FIRST BOOK! To Kill A Mockingbird.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

Our first TDT.com Book Club book has been selected by our very own Bear.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee will be our first book club book. We will run this book for both November and December (to accommodate for the holidays!). Please use the time before November to find this book at your local bookstore, library, or on your shelf!

EDITED November 1 - Here are the Questions:

1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?


2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?


3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?


4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?


5. What are three memorable moments in the book?


6. What is the most touching moment of the book?


7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?

EDITED NOV 14: RE: NEW QUESTIONS

1.Do you think that Jem & Scout would have recieved as warm a reception at Calpurnia's church if Atticus had not been defending Tom Robinson? Why/why not?

2. What was your reaction to Lula and her comments to Cal upon their arrival at the church?

3. How do you feel about the discussion between Jem & Scout and Calpuria about her use of "nigger talk" at church and how she "shouldn't" speak that way sicne she "knows better"?
**please excuse the use of the word "nigger" I am only attempting to use it in context of the book, and hope that it is seen that way in our forum**

[Jackie]

Cool, I've been wanting to read this book too but i never got the chance so it's a new read for me :)

[razz]

Well, it's not my favorite book, but I'll read it! I even added to my sig to get the word out. We're finally moving (you know, moving, and not just behind the scenes)
:rock::rock::rock:

[gsvec]

I don't know that I realized until just now that I've only seen the movie and not read the book - shame on me! This will be my inspiration! I'm going to get a copy to take with me to Hawaii and read on the beach. http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e73/gsvec/Smilies/_luau__by_thundercake.gif

[TLC]

I'm new to the book too!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jhanic]

This book remains one of my top favorites of all time. The movie is good, but the book is orders of magnitude better. I'll welcome the chance to reread it!

John

[IWasSentWest]

that book is great..had to read it for summer reading leading to 9th grade english and liked it surprisingly.

[Ricky]

I read the book a couple years back. I really enjoyed the characters and overall theme. I wouldn't mind re-reading it, but I'm almost finished DTV now. :)

[The Lady of Shadows]

picked up my copy today at b&n. of course, i went in just for that and left with four other books as well. fucking b&n; they hpnotize you, you know?

anyway. i thought i had this book, but damned if i can find it. looking forward to the discussion. and happy to see you here as well john. try to convince some others from the collectors side to join us, would you?

:)

[Sam]

Odd. I usually walk into a B&N and leave with nothing but a cup of coffee to show for the trip.

The books I typically look for are usually hard to find in a bookstore. I usually get them off ebay and amazon.

[The Lady of Shadows]

i think i'm physically and mentally incapable of leaving b&n without a book. even if it's just a paperback. i'm pretty sure they have me hypnotized. really! do you watch CSI? did you see thursday's episode? it's just like that. and since you can't hypnotize someone into doing something they aren't predisposed to do (in real life anyway) and i'm predisposed to love and cherish books, of course i'm willing to buy them.

at least that's what my b&n credit card says! :orely:

[KaLikeAWheel]

Yay! I love TKAM. Excellent choice by my favorite bear in the world! Already got a copy! :excited:

Turtlesong, I have the exact same problem with Borders book store. I swear their stock price goes up when I pull into their parking lot! They pump something through the A/C vents that makes you buy things even if you can't afford it!:scared:

Donna

[KaLikeAWheel]

at least that's what my b&n credit card says! :orely:

:drool:OOOOOHHHHH, I just saw this part. I'd be homeless if I had a B&N credit card. Homeless, but with an excellent book collection! :lol:

Donna

[turtlex]

Hey All - Don't want to step on any toes, but I have been reading around the web about Book Club discussion groups and found quite a few guides for our first pick : To Kill A Mockingbird.

I thought I'd post some of them, but will do so with spoiler tags as the questions give away many plot points. If you haven't read the book at all, you might not want to read the questions until you've done so.

Jean, if you want to remove this post, if you think it's too early, etc - feel free. I just thought some might want a little perspective on the book ( ie - what to consider when reading, etc ).

This might also be too formal for us, but thought I'd throw it out there.



Discussion Points PM'd to Ves.




This is a guide as well - but it also includes recipes so you can throw something like a TKAM Discussion Party - http://bookclubclassics.com/Blog/wp-content/upload/2008/03/to-kill-a-mockingbird-sample-kit.pdf

As I said, if I'm jumping the gun or stepping on toes - feel free to slap me back in my place :)

[jhanic]

I think that's a very appropriate post, turtlex. Thanks!

John

[Jean]

dear friends,

please PM Ves'Ka Gan all your suggestions

I really wouldn't like any cats to be let out of the bag before November 1, but it's Ves' who is in charge here, not me.

t/ex: if I were you, I would remove all specifics from your post, and PM them to Ves' instead

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[turtlex]

Jean - Done.

I PM'd the stuff to Ves, for consideration.

Sorry if I spoke/posted out of turn.

[Jean]

no, you didn't! Ves' and me didn't post any guidelines yet, and the first round is bound to be rather clumsy!

thank you thank you thank you!

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[turtlex]

:couple: for the bear :)

[aberrios75]

Good title, I was actually reading this before I got the rest of the DT books. Looking forward to the discussion.

[alinda]

I have diligently checked my shelves for this title, and find that I too must go visit the book store. I am glad for the time to find/buy the book.
Will there be an assigned set # of pages or something so as to be all together on the reading? How will it it organized for us all to read "together" ?
Ves, please forgive me but I have never read a book with anyone else before.

[Brice]

My roommate is an English major and a teacher. I am certain we have this or any other so called classic literature in English.

[Darkthoughts]

I have a copy, it was my dad's before it was mine :thumbsup:

[Arthur Heath]

I too have a copy on my shelf which is unread. I have some business traveling to do, time on a plane is perfect reading time.

[The Lady of Shadows]

just a small reminder my friends, ves is currently driving cross country with her beau. moving to california (remember?). she isn't ignoring us, she's just hopping from hotel to hotel as she gets nearer and nearer to the black hotel. here's hoping she avoids old bloat! :lol:

[razz]

Don't stop in Boulder either!

[alinda]

Today I went to my local library, the librarian indicated the book was indeed on the shelf
*whew* NOT! She has an order to bring it over from the next town for me. So, that's good. :D

[Ves'Ka Gan]

Hello--sorry for being out of touch--as T/song mentioned I am travelling x-country (I am currently in some random road side hotel in some more random small town in Missouri!).

To answer some questions--Turtlex--I got your PM & responded. I am planning on posting a few general questions as of Nov. 1st to kick off discussion, then I will use many (if not all!) of your suggestions to keep the conversation moving.

Alinda--I have never really done this outside of HS/College reading assignments, either! We can learn together! I believe this first round is going to go relatively slow as we are attempting to accomodate the holiday travel schedules throughout Nov. & Dec. I think we should give everyone until the first to pick up the book & then get a feel for the general reading pace of the group & then go from there--any comments or suggestions on that are welcome from anyone!

