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zachnachazel's review against another edition
1.0
This is one of the worst book I've read in 2016. So many expectations before opening to the first page and all of them were shattered by the bore that is this book.
rachd24's review against another edition
2.0
Check out the full review here: http://confessionsofabookgeek.com/2016/03/31/review-go-set-a-watchman/
When I picked up To Kill A Mockingbird, I had no idea it was going to be a 5* read, or that it would become one of my favourite books of all time. So, when I heard the manuscript for a “sequel” had been found, I was very curious and just a little bit excited to reunite with my beloved Scout and Atticus.
Promoted by the publisher as a “sequel”, make no mistake that Go Set A Watchman is actually a draft manuscript of the novel we've come to know and love. This is evident in Lee’s less polished voice, and in inconsistencies in storyline. If ever there was a book that showed the merits of a fantastic Editor, it’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Ultimately, I struggled with this novel. It was impossible to judge it solely on its own merit and not compare it to Mockingbird, but more than that, even if attempting to read it as a standalone novel, it simply wouldn’t have had anywhere near the same impact.
To enjoy Watchman in any way, I think you need to look at it as a fascinating insight into the mind of a writer, a physical manifestation of the writing process. Consider it the behind-the-scenes-documentary of Mockingbird. When reviewing this as a book, from the point of view of a Mockingbird lover, I think it’s the literary equivalent of Sex and The City 2: we’ll all check it out, we’ll all have our thoughts on it, and then we’ll all pretend it never happened because the original was so much better.
When I picked up To Kill A Mockingbird, I had no idea it was going to be a 5* read, or that it would become one of my favourite books of all time. So, when I heard the manuscript for a “sequel” had been found, I was very curious and just a little bit excited to reunite with my beloved Scout and Atticus.
Promoted by the publisher as a “sequel”, make no mistake that Go Set A Watchman is actually a draft manuscript of the novel we've come to know and love. This is evident in Lee’s less polished voice, and in inconsistencies in storyline. If ever there was a book that showed the merits of a fantastic Editor, it’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Ultimately, I struggled with this novel. It was impossible to judge it solely on its own merit and not compare it to Mockingbird, but more than that, even if attempting to read it as a standalone novel, it simply wouldn’t have had anywhere near the same impact.
To enjoy Watchman in any way, I think you need to look at it as a fascinating insight into the mind of a writer, a physical manifestation of the writing process. Consider it the behind-the-scenes-documentary of Mockingbird. When reviewing this as a book, from the point of view of a Mockingbird lover, I think it’s the literary equivalent of Sex and The City 2: we’ll all check it out, we’ll all have our thoughts on it, and then we’ll all pretend it never happened because the original was so much better.
kord's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
evareynolds's review against another edition
3.75
I was not expecting to like this book just because I absolutely adore To Kill a Mockingbird. But I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised, it explored some interesting ideas, and the parts in which the story was about a teenage scout, I did enjoy reading.
awalkerstory's review against another edition
5.0
“Your friends don’t need you when they’re right. They need you when they’re wrong.”
This book really takes a deep dive in exploring the relationships of people who have wildly different views on political/social/racial issues.
Having the perspective of living in the Deep South and knowing how older generations feel about people of different races and cultures, this one really hit home. As time goes on and the world changes, sometimes you learn things about the people you’ve known your whole life that make you question everything they ever taught you.
This book really takes a deep dive in exploring the relationships of people who have wildly different views on political/social/racial issues.
Having the perspective of living in the Deep South and knowing how older generations feel about people of different races and cultures, this one really hit home. As time goes on and the world changes, sometimes you learn things about the people you’ve known your whole life that make you question everything they ever taught you.
jlsjourneys's review against another edition
2.0
I'm still glad I read this, but it's worth noting: while this was marketed as a "sequel" of sorts to To Kill a Mockingbird, it is actually a rough draft. I didn't know what while reading it.... but that puts a lot into context. A bit hard to follow in parts; disconnected. It presents a less idealistic view on race relations in the 1950s South, and given our world's history, I think it's worth noting that one well-meaning old white guy isn't going to solve it all. (Which is essentially how I recall TKaM being taught to me in school 30 years ago).
jniemeier's review against another edition
4.0
Better than I thought. Could have benefitted from some editing to clarify style but the story was solid.
chapita4's review against another edition
3.0
I can't stop thinking about this book and would bump up my rating and recommend it. My initial reaction was that it was hard to believe this book was written by the same author as To Kill a Mockingbird...but the more I think about it and talk about it...I actually think that it's even more brilliant that way. By far Mockingbird is a better book..that being said....I think that Atticus can be both personas and that the flawed portrayal of him in this book took courage. The greater story in this novel is the process of growing up and realizing that parents are not perfect and that your belief system and values may end up being quite different from theirs.