Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The Bird is the Word!

I’m thrilled at the number of participants who are re-visiting or getting to know Atticus, Scout, Tom, Jem, Boo, Dill, etc. from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It does my heart good knowing y’all are enjoying it in your comfy chairs all over the World. :)

Although, I hope your seats are hot and stifling like the courtroom scenes. It will help you imagine sitting amongst grumpy, stinky people, breathing the same stagnate air. Try choosing characters to empathize with, such as the coloreds in the gallery, where naturally, heat rises. Can you place your feet in the shoes of the accused Tom Robinson?

I’m reminded of the horrible true story of Emmett Till and his acquitted murderers. As the mockingbird, his joking whistle provided a catalyst for others' sins.

Read thoughts from other participants here:

Robin at A Fondness for Reading begins her post with, "Sissy Spacek narrated the audio book version of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and I think it's the most beautiful book I've ever listened to." Read more...

Laura from Musings had this to say, "Je ne regrette rien." Read more in English...

Nymeth at Things Mean a Lot had this to say, "I think that what impressed me the most about this book was how very human it is. People are portrayed as people – with flaws and shortcomings and limitations, but as real people despite them, or because of them." More at...

Rebecca from Fond of Books is a little confused by Boo. Can anyone of y'all help her? Meanwhile, here are some of her thoughts. "I think my favorite part was when the ladies were saying how terrible it was what Hitler was doing to the Jews, and not realizing they do the same thing to the black people in their county." Talk to her...

Kevin at Encyclopedia Kevinannica places TKaM in his All Time Top Ten List. Here are his quotes from the book...

18 comments:

Eva said...

Hi Maggie! Just thought I'd let you know that I have my first review for the Southern Challenge up: Cane River by Lalita Tademy. I really enjoyed it. :)

http://astripedarmchair.blogspot.com/2007/06/cane-river-thoughts.html

maggie moran said...

Great Eva! I look forward to reading it! :D

Robin said...

It's really interesting to read the different reviews of this book. Each one has some wonderful insight that just adds to my love of the story. Thanks for posting the links to the various reviews!

Henk van Kampen said...

What's that, "comfy chairs all across America"? How 'bout us Europeans?

Eva said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eva said...

You know what? I remember using the linky thing, but I'm not on the list! My internet was throwing tantrums a while back, and I bet that had something to do with it. Sorry about that-I hope I can still participate!

And for the record, I love the South. I wish I was from the region, so I could justify speaking like a North Carolinian (I think they have the most beautiful accents). And I grew up on sweet tea; I still go through about half a pitcher a day!

Ana S. said...

I'm with Henk - my comfy chair is all the way across the ocean from you :P

It's very interesting to see what different people have to say about the book. It's such a powerful story. I don't think anyone can be indifferent to it.

maggie moran said...

Look for more in the coming weeks Robin & Nymeth. Looks like the SRC has a TKaM all-read slant. :)

Oops, sorry Henk and Nymeth! You know, I hate being so Americentric. Please excuse me. *placing helmet on head for some self correction in the form of wall banging*

Eva, of course you can still join! My goodness, you've already read two, right!?! I saw Secret Life of Bees marked off the list. Well, you're on my radar and bloglines; so, I dare you to post something without me seeing it now! :D

Mo said...

I'm really enjoying this challenge; in fact, I just finished my second pick for this, "Southern Comfort" by Margaret Mabon, a really enjoyable cozy mystery for me (you can read my short reviews, here )! Looks like I have yet another series to add to my list!

Anonymous said...

If I had not have just re-read the book last summer for the 3rd time I would've read it again. It is such a powerful novel. I just love it.

Henk van Kampen said...

Thanks for the correction :-)

Debi said...

The titles of your posts just crack me up, Maggie!

I just have to say thanks again for this challenge! I just finished my first selection...and I gotta tell you I just added a new book to my all-time favorites list!

Tiffany Norris said...

My love affair with this book started in 9th grade--freshman English. For the next eight years or so, I read it every single fall after that. After looking at the reviews, I'm itching to read it again--after I finish this challenge, of course!

Anonymous said...

Oh I should revisit this book especially after reading everyone's thoughts on it. Makes me want to reach out for it.

maggie moran said...

Hey, Henk! Did you get the 'cans?

Henk van Kampen said...

No, still anxiously waiting for them. I suppose crossing the ocean takes more time than expected.

Erica said...

i love love love that book! and i'm proud that harper lee is an alabamian too :)

maggie moran said...

Erica, y'all could be kin?!? :D