I will check in again as soon as I get to another hotel with Wi-Fi!:cowboy:

[alinda]

*waves* thanks Ves! Safe journeys to you dear.:rose:

[NeedfulKings]

I just read Mockingbird last year (or so). I may have to re-read it so I can join in!

Here's a little story on how I came to read it:

I found a beaten up first printing of the hardcover. I went to a VERY small book repair shop (Lost and Bound Books-- cute name, lol) to inquire about my options. I swear this shop is about 10 ft. X 10 ft. Anyway. I told the woman that I was excited and hadn't even read the book yet. She said, "here, take my copy and bring it back when you're done." She reached over, opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out a well read paperback.

What are the odds!!??!! :D

Edit to add: Welcome to the West, Ves'Ka!!! :) :) :)

[Jean]

maybe if someone can think of a good question, they should PM it to Ves'?

Bill: thank you for the story! I think one of the questions should be "when and how you first read it".

Dear friends, please, don't jump the gun! Before November 1, think of your questions, shape up your ideas, reread carefully!

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[turtlex]

Anyway. I told the woman that I was excited and hadn't even read the book yet. She said, "here, take my copy and bring it back when you're done." She reached over, opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out a well read paperback.
:) :) :)


This is soooo sweet. I'm glad we picked this as our first book.

[alinda]

Wait! Are we to read it before and then discuss? I thought we were to read some chapters or something together, and discuss as we go along....:cyclops:

[The Lady of Shadows]

i think some people are doing it both ways. but officially we are supposed to be reading it together. at least that's what the main thread says. :unsure:

[Mist_on_the_Water]

Awesome book, I too read it in school. It's incredibly boring as I can't stand the genre(i simply didn't care for the story) but in a general sense, it's amazingly well written and a very good book.

[alinda]

So you both enjoyed it, and disliked it ?:wtf:

[The Lady of Shadows]

i know, that's what i was thinking. :unsure: then :wtf: then :lol:

[Jean]

i think some people are doing it both ways. but officially we are supposed to be reading it together. at least that's what the main thread says. :unsure:
yes, but I'd much rather everyone read it beforehand, just to be on the safe side - this way nobody will drop out because something unexpected has turned up. Then we can move at any mode and pace we like.

[alinda]

yes, that makes sense ( I see) I will check at the library today and see if it has been delivered yet.

[turtlex]

If we do move by chapters, I would suggest that, rather than by pages - as there are probably 10 different published editions and page numbers might not match up.

[alinda]

I hadnt thought of that, smart!:thumbsup:

[BedOfRoses]

I love this book and will definitely be joining in the discussion. I read it originally in high school and re-read it along with Bill (NeedfulKings) last year. I enjoyed it even more the second time. Great choice for a first book! :)

[alinda]

Sharing books with all of you will be the highlight I think!

[The Lady of Shadows]

i think some people are doing it both ways. but officially we are supposed to be reading it together. at least that's what the main thread says. :unsure:
yes, but I'd much rather everyone read it beforehand, just to be on the safe side - this way nobody will drop out because something unexpected has turned up. Then we can move at any mode and pace we like.

the big bear commands, the little bear does. :couple: :rose:

[Jean]

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[Woofer]

*happy sigh* Like having coffee with old friends. Jem, Scout, Dill, Atticus. :rose: Scout reminds me a lot of a very young Woofer - I was very much the tomboy.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

I just began my reread, too & it was a lot like finding a nice worn in pair of slippers!

[turtlex]

Old friends, Scout Jem and Dill, to share with my new ones.

[theBeamisHome]

this will be my first time reading the book.. i'm sure i can find it at edward mckays..

[Brice]

Without a doubt you can.

[Matt]

It's the worlds only sin, to kill a mockingbird.

[Mist_on_the_Water]

So you both enjoyed it, and disliked it ?:wtf:

lol sorry for the confusion...my mords get wixed a lot sometimes...

I loved the way the book was written, how the plot unfolded, the way it caused one o think, I simply didn't much care for the content of the actual story. So yes, in a way I both liked and disliked it. :panic:

[Gasher80]

i picked up my copy. will be interesting to read a book in internet group-setting style.

[turtlex]

I have purchased yet another copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.

I've bought probably 10 or more of them over the years. When I'm done reading, I gift them out. Sharing the Dil, Scout and Jem love.

[Woofer]

Sharing the Dil, Scout and Jem love.

Is that legal? :unsure:

[turtlex]

Sharing the Dil, Scout and Jem love.

Is that legal? :unsure:


Not in most states, but in the turtlex-world, it's encouraged :)

[The Lady of Shadows]

stayed up until 2am reading this. god, how could i have forgotten how much i love this book? :wub:

[Mist_on_the_Water]

I havent in so long...*isnt rereading, but happy to join in discussion*

I <3 Scout :couple:

[turtlex]

Gosh I just love Dill ... "I'm little, but I'm old."

[Gasher80]

i read to chapter 4. once i got into it, it was tough to stop but it's getting late.

[The Lady of Shadows]

hey everybody. i just talked to ves and she has questions and is going to post them. but she is in california and that puts her in the pacific time zone (so that's the first thing) plus they don't have their internet hooked up yet and the only place with free wifi is (get this) the local bar! :lol:

so, she's going to post questions but it will be later tonight - i think that's tonight her time which will be even later tonight for those of us in the eastern time slot. but, hey jean will be awake i think. and so will all of the pacific coast! :D

so hang on, and questions will arrive. :couple:

[razz]

Btw, i should mention that according to what we spoke of earlier today is the FIRST OFFICIAL DAY of The Bookclub (remember we start in November, like anyone cares about starting date. half of you have already read, reread, and wrote a 200 page report on int)

[The Lady of Shadows]

dude, did you even read my post? :wtf:

[razz]

yeah you said Ves is going to the bar, so she's gonna ask us stuff.

[The Lady of Shadows]

:lol:

[gsvec]

I have my copy for the plane and the beach! I'll probably need to do major catching up when I get back. :orely:

[The Lady of Shadows]

HEY! here's an idea. . . you could just stay here with us and then you wouldn't feel so left out! :D

[gsvec]

Yeah, right. NOT!!

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[The Lady of Shadows]

:lol:

NICE smilie!!!!!!!

[The Lady of Shadows]

so i talked with ves again. hopefully they'll have the internet soon but apparently everybody in business in joshua tree spends all their time stoned. :lol: as much as i know that appeals to certain members here (not naming any names . . . even though i could), it's really not conducive to getting any business accomplished. :P

so, here are some inaugural questions to kick off the discussion. these come straight from the dessert empress herself (or her pm box anyway), so don't shoot the mockingbird (er, i mean the messenger!). please don't feel like you have to use one or two sentences to answer these questions. this is a discussion, so don't hesitate to answer fully and completely. also, don't feel like you have to answer all of them. if one or two of them strike your fancy, just write us a dissertation on them and forget about the rest. your thoughts are welcome, in any shape or size. your words are welcome, in any manner or guise. :)

now, let the wild rumpus start! (er, um, i mean the discussion of course. :thumbsup: )


1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?


