"When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does." - Nora Ephron, You've Got Mail
Typically, I'm a blubbering mess of indecision. If you ask me to name my favorite movie, favorite song, or favorite meal, I'll flounder about for an answer, then rattle off a list of "favorites." But to narrow it down to one choice, one favorite above all others? It's an impossible task for me.
There's just one exception. Ask me my favorite book and I will tell you without hesitation, "To Kill A Mockingbird."
I first read To Kill A Mockingbird when I was about 11 or 12. While I loved it immediately, I know at that age I didn't fully appreciate all the novel had to offer. In high school, I picked it up again and was transported back to Maycomb with Scout, Jem, Dill and Atticus once more. Reading To Kill A Mockingbird for a second time was almost like reading it for the first time. So many layers and lessons that had eluded my younger self on first reading were revealed to me.
Since then, I've probably read the book 2 or 3 more times and with each reading, I've taken something new away from the novel. I know I'll read To Kill A Mockingbird many more times throughout my life and I'm confident it will never be the same experience as the last.
Fifty years ago today, on July 11, 1960, To Kill A Mockingbird was first published. Since then it has been adapted into both a play and a movie, won a Pulitzer Prize and has been taught to school children in thousands of classrooms.
Aside from the attention the book itself has garnered, Harper Lee has received nearly as much. To Kill A Mockingbird remains Lee's only novel. She has lived in near seclusion since it's publishing and never grants interviews. There is much speculation about Lee's life and the degree to which the book may be autobiographical.
Southern Living did a great feature this month on Lee's hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, which many believe is the inspiration for the novel's fictional setting of Maycomb.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of To Kill A Mockingbird, I plan to re-read the book this month. I wonder what new things my favorite book will reveal to me this time.
Have you read To Kill A Mockingbird? What did it mean to you?
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17 comments:
I love this book too! I first read it when I was in Jr. High...then I took a "Law as a Vocation" class in college and we reread it looking at how Atticus Finch kind handled his vocation has a lawyer, it was amazing. Such a beautiful book. My BF is a teacher and gets to teach it to her students, how lucky is she!
Enjoy rereading it!
You have inspired me to re-read this. I think I probably read it in 8th grade or something, but cannot remember a thing about it to save my life. Happy Sunday!
I saw that feature in SL and was reminded that I have never read it. How can I not have read such a classic? I must read it soon!
I love that book...great movie also. I read the article in SL too..it made me want to dig it out and read it again..
The Best, hands down. Such a landmark book of the time - it's mind-boggling to think that until this book, there wasn't a modern example in popular culture for progressive whites to relate to regarding how black citizens were treated (versus how they should be treated, of course). Atticus was a touchstone in so many ways.
As an aside, I love Harper as a girl's name... I worry a bit that the combo with T's last name sounds a little romance novel-ish, but I still enjoying thinking it over.
I'm so excited that you started this post with a quote from YGM...I even read just as Meg Ryan says it...
As for TKAM...Love it! And with all of the anniversary talk I think I need to re-read it this summer. Done and done.
This post is so ironic! I am FROM Monroeville, and know Harper Lee and have also grown up with this book. My hometown had a huge weekend celebrating the book! Plays and such. I will have to get your address and send you some trinkets from the gift shop! Katie Couric was supposed to come down there this weekend and ditched us for the Jimmy Buffett Concert!
I remember reading this book in middle and high school but honestly, can't remember much about it. I need to re-read it, I know I'd appreciate it so much more.
i love that book too!!
Such a wonderful book! This is one of those books that makes me actually proud to be an attorney (even though I'm a corporate sellout). :) I'm going to add this to my re-read pile!
That's how I feel about Emma. I could read it a zillion times and never get sick of it!
I don't think I appreciated this book as much when I first read it as I do now. It is a wonderful book.
PS - Your header design is precious!
I don't think I appreciated this book as much when I first read it as I do now. It is a wonderful book.
PS - Your header design is precious!
I remember reading it in school, and I dont think I appreciated it as much then! Just found your blog, so cute! :)
Agreed. Read it as a child and loved it. Though, now I have only faint recollection of the details. You have inspired me to re-read it. Anything could be better than the book I am reading now.
I have to admit I've never read this book- I know it's shocking!! I need to pick it up from the library one of these days!
i love this book! i haven't read it since jr. high and i've been dying to reread it, you've inspired me!
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