I could not believe this when I saw it. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books of all time. To be able to read another by Harper Lee is an incredible thought. I don't see how it could possibly compare, but to even have the possibility is exciting I think-
Post by dorothyinAus on Feb 3, 2015 17:52:05 GMT -5
I saw the news, but I'm a bit apprehensive. According to the article this book was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird. And while we know now that Ms. Lee is a great writer, the publishers have said they are publishing it without changes or edits, so I worry about the quality of the first effort.
Also I worry about seeing the author's ideas of a grown up Scout. For such a seminal character, I would be disappointed if the author's vision doesn't match mine. I know I have no right to say that, but there has been so long without a sequel that people have their own ideas of what happened to Scout, Atticus, and Jem. As terrible as it is to say, I'd hate for my ideas of those characters to be shattered by the author's.
Lastly, I haven't re-read To Kill A Mockingbird since I first read it. It was a powerful book then and I don't want to ruin the memory and impact of the book by being disappointed with a re-read. I want to hold on to that moment. So I am really undecided about this.
... Lastly, I haven't re-read To Kill A Mockingbird since I first read it. It was a powerful book then and I don't want to ruin the memory and impact of the book by being disappointed with a re-read. I want to hold on to that moment. So I am really undecided about this.
If your experience is anything like mine was, you'll only improve your opinion with a re-read. I just re-read for the first time as an adult a year or two ago and my mind was blown with how much more amazing it was than I remembered (and I remembered liking it a lot).
My biggest issue with the new book is the CE&P thread that there are rumors that Harper didn't want this one published and is being pushed into it. I don't really know if there is any basis in fact. CE&P is my "home" board and I love it, but it can also ruin anything. Otters, I'm looking at you...
Post by dorothyinAus on Feb 4, 2015 0:04:07 GMT -5
I had read the stories about the questions with the "appearance" of the new book and it's yet another reason I'm a bit nervous about this new book.
I know Harper Lee is notoriously reclusive. The year after my BFF graduated from college, Harper Lee was invited to be the guest speaker at the graduation ceremonies. And she did appear to receive an honorary degree, but said "Thank You" and nothing else. I worry about the possible exploitation and wonder who benefits from this novel's release.
It's all very sudden and unexpected, so naturally there are plenty of questions, none of which Ms. Lee will answer, if in fact she is even able to.
I saw the news, but I'm a bit apprehensive. According to the article this book was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird. And while we know now that Ms. Lee is a great writer, the publishers have said they are publishing it without changes or edits, so I worry about the quality of the first effort.
Also I worry about seeing the author's ideas of a grown up Scout. For such a seminal character, I would be disappointed if the author's vision doesn't match mine. I know I have no right to say that, but there has been so long without a sequel that people have their own ideas of what happened to Scout, Atticus, and Jem. As terrible as it is to say, I'd hate for my ideas of those characters to be shattered by the author's.
Lastly, I haven't re-read To Kill A Mockingbird since I first read it. It was a powerful book then and I don't want to ruin the memory and impact of the book by being disappointed with a re-read. I want to hold on to that moment. So I am really undecided about this.
I fully agree with your points and understand the apprehension. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have any myself, and it would sure be easier if I didn't love To Kill a Mockingbird. I find myself less concerned than I believe I would be if she had written this new book after the first. Not quite sure why that is. I do hate to hear the possibility that she is being forced into this somehow, because it sounds like the reason this wasn't published initially was because the publisher's wanted only one aspect of her book (Scout as a little girl), so she rewrote it.