2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?


3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?


4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?


5. What are three memorable moments in the book?


6. What is the most touching moment of the book?


7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?

*******

[turtlex]

Gonna take a quick shot at these, get things rolling, I hope.

( removed indicators of spoiler tags )

1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?
My first time with Mockingbird was actually a Social Studies ( social science ) class in the 8th grade. I'd like to officially thank Mr.Fishman right now, because it's about my favorite book.

2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?
Because the mockingbird's only mission on life is to bring beauty to others.

3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?
I think he uses it as an example, in simple terms, to help his children understand. It means more than what he says, and I think he knows his children understand that.

4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?
Is Dill a minor character? I love Dill. "I'm little, but I'm old."

5. What are three memorable moments in the book?
The most memorable has to be be when Scout recognizes Boo in Jem's room.

Next would be when you realize the first line of the book is so critical in the end of the book. I think that is genius.

Third would have to be the big reveal at the courthouse where we learn Tom Robinson is actually disabled and physically unable to commit the crimes he's accused of.

6. What is the most touching moment of the book?
Scout agreeing with Sheriff Heck about Boo, and not sharing with the whole county what really happened with Boo, Tom and Jem.

7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?
Tom's death. I think in today's books and films even, we expect justice to prevail, and here it does not.

[alinda]

I have a copy of the book now ( late start I know) and will spend the next day or so reading it again. I am taking it to the beach with me, yes I intend to do something besides
fondle that man I going with. :wtf:

[Jean]

Dear friends,

I have added spoiler sign to the title of the thread, so please do not mark your spoilers

And many thanks to t/song!!!

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[Darkthoughts]

I'll start reading on Wednesday when the kids go back to school - looking forward to it, good job Ves and TS :thumbsup:

[razz]

i got mixed up with the time schedule when we switched books, so I'm gonna grab a copy tomorrow .

[turtlex]

Sorry about the spoiler tags, folks.

I wasn't sure when I posted, and didn't want to ruin anything for anyone.

Thanks for removing them. I edited as well, to clean things up a tad.

Sorry to be a pain.

[Jean]

you're not a pain, you're great! congrats on being the first in our history to answer our first question on our first book!!!

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[alinda]

I wont begin reading till later, so much to do to be ready for my first date in forever!!:wtf:

[turtlex]

:huglove:

Thanks Jean.

I have been looking forward to this a lot.

[The Lady of Shadows]

i don't know how many of you read opus (the cartoon) but it's over now and i'm very sad. it ended well for him though. here's the final strip, please notice what was in his treasured belongings - it's very pertinent to us:

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[Woofer]

Answers coming, I promise.

[Matt]

Should the discussion questions be added to the first post in the thread? :orely:

[Jean]

that's exactly what has occured to me a moment ago!!!!! I'll attend to it right now.

[The Lady of Shadows]

so does that mean that every question (series of questions) that get added will be appended to the first post?

:orely:

that's actually quite convenient.

:D

[Woofer]

1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?
I honestly don't remember. It's so ingrained in me, as are the portrayals in the wonderful film adaptation, that I simply don't know. Also, I went to five different schools before high school (rezoning + moves), so a lot of that is a blur.

2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?
Because mockingbirds never destroy; they only create beauty in music.

3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?
I agree with turtlex. Atticus uses the mockingbird as a metaphor for teaching the children about life.

4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?
Mrs. Dubose. What courage she showed to kick an addiction while dying.

5. What are three memorable moments in the book?

Scout’s first day of school is a powerful scene. Their teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, is an excellent example of good intentions gone horribly wrong.

The rabid dog scene is chilling. When Atticus takes up the rifle, Jem and Scout learn that there are some things about himself that Atticus has never told them. They also learn that not every thing you are good at is worth announcing to others.

One of the most moving moments is when the children come to Atticus’ defense in front of the jail. This scene, and the first day of school scene, have deeply personal meanings for me.


6. What is the most touching moment of the book?
I think the most touching moment was the morning after the trial when Atticus found that almost the entire black community had donated food to his house because he had defended Tom Robinson.

7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?
Personally, the most shocking moment is when Sheriff Heck Tate announces that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife. I wasn’t sure Sheriff Tate had it in him.


"Don't you say hey to me, you ugly girl, you say 'Good afternoon!'"
~Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose

[theBeamisHome]

you guys are not gonna believe this! i went to edward mckay's today and they did not have one copy... then i went to the campus library and still couldn't find it... it might be there tho.. should be i just gotta take more time... conspiracy? :orely:

[razz]

I got mine from the school library today.

[Mist_on_the_Water]

I'm too busy to reread it unfortunately...reading like 3 books right now as it is, YAY AP CLASSES....

anywho, I will answer questions, tomorrowI'll post them up :nana:

[Woofer]

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[alinda]

I have just come from the castle, where I left a post explaining that I plan to read as much of this book as possible today, tho' I will no doubt miss much on the boards, I feel like a slug for having only read a dozen pages so far....so see ya later alligators!:huglove:

[turtlex]

I think maybe the slowdown is that Ves is still trying to get hooked up with high speed.

If folks could just maybe reply to the first batch of questions, then we could get some conversations running as soon as Ves gets back.

For those of you who haven't completed the book, or want to re-read, nows yer chance!

[The Lady of Shadows]

hi-speed hell. ves is still trying to get internet at all. apparently everybody in joshua tree is STILL high! i wonder how many of our own dear members live there (or are considering moving there?). :wtf:

anyway, we talk regularly and i will ask her about posting new questions or kicking ass and taking names to get more people answering these questions. no one can kick ass as well as a marine who just moved to the desert and can't get her internet needs met! :lol:


1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?

i know i was in grade school - i must have been in sixth grade maybe. it wasn't assigned reading, i was just wandering the library looking for something to read and saw it in a display of "banned books" and thought something like if it's good enough to be banned i **have** to read it. i fell in love with it.


2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?

i think this has been said by just about everyone but mockingbirds don't do anything wrong. they don't steal from other bird's nests, they don't eat crops, they don't steal seeds, they just exist to provide songs. killing something that doesn't harm anything would be a sin in atticus' viewpoint.


3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?

atticus has a very straightforward view on life i think. it's complex, but straightforward. you make your way as best you can in life without causing harm to those around you. you don't brag, you don't lie, you don't cheat, you don't steal. i think atticus leaves the concepts of "sin" and "righteousness" to people with nothing better to do with their time. except in this one area. he wants his children to understand that some things are just completely unforgiveable and perhaps this is the best way to put something like that in terms that a child will understand. how do you explain a concept that large to a child. you tell them it's a sin.


