To Kill a Mockingbird - and now Jane Eyre

[snapppyd]

Wow, what a powerful book! I can't believe I never read this when I was young. I highly recommend it to anyone who has not had the pleasure of reading this wonderful book.

 

[Beanstalker]

Yes, we do it in 9th grade curriculum every year. Did you know that is the only book Harper Lee ever wrote - some speculate that Truman Capote was actually the writer, but after reading her bios, I don't believe it. Truman was the inspiration for Dill. She helped him write In Cold Blood.

 

[kimblebee]

I remember reading it in grade 10. I thought it was an ok book until the teacher started talking about all the symbolism in the book. I can't wait for my daughter to read it in high school in 5 years

 

[snapppyd]

Yes, we do it in 9th grade curriculum every year. Did you know that is the only book Harper Lee ever wrote - some speculate that Truman Capote was actually the writer, but after reading her bios, I don't believe it. Truman was the inspiration for Dill. She helped him write In Cold Blood.

I did know it was her only novel, which seems a shame, she is a brilliant writer.

 

[suzannen]

One of my all time favorite books (and movies). I was thrilled that my DD loved it as much as I did when they read it in 9th grade.
My grandfather was a lawyer in a small Southern town during the 1920s and 30s and he was often paid with eggs, chickens and crops. He died when my mom was a teen, so I never met him, but I always liked to imagine he was just like Gregory Peck!

 

[snapppyd]

It really has left such an impression on me; I think I need to see the movie.

 

[LuvOrlando]

It is an excellent book that underscores some of human nature's uglier tendencies and also the better ones. At the moment my DH is reading The Adventure's of Huckelberry Finn to me & our 2 kids, ages 11 & 12. We're using it as an opportunity to discuss American History in a way that simply isn't possible from a textbook perspective. My kids totally 'get' the objectification inherent in the character's speech & behavior.

The classics are classics for a reason and mostly have value in their ability to take a verbal snapshot of the sensibilities of a particular point in time. I know there is a great deal of debate over some of these books but, in my opinion, if they are handled delicately, as they should be, they can be invaluable in teaching deep morality. "The Crucible" is another one that warns against getting behind a crowd with blind trust. It talks about religion but could easily apply to any mass movement because as a group, people are easily manipulated. It also touches on how individuals can use group mood to further individual agendas... a very cautionary story IMHO.

I think I read "To Kill a Mockingbird" when I was about 13, maybe it's a good choice for our next family selection. Thanks for reminding me about it.

 

[LuvOrlando]

double post

 

[snapppyd]

It is an excellent book that underscores some of human nature's uglier tendencies and also the better ones. At the moment my DH is reading The Adventure's of Huckelberry Finn to me & our 2 kids, ages 11 & 12. We're using it as an opportunity to discuss American History in a way that simply isn't possible from a textbook perspective. My kids totally 'get' the objectification inherent in the character's speech & behavior.

The classics are classics for a reason and mostly have value in their ability to take a verbal snapshot of the sensibilities of a particular point in time. I know there is a great deal of debate over some of these books but, in my opinion, if they are handled delicately, as they should be, they can be invaluable in teaching deep morality. "The Crucible" is another one that warns against getting behind a crowd with blind trust. It talks about religion but could easily apply to any mass movement because as a group, people are easily manipulated. It also touches on how individuals can use group mood to further individual agendas... a very cautionary story IMHO.

I think I read "To Kill a Mockingbird" when I was about 13, maybe it's a good choice for our next family selection. Thanks for reminding me about it.

I don't think I would have "gotten" it as much if I had read it when I was younger. As an adult, it had a profound impact on me.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I read it as an adult,too- when I was about 27, because I knew I would need to teach it the following year. I read the first page, didn't get into it. A week later I picked it up and once I got to page 5 or so I couldn't put it down and I read it in 2 days. I love this book! (I own a TKM t shirt!) It is the most-liked book from our Jr. year curriculum according to my students, followed by "A Raisin in the Sun". I am so glad to hear other people are still enjoying it.

 

[Iott Family]

TKM is a great book! I used to read it yearly after the initial class read. I loved it soo much! I believe I have read it 10 time since HS and I imagine I will be reading again very soon as I have a HS freshman this year Heaven help me survive these next 4 years!

 

[tar heel]

It's a wonderful, classic movie, too. Gregory Peck is awesome as Atticus, the child actors are great and Robert Duvall makes his film debut as Boo Radley.

 

[allison443]

I don't know if anyone mentioned that this July is the 50th anniversary of the book. There has been a renewed interest with several new editions/reprints coming out. I saw it at Costco.

I agree with you OP, great book! My dd is reading it now for her freshman reading assignment. I really want her to see the movie too, after she finishes reading it. Gregory Peck!

 

[snapppyd]

I read it as an adult,too- when I was about 27, because I knew I would need to teach it the following year. I read the first page, didn't get into it. A week later I picked it up and once I got to page 5 or so I couldn't put it down and I read it in 2 days. I love this book! (I own a TKM t shirt!) It is the most-liked book from our Jr. year curriculum according to my students, followed by "A Raisin in the Sun". I am so glad to hear other people are still enjoying it.

I read it in two days also! I could not put it down - the last time I was so engrossed was the Harry Potter series (also read as an adult, lol!)

 

[Liberty Belle]

It's been a favorite (like in my top two favorite books) ever since I read it for the first time. I think I was around 11 when I first read it.

Definitely see the movie. It's really good.

 

[NMAmy]

DD got me the anniversary copy for my birthday to replace my old dilapidated paperback.

I read it for the first time when I was 12 and I've read it once a year since then. Thirty-five readings later, it's still the best.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I love the classics especially when I re-read them as an adult. Grapes of Wrath, Tale of two Cities

 

[snapppyd]

When Scout stood on Boo's porch at the end of the book I cried.

Friends have recommended Jane Eyre, I think that will be my next classic.

 

[PrincessDana]

I love To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it first in 8th grade and have read it at least every other year since.

A classic I read as an adult was The Grapes of Wrath...talk about a book that had profound impact. I got physically ill toward the end of it from the emotions it evoked...and I'm not sure if I can re-read it.

 

[barkley]

it is one of only 2 books that after reading it cover to cover i immediatly re-read it. as i've told dh and dd, it is so well written that the first read has you enjoying and appreciating the story, with the second you are appreciating and marveling at the craftmanship in the writing.

interestingly the 2nd book i did this with was capote's 'in cold blood'-and at the time i had no idea about the connection between he and harper lee.