Harper Lee passed away on Friday at the age of 89. She won the Pulitzer Prize for her book To Kill a Mockingbird, now an American treasure. She continued to live in Alabama, and stayed true to her roots and valued her privacy. The book, her words, shall live on......
p. 9 Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop: grass grew on the sidewalks, the courthouse sagged in the square. Somehow it was hotter then....
The story is told by Scout, a tomboy nine-year old girl now grown up - looking back and reflecting....
Scout, her older brother Jem, friend Dill (based on boyhood friend, Truman Capote), and father Atticus Finch - the noble lawyer - these characters come alive on the page. It's a small town southern tale, and a powerful story covering racism. It's an American story. And there's the elusive neighbor Boo Radley.
It's a family story with a strong father
He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning
If for some bizarre reason, you have never read To Kill a Mockingbird, stop reading this blog, go get the book, start reading, and don't stop. If you had to read it for school as a kid, now read it as an adult. Oh you'll appreciate it all the more.
and if you have never seen the movie version, well for goodness sake, Gregory Peck embodies Atticus Finch. It's a worthy version of the book.
R.I.P Harper Lee - American author
Monday, February 22, 2016
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Hi Joanne - I have to say I haven't read the book, or seen the film .. though I'm sure I will do both in the relatively near future ... thanks for the memory here ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI think you will appreciate this piece of work. It's taught in a majority schools around the 8th grade here in the US.
DeleteI caught that last week. Her words will live on forever.
ReplyDeleteI think she resonates with all writers
DeleteIt's a great, great book. In my past job as a Teacher Assistant, I was in several classes which taught this novel. As a treat, we also saw the movie. Gregory Peck as Atticus was inspired casting. And Robert Duvall as Boo Radley was a hoot.
ReplyDeletemy sister said her eighth graders in DE like it
DeleteThank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteThe world fell in love with Gregory Peck when the movie came out. Right?
RIP Harper Lee. Thank you for your brilliance.
yep - just a win win book, movie, and author
DeleteOne of my favorite books and movies! Harper Lee will be long remembered.
ReplyDeleteseems like we can all agree on this one
DeleteDefinitely a re-read as an adult....the movie as well. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteglad to give a nudge
DeleteIt's one of the best books for me. I so love its simplicity yet its impact. What a genius. What a loss to mankind. Then again, I'm sure she's lived her life to the full and has done her part. Left a dent in the world which not everyone get to do.
ReplyDeleteyou captured it - simple tale and yet great impact. Glad you agree
DeleteI often wonder why Harper Lee never wrote another book...well, except for the one released this summer and that's a whole 'nother topic. Love To Kill a Mockingbird. Absolutely love it, and was very sad to learn of Harper Lee's passing.
ReplyDeletewhat do you do to top a Pulitzer? That's huge. Best to go out on top, I think....
DeleteIt seems so strange that she's really not here. Even though she was basically a recluse, she was such a part of Americana.
ReplyDeleteindeed and we liked her more for not being on parade all the time. She stayed humble
Delete