4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?

miss maudie hands down. that women is amazing in her insight and knowledge. she gives the children a steady female figure to look up to who is just who she is - no bullshit, no false faces, just her. and i just loved the argument over the snowman! and her explanation to the children about their father, "he's the same in court as he is on the street" is fabulous. even scout can understand that, and uses it to explain court things to dill.


5. What are three memorable moments in the book?

in no particular order:

1. when scout discovers that there are more things going on with ladies than she ever thought or imagined after seeing the "invisible" conversation between miss maudie and aunt alexandra at the missionary circle tea. i think that really opened her eyes in a way that nothing ever could have before; seeing two such different woman having a silent communication that spoke volumes, seeing two women that couldn't stand each other give and accept thanks for an act that scout really didn't understand, and the knowledge that there was an under-surface to women that she had never seen before.

2. when dill gets so very upset about the way the prosecutor treats tom robinson during the trial. his feeling for tom robinson, his declaration that the prosecutor didn't have to treat him that way, that atticus didn't act that way, and scout's explanation of the court system really stood out for me.

3. helen robinson's knowledge that her husband was dead as soon as she saw atticus and calpurnia. that image of her in my head will probably never go away.


6. What is the most touching moment of the book?

scout jumping into the crowd of men surrounding atticus at the jail and realizing that she didn't know them. then when she recognized mr. cunningham and began asking him about his entailment. and went on to tell him about how entailments were terrible things but that he should just hang on because they would get him through it. how a child's lack of knowledge, but sincere desire to comfort, could dispell a mob was very touching to me. especially given what would have happened had mr. cunningham *not* been in that crowd.


7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?

for me, it was knowing on a deep and visceral level that mayella injuries had been caused by her own father. and that those injuries had extended to being raped. they never come out and say this in the book, but she makes it clear that she was raped in her testimony and she tries so hard to blame tom robinson and tries so hard to make everyone believe that her "father" had never touched her. it's perfectly clear from atticus' cross of bob and mayella that bob has "been at" mayella more than once and that he raped her for having kissed tom and having been curious about "another man".

[Woofer]

http://i.slickdeals.net/images/smilies2/tumbleweed.gif


I think maybe the slowdown is that Ves is still trying to get hooked up with high speed.

If folks could just maybe reply to the first batch of questions, then we could get some conversations running as soon as Ves gets back.

For those of you who haven't completed the book, or want to re-read, nows yer chance!

I know. I hope nobody thought I was being a bitch. (Believe me, there'll be no doubt when that happens.) I really just saw it as a chance to use my tumbleweed smiley. http://psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/evilwolf.gif http://psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/innocentgrin.gif

Great answers from both turtles. I think it's fascinating which scenes stand out for each of us. It's very hard to choose, and I debated the very moments that each of you listed. It had surely been too long since my last read.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

I am baaaaaaaaaaaack. :dance:

From what I can see it looks like things are moving a little slow mainly because not everyone is finished reading yet (I, myself am guilty!!). I do have some real juicy questions saved up, but I do want to remind everyone that we planned on keeping this particular discussion open for two months with the holidays and everything sneaking up on us!

I will pop in again soon (hopefully with my answers to the list of questins).

One thing I may suggest--I see a lot of good answers to the Atticus/sin question--maybe we could open up that can of worms and really read everyone's responses and try to ut some input in on that particular question? Just something to keep things rolling until we have a few more people finished with the book!

[The Lady of Shadows]

woofer i didn't think you were being a bitch (hahahahaha - woofer, bitch, dog? get it? :unsure: nevermind). i just wanted to once again point out that ves had moved to marijuana heaven apparently (despite the medical marijuana laws in michigan). :wtf:

[turtlex]

woofer - Nope, didn't think that for a moment. Was just mentioning, is all. No worries.

Ves - Welcome back. Hope all went well with the move and you're getting settled.

[Brice]

you guys are not gonna believe this! i went to edward mckay's today and they did not have one copy... then i went to the campus library and still couldn't find it... it might be there tho.. should be i just gotta take more time... conspiracy? :orely:

Go to Waldenbooks at Cross Creek Mall or Barnes & Noble (near Skibo Rd.). Certainly one of them has a paperback at least.

[theBeamisHome]

i got it last night at Barnes & Noble when me and Nigel took an unplanned day trip to Durham.. such fun... and you'll also be happy to know that i got the complete and unabridged works of H.P. Lovecraft.. i'm reading TKaMb right now and i'm loving it.. good choice guys i can't believe i didn't read this before!

[3 DOORS DOWN]

i've decided to give this book a read..i've heard the title of course but was never sure
what the story was about..now got the outline of its content..not my usual read ,but
its the first book of the new book club so why not give it a go..

[turtlex]

i've decided to give this book a read..i've heard the title of course but was never sure
what the story was about..now got the outline of its content..not my usual read ,but
its the first book of the new book club so why not give it a go..


Great! Welcome to our first book of the book club. I look forward to your thoughts!

[Woofer]

I would've sworn I said similar earlier. I guess I didn't hit submit.

[Jean]

1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?

This is a question I have no answer for, or rather I have a lot of answers.

I do not remember the first time I read it - it's a book I've been reading all my life, and all times I remember seem already to be rereads; I think it's my first "serious" book, immediately after Winnie-the-Pooh and Mary Poppins. I know I read it before I went to school, so I must have been about six? Even that wasn't the first time, though, because even before I could read such a long and complicated story, my Grandmother - you might remember her from my other posts - used to tell that story to me. It's one of the first stories in my life, and I sincerely do not remember hearing it the first time.

I was no older than five, that's for sure; during our long walks in those shabby miserable parks of those Soviet times, she told me my favorite stories, and Mockingbird was the very favorite; I don't even think she adapted it much, though she told it the way I could understand. When later I read it, I recognized everything, and everything was just the way she told it.

I reread it a countless number of times during the first twenty years of my life; it's one of the books I know by heart - but in Russian. So, when we started talking about Book Club, I knew what book we must start with; I thought I had a copy in English somewhere (had never gotten around to reading it because of the paper - it was cheap Soviet edition with the kind of paper that gives me goosebumps). Well, I lobbied Mockingbird for the club, only to find that I didn't have that copy any more. I turned everything upside down, here and at my mother's place - no trace of the book.

I walked across the city, planning my route the way I was going to pass by the biggest bookstores, the ones I could hope to find almost anything in any language; especially, I though, such a classic would have to be there.

No luck at the first bookstore; none at the second... none at the third, that was the biggest of them all; now I only had the Bookhouse before me, and the books there are horribly expensive. I was moving in its direction along Nevsky Prospect, when something caught my eye in a big bookstore I had never thought sold books in foreign languages; it wasn't anything specific, rather an impression that there might be something to the store I hadn't noticed before.

