ..literary road trip- The Mount
I haven’t read this book in years, and since seeing it all over the blogs lately, it has been in the forefront of my mind. It’s definitely time for a reread. I wonder what I will make of it all these years later?
zibilee´s last [type] ..Random Blogginess and a Winner!!
I’m always surprised by how few pages the trial occupies in the book, too. It looms so large in my memory of the book–but then, I think that’s probably one of the book’s strengths. Whether Scout’s aware of it or not, the trial and its attendant anxieties are there in the background all through the book, and that does have an impact on the reader (at least on me!).
Jenny´s last [type] ..The other two Mary Renault books I got from the university library
You got what I meant by the Boo Radleys of today. It is sad though that the Boo Radleys of yesteryear were more harmless than today’s. I mourn that kids today have so much more to fear of the world than I did as a kid. Sure, there was the occasional pervy ice cream man, but few strangers were actual dangers.
Gwen´s last [type] ..Review Linchpin by Seth Godin
I agree … it is one of the most readable classics I’ve ever read. (Certainly more than The Brothers K.)
Jenners´s last [type] ..Dear Mr James Patterson- A Review Of Sorts of 1st To Die
I have actually never read this one but have been bullied into reading it the end of the month. I say “bullied” like I had to been coerced through threats of physical harm but really all it took was a “I’ll read it with you because you really can’t call yourself a reader if you haven’t read this one.” Well, I certainly can’t have people saying I’m not a reader! Thanks for this great discussion to really get me salivating about the book.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Backseat Saints
It did surprise me too that it took the book so long to get to the trial! And how little part it is in that entire book.
mee´s last [type] ..Shaun Tan and Neil Gaiman at Sydney Opera House
Good job with my academic question. I was a sub in a SPED English class one day when I had to help students answer this one.
And I don’t think I ever realized that you avoid book to movies… BUT will you pass up the chance to see Yul in K-Bro!??! That movie poster makes me laugh…
Care´s last [type] ..Fingersmith
Good post! I’ve read this book at least twice and I know one time was for HS English; I think my senior year. Interestingly, my older son’s freshman English class is going to be reading it and I told him when he does, I will also (like a read-a-long). Should be interesting discussing with him.
Valerie´s last [type] ..Making ATCs Causes Me to Ask for Eastern European Book Recs!
OOH I like the way you did this review. I have this book… somewhere… buried among the ummm….. other books. I want to read it soon and like the originality on your post here.
Sheila (Bookjourney)´s last [type] ..The Island by Elin Hilderbrand audio giveaway
Thanks Girl for including and answering my question. And now I need to find this one here.
Veens´s last [type] ..Silly Updates
This was a great way to discuss this book. Good questions/good answers! I reread this book a year ago and adored Scout’s character. It is amazing how relevent this book still is…
michelle´s last [type] ..I want to dance like that
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve re-read this and I was thinking about doing for the anniversary but never got around to it.
Ladytink_534´s last [type] ..Under Da Sea
Scout IS a kick in the pants- I heart her
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