I don’t re-read books nearly as much as I used to, but I decided to revisit Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird in preparation for the release of Go Set A Watchman this summer. I remember reading (and enjoying) Mockingbird in my 9th grade English class but didn’t recall much about it except for the broad plot points. I actually remember more about the movie that all of the freshman English classes saw once we finished the book. This was in the pre-DVD and even the pre-VCR days. We watched the movie on an actual reel-to-reel projector and the film broke right before we were FINALLY going to see Boo Radley. I can still remember my teacher racing up the aisle of the auditorium to fix it as about 100 9th graders groaned in frustration!
Anyway . . . about a week ago I figured it was time to review so I’d be ready for Harper Lee’s new (old?) novel to be released on July 14–and I was amazed on so many levels. My memory of the book was that it was mostly about the trial of Tom Robinson, with the mysterious Boo Radley showing up every so often. I remembered Scout, Jem, Atticus, and Dill—but no real specifics beyond that.
I’m not sure if it’s just because so many years have gone by since my initial reading, or whether much of the greatness of the writing and the depth of the storyline went over my head as a 14-year-old, but I was blown away by how much was packed into this novel. The many plots and subplots (obviously SO MUCH more than a story about a trial!), the nuances of social class, the aspects of racism that are all too true—and relevant–today, the ebb and flow of small town life, the MANY instances of understated humor . . . plus, I had completely forgotten about the “ham incident”. And I’ve got to admit that I teared up at the end.
In retrospect, I’m not really sure that my 9th-grade self was ready to appreciate this book. I’m so glad that the soon to be released Go Set A Watchman gave me the “excuse” to rediscover this American classic. And it makes me wonder . . . how many other books from my past reading lives deserve a second look?
How about you? Have you rediscovered any books lately? Are you planning to read Go Set A Watchman? Please share!
Musings From A Bookmammal 
April 18, 2015 at 8:59 pm
One of my favorite books as a child, and as an adult…. 😉
April 19, 2015 at 8:55 am
I think there’s going to be a lot of folks who will be re-discovering this book between now and July! It’s definitely on my top-ten list for books read this year so far–re-read or not!
April 19, 2015 at 10:24 am
🙂
April 19, 2015 at 3:32 am
I completely agree!! I just listened to the audio version so I could reacquaint myself with the story. I hadn’t read it since I was in school honestly, but I remembered enjoying it. Reading it as an adult was just a whole other experience. I loved it even more and cannot wait to read the sequel!
April 19, 2015 at 8:56 am
Agreed–it’s wonderful on so many other levels when read as an adult.
April 19, 2015 at 9:47 am
I’m planning a Mockingbird re-read as well before July – I’ve got it waiting for me on my Kindle! I read it in high school and remember absolutely nothing about it. I don’t even remember if I liked it or not! Glad to hear it stood up for you as an adult!
April 19, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Now I feel like I need to rewatch the movie, too!
April 19, 2015 at 1:53 pm
I need to revisit this book, too! Have actually been considering a “Rereading High School” project…
April 19, 2015 at 1:57 pm
Ooohhh … I like that idea!
April 19, 2015 at 9:03 pm
I read it along with some students last year–and I completely agree–nuances. Welcome back to the world of blogging. 🙂
April 20, 2015 at 5:48 pm
🙂 I’m hoping to get back into posting at least weekly!
April 20, 2015 at 7:09 am
its a book which has relevance in the present day…..one of my favourites 🙂
April 20, 2015 at 5:49 pm
Absolutely! Hard to believe it was written roughly 50 years ago!
April 21, 2015 at 1:27 am
true!
April 25, 2015 at 7:10 am
As I’ve got older I’ve realised how much of those books we were made to read in school were simply way too sophisticated for the reader I was (and I’m sure many of my classmates) This problem isn’t with the vocabulary but understanding how the world works and people behave which I don’t think you have the experience to understand at that age. I’m planning on rereading this one soon too.
April 25, 2015 at 7:15 am
I completely agree–and it really makes me want to go back and re-read some of those books that I dismissed in high school to see if I appreciate them now!