I came in; the store was bigger than I thought; I walked and walked and suddenly saw something that made me feel sure I would find what I was looking for. It was a big shelf dedicated to bear books - Paddington in various editions, and Winnie-the-Pooh, and some other bears I had never even heard of.

After that, of course, it was a cinch... I confidently walked into the foreign languages department, took Mockingbird off the shelf, paid and left. Easy.

Now, the most delicious part... reading for the hundredth time, and yet for the first time, because this time it was in English... after all those years, after knowing it by heart, every word of it!

I was astounded... it wasn't the first time I read a book in the original after knowing every word of it in the Russian translation, but somehow it never gets old.

Everything was the same. Every letter, every intonation, every inflection, every breath, everything. When my only language was Russian, some great people, translators, made me a great present of the world's literature, without ruining an atome of it, but making it sound as if it was written in Russian, and written wonderfully. Even not knowing any other language but my own, I wasn't robbed of anything; Scout and Boo (oh I wish I could explain at least how greatly those names were translated!) were part of my childhood and of my verbal universe as much as they could be part of the universe of any English-speaking child.

And another thing... From the age of (presumably) five when my Grandmother told me this story, till the age of 44 when I read it now, many changes have come over your bear... Well, Mockingbird is the only book I know where nothing changed. I may understand more - intellectually - but I laugh and cry at the same things, and the same things amaze me, and as I used to accept all moral, existential, or social ideas and principles the author stands on, so I accept them now. However much I have changed, Harper Lee speaks about things that never changed for me, and it's the only book I can say that about.

[Woofer]

That's a wonderful story, Jean. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Jean]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gif

[theBeamisHome]

Beginning disclaimer: I haven't read any of you guys comments yet, but I got this book Thursday evening and finished it Saturday morning, that's how enamored I was. I can't believe I never read it before.

1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?
This was my first time reading Mockingbird and I'm very glad I did... and appalled that I never read it before.. I was cheated.

2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?
Because mockingbirds do no harm to anyone or anything. The only thing they do is make beautiful music.

3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?
I think it is because Atticus understands that there is very little true innocence. And I believe the mockingbird is actually a metaphor for innocence. Atticus is a good man and a lawyer, he has dedicated his life to protecting the innocent and what his proverb tells us is that it is a sin to condemn the innocent. To Atticus Tom Robinson was a mockingbird because he had never actually harmed anyone. I think Scout was too young to understand the message at first, but I believe Jem got it because he didn't want to shoot any birds after that.

4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?
Are there any minor characters in this book? It seems that everyone had a pivotal role in the story.. If I had to pick someone that would be considered a minor character I think it would be either Cal or Miss Maudie. To me they are two sides of the same coin. They both were not afraid to stand up to their peers and they loved Scout and Jem almost as if they were their own.

5. What are three memorable moments in the book?
1) when Scout and Jem follow Atticus to the jailhouse. 2) when Miss Maudie's house burns down. 3) the TRIAL :cry:

6. What is the most touching moment of the book?
There are two for me. The first is Jem trying to cope with the verdict that the jury came to for Tom Robinson and people trying to explain to him how it isn't right but it's how it is for now. The second is when Scout realizes who her rescuer is and plays out her little fantasy about Boo Radley.

7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?
I think I may have been shocked that Mr. Ewell actually attacked Jem and Scout.. I mean, I kind of expected it but I did not think he would actually do it. I just didn't believe the man was that crazy.

I thank you all for this push to read this. I am forever indebted.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?
I think it is because Atticus understands that there is very little true innocence. And I believe the mockingbird is actually a metaphor for innocence. Atticus is a good man and a lawyer, he has dedicated his life to protecting the innocent and what his proverb tells us is that it is a sin to condemn the innocent. To Atticus Tom Robinson was a mockingbird because he had never actually harmed anyone. I think Scout was too young to understand the message at first, but I believe Jem got it because he didn't want to shoot any birds after that.


This was actually a question that was submitted to me thatI was "saving" for later--but since you brought it up, I am glad you did--I would love to hear others thoughts and input on this.

For instance, why do you think it was so important to Atticus to take this case even knowing the trouble it would cause him & his children? He says it is because he could never tell them to do anything if he didn't take this case and I think thatbeing the explaination he gives over & over says a lot about him but I do wonder why he never goes any further into the reasons he feels that way.

[jhanic]

Atticus was the type of person who could not sit idlely by while an injustice was being done. He felt he HAD to do something, even though he was realistic enough that he knew he was doomed to failure. He succeeded because the jury took so long to come back with the guilty verdict. He managed to show his courage to his children by doing this. You do the right thing no matter what the popular thing is.

John

[Ves'Ka Gan]

Great response, John.

I also think that it shows, rather thant tells Jem & Scout how he feels about racism. He never scolds them for using the word "nigger" and he doesn't even really explain to Scout what "nigger" or "nigger lover" means when she asks him...but by taking the case in spite of the family & townspeople's opinions he shows them.

Further I think the reason he never explains the word to Scout may have something to do with the idea that a word that ignorant isn't worth an explaination (but that's just how I read it).

[Woofer]

Moreover, Jem and Scout are critical thinkers, even at their ages. That, combined with a father like Atticus and his teaching by way of example rather than criticism, gives them the tools they need to reason it out to the end.

[theBeamisHome]

I agree with what every has said so far about Atticus and his reason for taking Tom's case. I thought it was interesting that he didn't scold Scout for her use of the word, but understood that he knew he could teach her better by showing her that it was wrong than by telling. From what I can understand about those times, though, that was just the way things were and that was why Scout couldn't understand the gravity of the situation. Like when she was trying to explain to Dill why the prosecutor was being such a dick.

and i think i may have been wrong on the most touching moment for me. i was extremely touched when Dill started to cry in the court because of the way the prosecutor was talking to Tom.

[turtlex]

Moreover, Jem and Scout are critical thinkers, even at their ages. That, combined with a father like Atticus and his teaching by way of example rather than criticism, gives them the tools they need to reason it out to the end.

I agree, but we must also remember that this book is told in "flashback" so to speak, by an ADULT Scout.... so, of course, the thinking and the responses are going to have a more adult feel, even if they were children when things happened.

I think a lot of folks forget that. Some people have said they have an issue with how adult Jem and Scout are, and I'm always quick to reply that it is an Adult who is telling us this story, so of course, it's going to come off that way, that they are more mature, just because the words of an adult are being used.

[theBeamisHome]

ohhh... i hadn't even thought of that really... i just assumed that they were more mature because of the way Atticus raised them. it seemed perfectly natural to me... maybe because i was one of those children that matured very early. but that does make perfect sense that the story is being told by an adult anyway... i still think they were way more mature than their peers though, because of Atticus' ways.

[Jean]

7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?
I think I may have been shocked that Mr. Ewell actually attacked Jem and Scout.. I mean, I kind of expected it but I did not think he would actually do it. I just didn't believe the man was that crazy.
When I read it before this very last time, I didn't even think anything about that - it happened because it happened, and, as I told before, I knew it long before I read it... you know how it is with the books you've known since forever, you just take everything for granted, you don't think someone actually wrote it and it could be different... till this last time I reread it a week ago. I remember reading and getting goosebumps all over my ursine bulk, - how can he, how can he let them walk in the dark alone?! how can he, how can aunt Alexandra, if they know Ewel is after Atticus?

And then I realized. Atticus - or Alexandra - or anybody in Maycomb, Alabama of 1935 - could never imagine anyone going after children to get even with their father; something that would seem so inevitable, - fuck, almost natural! - to me now in St.Petersburg, Russia of 2008.

That's what Bob Ewel does, and that's what puts him outside any hope for our compassion or pity; and doing so, he justifies Arthur the once and forever, so much so that the little reader doesn't even question if it was all right to kill in this situation. It was perfectly all right, because what Ewel did was not only unforgivable, it was unthinkable.

[Woofer]

Absolutely, turtlex, but I feel they do have a maturity beyond there peers, as beam noted. For example, Scout mentions Jem reading law magazines as young as fourth grade - nothing to sneeze at for sure.

[turtlex]

Oh, I agree completely, these are children who are very grown-up, even as they are revelling in their childhood.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

I think maybe a reason the children are more mature than their peers is the fact that they are being raised by Atticus and Atticus alone. He may get flack from his sister on their raising, but he seems like that type of father that loves his children dearly--but sometimes forgets they are children.

[turtlex]

I think maybe a reason the children are more mature than their peers is the fact that they are being raised by Atticus and Atticus alone. He may get flack from his sister on their raising, but he seems like that type of father that loves his children dearly--but sometimes forgets they are children.


Um, aren't they being raised by Atticus and Cal ?

She's the one who reprimands Scout when she mentions Walter's syrup use. She's the one Atticus turns to when he needs someone to look after his kids.

I think Cal is raising them as well.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

True, I thought of that midway through my post, but as much as Cal is a figure in their lives, I think she does maintain that professional detachment that would be expected at that time.

The point I am trying to make is that for the most part, Atticus speaks to them as he would speak to an adult, and when it comes to big questions and big lessons, it is more Atticus "teaching" them than it is Cal. It seems like (in the context of the book, at least) Cal seems to reprimand when necessary and treat them every now & then, not actually make a point of creating "teaching moments" (although I am positive they have learned almost as much from Cal as they did from their father).

::hopes I clarified my point rather than muddling it more::

[The Lady of Shadows]

i see what you're saying ves. cal treated them as children in her role in the house. i think atticus tended to forget they were children and treated them a mini-adults. he expected them to understand things and when they didn't he sat them down and explained the things to them without talking down to them or belittling them or their intelligence. i just don't picture atticus in my head as the "baby-talk" kind of father, you know?

[turtlex]

Oh, I love that, turtlesong - that Atticus forgot they were children. It is like that, isn't it. Almost like he did just think of them as mini-adults. That's very insightful and I honestly never thought of Atticus that way.

Ves - for sure you've clarified, and not muddled. But.. I would ask then, what exactly is Cal's position? I mean, is she a housekeeper? Or a babysitter? Or ... what would she be, exactly? Nanny?

I do understand what you're saying about Atticus and I agree. No way on the "baby-talk" for sure.

[theBeamisHome]

i think i thought of Cal as a mother figure. i'm sure this is probably because of my racial background... i learned in class that black parents tend to be more discipline-based than white parents... it was in an educational psych book. it said the black students usually respond better to direct commands than suggestions. so i think Cal treated Scout and Jem as she would her own children. that professional detachment is really just part of the parenting... my mom was never really affectionate.

[Jean]

Every time you use words or phrases like "mother/father figure", "midlife crisis", "significant other", "liberating experience", "repressed", "inhibitions" etc, you kill a grizzly bear.

Luckily, he resurrects as soon as you come back to expressing yourself in your own words, coming from your own mind, heart, soul, and experience.

[Matt]

this discussion is fascinating!! :rock:

Very good showing on the first book club read you guys.

I believe Atticus was a Gunslinger personally. In every way that ever mattered.

[The Lady of Shadows]

Every time you use words or phrases like "mother/father figure", "midlife crisis", "significant other", "liberating experience", "repressed", "inhibitions" etc, you kill a grizzly bear.

Luckily, he resurrects as soon as you come back to expressing yourself in your own words, coming from your own mind, heart, soul, and experience.

does clapping help? :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

or is that just for fairies?

:D

[Ves'Ka Gan]

this discussion is fascinating!! :rock:

Very good showing on the first book club read you guys.

I believe Atticus was a Gunslinger personally. In every way that ever mattered.


Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

This comment makes me think of what Atticus tells Jem about helping Mrs. Dubose break her morphine habit before death about how there are better ways to be heroic without firing a gun...(horrible paraquoting, I know).

[Ves'Ka Gan]

NEW QUESTIONS ADDED! PLEASE REFER TO THE FIRST POST!! THANKS!:cowboy:

[The Lady of Shadows]

this discussion is fascinating!! :rock:

Very good showing on the first book club read you guys.

I believe Atticus was a Gunslinger personally. In every way that ever mattered.

wow. that is incredibly insightful matt. i never thought of it that way, but now i am rethinking that entire scene with the mad dog and atticus' actions during it. he almost becomes another person, the way he casually drops his glasses to the ground and doesn't even notice when he steps on them. the way he appears to settle into the shotgun like he had never stopped shooting. the way he doesn't miss, even from that distance.

excellent observation, now i'm going to have to reread that part with this in mind.

:thumbsup:

[turtlex]

this discussion is fascinating!! :rock:

Very good showing on the first book club read you guys.

I believe Atticus was a Gunslinger personally. In every way that ever mattered.

Oh, Matt, that is so perfect. Atticus is a Gunslinger. Without a doubt.

Because of the way that Boo protects Scout and Gem, he's part of the Ka-Tet as well. He's a Gunslinger, too, I feel.

Awesome insight.

[3 DOORS DOWN]

Just finished to kill a mockingbird and i've got to say its one of the best none
stephen king books i've read.I would'nt have picked this book up if not for
being picked as the first book of the bookclub.
I had'nt a clue what the book was about 2weeks back,for some reason i had
the image it was one of those books that took about 2 or 3 pages to tell you
that a storm is moving in when it could just have told you one mother of a
storm is aprochin.
Fantastic book,just wondering what book 2 might be.

[The Lady of Shadows]

we don't know yet but we'd love to hear your ideas on some of the questions that are posted in the first posting of this thread. . . .

(i know, i'm not very subtle am i? :lol: )

[3 DOORS DOWN]

No problem turtlesong i'll get around to the questions,i jumped the gun there
just wanted to say how good the book was.Give me awhile to go over the
questions i'll get there.:doh:

[The Lady of Shadows]

no. i jumped the gun. just love that :: peerpressure :: though. :lol:

[Ves'Ka Gan]

T/song is one to criticize whence she has not yet answered the new questions... :evil:

[The Lady of Shadows]

T/song is one to criticize whence she has not yet answered the new questions... :evil:


hey! i wasn't criticizing i was encouraging. now shutup and go bake me some muffins! :lol:

[turtlex]

Just finished to kill a mockingbird and i've got to say its one of the best none
stephen king books i've read.I would'nt have picked this book up if not for
being picked as the first book of the bookclub.
I had'nt a clue what the book was about 2weeks back,for some reason i had
the image it was one of those books that took about 2 or 3 pages to tell you
that a storm is moving in when it could just have told you one mother of a
storm is aprochin.
Fantastic book,just wondering what book 2 might be.

That's what a book club is for!
I'm so pleased you've enjoyed it.
It's one of my all time favorites. Scout, Jem, Dill and Atticus - they're part of you now, just like the rest of us. :grouphug:

[theBeamisHome]

1.Do you think that Jem & Scout would have recieved as warm a reception at Calpurnia's church if Atticus had not been defending Tom Robinson? Why/why not?
Hmmm... that is a good question. I think they would have. From what I understand most black people then were sort of afraid of white folks, be they children or adult. So the reception would have been friendly even if it were fake. But seeing as how Jem and Scout were not actually bad kids I don't see why anyone would have been bothered by them being there.. unless of course they were people like Lula.

2. What was your reaction to Lula and her comments to Cal upon their arrival at the church?
I literally scrunched my nose up and made a face. it was truly a disgusting thing to do whether or not Atticus was helping Tom Robinson. I can understand why she was so mean, but that doesn't make it right in the least.

3. How do you feel about the discussion between Jem & Scout and Calpuria about her use of "nigger talk" at church and how she "shouldn't" speak that way since she "knows better"?
I thought it was actually an important part of the story. Just another example of Jem and Scout learning that right and wrong isn't black and white, there is a gray area and it can sometimes be ok to do the "wrong" thing in others' eyes if it is helpful to someone (ie, not offending the church goers with her "bougie speak" lol)

[Woofer]

New answers coming soon.

I did want to point out that while Atticus treats them like adults, he does not lose sight of the fact that they are kids. He just has a difficult time relating to them as children. However, as he respects them as people, that goes a long way toward mitigating his treatment of them as mini-adults.

[3 DOORS DOWN]

1,Do you think jem+scout would have recieved as warm a reception at calpurnias church if atticus had not been defending tom robinson.

It depends on what other issues were in the area at the time,but overall i think there would be a mixed reaction at any time.Not all negros hated white people and not all white people hated negros.

2,What was your reaction to lula and her comments to cal upon thier arrival at the church.

I Can understand lulas reaction,would she have been allowed into a white peoples church.

3,How do you feel about the discussion between jem+scout and calpurnia about her use of nigger talk at church.

Calpurnia would have picked up on that type of talk when young,it was second nature to talk that way around black people,but she wanted lula to know she was not messin.

4,What is your best minor character

I know, not a minor character but its got to be scout.

[3 DOORS DOWN]

5, What are three memorable moments in the book.

1,The night time visit behind the radley house.

2,Scout dressed as a joint of ham.

3,The court room outcome for tom robinson.

6,Most touching moment in the book.

I don't think there is just one,the book is full of them.


7,The most shocking moment in the book.

When tom robinson was shot.He had seventeen bullet holes in him,they did'nt have to shoot him that much says atticus.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

2,What was your reaction to lula and her comments to cal upon thier arrival at the church.

I Can understand lulas reaction,would she have been allowed into a white peoples church.



This is a great observation! I hadn't thought of it this way. My first impression was that Lula was just trying to start a little trouble because she felt maybe Cal was being too "nice" to her "employers". In reality though, I think your comment holds more credence. It would be relatively difficult for most people to accept someone into their personal space (home, church, etc) if they knew the same courtesy would not be extended to them.

[jhanic]

Overheard in a bookstore:

Young man: Dad, does it really tell you how to?

Father: How to what, son?

Young man: How to kill a mockingbird?

(Paraphrased from Reader's Digest)

John

[Mist_on_the_Water]

:rofl: ROTFLMBO! :rofl:

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Look forward to it. Have never read this Title.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Duh, I'm a tard. This is the old book. I will catch up with the next one. Still have to read this though.:doh:

[turtlex]

BC - There's still time. Depending on how fast you read!

[razz]

Jesus I haven't even participated in this yet! well i have all day today, so I'll try to answer a few questions.

[mystima]

How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?

I was in grade school when i first read this book. When i read it, it was for a school assignment and i was not to happy about it. when i finished with the book i was really surprised that i actually liked the book. but at the same time i was raised in a mixed race family and i did not understand the reasons for the racial slurs and happenings going on in the book. it was my lack of human experience as a child raised in a world of multiple races that got me wondering why people would do things like that or say things of that nature. i actually had to ask my mother about the dreaded "n" word as it was called in my household at the time...i heard it enough from my step dad (black)and brothers-in-law(also black) so much that i didn't know it was something a white child should not say at all. so i asked my mother what the word meant and she told me what it meant and i never have said the word again in my life to this day...i like to think that this book brought me closer to my extended family than anything else did and why i am offended by people of the same race as i am (white/hispanic) using that type of language or any kind of derogatory statement against any race.

[The Lady of Shadows]

Jesus I haven't even participated in this yet! well i have all day today, so I'll try to answer a few questions.


and we're still waiting!

[Jean]

i like to think that this book brought me closer to my extended family than anything else did and why i am offended by people of the same race as i am (white/hispanic) using that type of language or any kind of derogatory statement against any race.
I think it is very important to know one's history - as well as any other history, of course. I mean, you can freely choose to forgive and forget, but if one just doesn't happen to know facts of the past, he is a slave to that past.

[Jean]

I have answered only the first question so far, will try to answer as many more as I can now

2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?

I agree with all who said it was because killing a mockingbird is a perfect sin, without any hope for justification (like, stealing could be justified by hunger, murder by revenge etc).

3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?

Atticus seemed to me a deeply religious person, unlike those ostentatiously religious that abound in traditionally religious countries; if he only once used the word "sin" it's also because he didn't want to devaluate it. It's not a word to babble every time you don't like something, you see, it's a strong enough word to be reserved for a very special case - where it would work. No wonder Scout and Jem remembered that he said that.

4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?

Miss Maudie - if she can be considered minor at all. I agree with everything Lady Lion said about her.

I agree, though, that there's no minor characters there. Choosing among those who were given least space, I would pick Mr.Underwood, with his shotgun.

5. What are three memorable moments in the book?

As I have known the book by heart since I was only a tiny cub, it's impossible to separate only three moments... Here are the three that come to mind immediately:

1. Cunningham saying, "I'll tell him you said hey, little lady".
2. The game with the tyre, when she heard somebody laugh in the house.
3. "Hey, Boo", I said.

6. What is the most touching moment of the book?

ALL OF IT

Here's when I cried - I don't think I would if I reread it in Russian (knew the text too well), but the English words looked new, so it struck me as if first seen:

Summer, and he watched his children's heart break. Autumn again, and Boo's children needed him.

7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?

The verdict, although it couldn't be otherwise. Remember Atticus saying that the jury taking so long to decide was already a step forward? Well, historically a very short time has passed, and you have a black President. It shows mankind has hope, after all.

8. Do you think that Jem & Scout would have recieved as warm a reception at Calpurnia's church if Atticus had not been defending Tom Robinson? Why/why not?

I am not sure. I am afraid not.

9. What was your reaction to Lula and her comments to Cal upon their arrival at the church?

I didn't understand it the first times I read it, I just took it for granted. I understood it better when I was older and knew more.

10. How do you feel about the discussion between Jem & Scout and Calpuria about her use of "nigger talk" at church and how she "shouldn't" speak that way since she "knows better"?

I admire her wisdom, here and in whatever else she did or said.

[turtlex]

Sad news - Director Robert Mulligan, who brought To Kill A Mockingbird to life on the screen, has passed away.

Robert Mulligan, a Hollywood director best known for the 1962 classic film “To Kill a Mockingbird,” died on Saturday at his home in Lyme, Conn. He was 83.

The cause was heart disease, his nephew Robert Rosenthal said.

Mr. Mulligan received an Academy Award nomination for the film, based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about rape, racism and injustice in the Depression-era South.

Rest In Peace.

[Ves'Ka Gan]

Thanks for sharing the news with us, my thoughts are with his friends & family.

[turtlex]

From a film-geek point of view, Robert Mulligan did an amazing job directing TKaM. He did an untouchable job casting Scout and Gem and then directed them perfectly.

[Woofer]

I almost posted that story. Thanks, turtlex.

If only modern directors could cast and direct as well.

[ladysai]

1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?

I've never read it before, and between this thread and the "Big Read" list from the National Endowment for the Arts, I thought it's a book that I should read.
After reading it, I believe I should have read it long ago.

2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?

A mockingbird does no harm, just lives it's life and adds songs to the environment. Killing a mockingbird is a sin because it is an act of cruelty and hate.

3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?

(see #2)

4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?

Mrs. Dubose. She proves Atticus' point that we can never truly know another person, but can only understand and relate to them if we wear their skin for awhile.
I considered her a hateful old bitty until I understood her torment, which I think was the root of her bitterness.

5. What are three memorable moments in the book?

1-Scout inviting the Cunningham boy to lunch.
2-The children disbanding the mob with their appearance at the jail.
3-"Hey, Boo."


6. What is the most touching moment of the book?

Dill's tears at the trial, and Mr. Raymond's lament that only children cry over such behavior.

7. What is the most shocking moment of the book?

Mr. Heck Tate taking up for Boo Radley and standing up to Atticus. It was quite a battle of wills.

1.Do you think that Jem & Scout would have recieved as warm a reception at Calpurnia's church if Atticus had not been defending Tom Robinson? Why/why not?

I dont believe their reception would have been quite as warm, but I believe they would have been tolerated there. Atticus is well known as a reasonable and honest man ; as Miss Maudie explained, he is the same in public as at home. Not all the townsfolk are as fair and forthright as Atticus, and the reasonable folks of both races knew it.

2. What was your reaction to Lula and her comments to Cal upon their arrival at the church?

To me this scene showed that there are racists and hypocrites in all races. A good point to be made.

3. How do you feel about the discussion between Jem & Scout and Calpuria about her use of "nigger talk" at church and how she "shouldn't" speak that way sicne she "knows better"?

This passage had some personal meaning to me. I took classes with a black girl whose father was a teacher. She shared a story with us before class on how her father took a lot of crap from neighborhood folks about how he talks 'white' on the job and 'nigger' at home. His response to the neighbors was quite similar to Cal's response to Scout. Reading the passage in the book brought a cold chill as I thought about how far race relations have come (in general) since the 30's and yet how little things have changed in many specific small minds.

[ConstanToweReader]

.

1. How and when did you first come to read To Kill A Mockingbird?

I was 11 or 12 when I read it the first time. I don't even remember where I got that first copy of the book. I've read it many times through the years and love the film based on it. I picked up a copy of the book the other day.

2. Why does Atticus say that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird?
Because the mockingbird hurts no one.


3. Why do you think that killing a mockingbird is the only thing in the entire book, in the children's entire lives, that Atticus condemns as a sin?
I don't think he has to "condemn things as a sin" for the children to know they are wrong, he parents by love and example. His life is an example to them of how others should be treated, how you should stand up for what you believe in and of how to live.


4. Who is your favorite minor character in the book?
The little boy Scout fought with and then came to eat dinner. I felt sorry for him.


5. What are three memorable moments in the book?
I think there are more than 3. When Atticus is leaving the court room and the crowd stands as he passes, the scene on the jailhouse steps when Scout names the people, when Jem finds his pants that were caught on the fence.

6. What is the most touching moment of the book?

Boo standing in the corner of the room watching over Jem and Scout looks at him and says hi.


7. What is the most shocking moment of the book

When Tom is shot.

1.Do you think that Jem & Scout would have recieved as warm a reception at Calpurnia's church if Atticus had not been defending Tom Robinson? Why/why not?

I don't think they did receive a warm welcome, people were asking Cal why she brought them. I think the people of the town respected Atticus as a fair, honest man but that didn't make them social "equals".

2. What was your reaction to Lula and her comments to Cal upon their arrival at the church? Whites don't have a monoply on stupidity or prejudice.

3. How do you feel about the discussion between Jem & Scout and Calpuria about her use of "nigger talk" at church and how she "shouldn't" speak that way sicne she "knows better"?
**please excuse the use of the word "nigger" I am only attempting to use it in context of the book, and hope that it is seen that way in our forum**
I don't think you can base their conversation of that period of time on what is correct today. I live in the south so hear all kinds of ways of speaking. I think anyone who wants to appear educated needs to speak properly and not use slang all the time. I'm not saying anyone's way of speaking is wrong but it is what gives people an impression of someone.

[Jean]

ConstanToweReader: you were absolutely right in presuming that every book ever discussed in the Book Club is always here for further discussion and voting, whether or not it is the "current" book! Thank you for posting. http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gif

[jhanic]

ConstanToweReader, you express my thoughts and feelings about this book perfectly. Well done!

John

[Brice]

I'm a bit late rereading this, but I've just been reminded how good this book is at breaking my heart.