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3.21 AVERAGE
3.21 AVERAGE
I went into this book with very low expectations based on what I had heard, and only a small memory of "To Kill a Mockingbird", and honestly that might have made the book better for me than most.
What can be said and needs to be said about this book is that is a glimpse into a specific period of time that has long since past. It is outdated, deals with a political context no long terribly relevant, and yes, is definitely racist at points. There are passages I wish I could rip out and burn as to not have them included in our literary history (aka the whole conversation about African Americans being "childlike") But, like the writings of Mark Twain, Solomon Northrup, or Rudyard Kipling, this book has relevance and importance when put into the historical context of when it took place (and when it was originally written). If it is something you plan to look at from only a modern approach, do not read it. It will offer you nothing.
However, over all I do think it is a well written book that examines important issues like states rights vs federal rights - an issue that is still argued about with the same extreme passion today- as well as a narrative about growing up, and seeing that your gods and are human. The blow to the rating of this book are the fact that it is a follow up to To Kill a Mockingbird, and while this book tried to deal with race relations, it did not approach it in the same powerful way. But, if like myself, you are searching for a interesting book and not necessarily a continuation of the previous novel, this book is worth the time.
What can be said and needs to be said about this book is that is a glimpse into a specific period of time that has long since past. It is outdated, deals with a political context no long terribly relevant, and yes, is definitely racist at points. There are passages I wish I could rip out and burn as to not have them included in our literary history (aka the whole conversation about African Americans being "childlike") But, like the writings of Mark Twain, Solomon Northrup, or Rudyard Kipling, this book has relevance and importance when put into the historical context of when it took place (and when it was originally written). If it is something you plan to look at from only a modern approach, do not read it. It will offer you nothing.
However, over all I do think it is a well written book that examines important issues like states rights vs federal rights - an issue that is still argued about with the same extreme passion today- as well as a narrative about growing up, and seeing that your gods and are human. The blow to the rating of this book are the fact that it is a follow up to To Kill a Mockingbird, and while this book tried to deal with race relations, it did not approach it in the same powerful way. But, if like myself, you are searching for a interesting book and not necessarily a continuation of the previous novel, this book is worth the time.
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was a wonderful addition to the classic 'To Kill a Mocking Bird'. Although not quite to the same standard, I enjoyed learning about Scout's teenage years and how her family and her own personal struggles and thought processes had evolved. It's a nice added extra and i would recommend for anyone looking for a continuation of the Finch's storyline.
this book sucked. she shoulda just left it at the first one, white saviour storyline and all.
Difficult read - not sure if it was the content or the fact that the characters were not where I wanted to see them.
3.5-4 Stars. The first chunk of the book is well written and makes you want to keep reading but I was let down by the ending. Too quick, too "everything's hunky dory now" Understand why Harper Lee was hesitant to release.
Alright, lots of thoughts here:
First off, I want to say that Harper Lee is a beautiful, wonderful writer, and I wish we had been fortunate enough to get more of her work.
That being said, I have some serious questions about the ethics of this novel even being released. I remember the controversy surrounding her agreeing to publish this at all, but reading through the book has completely heightened all of those concerns. Not only does this entirely undermine the point of the whole first book, it also has a lot of plot inconsistencies that make me question if Lee ever looked at this book after she originally decided not to publish it. Henry even existing to me was interesting, given that there was already a character in Dill who could have filled his role for the most part. The biggest, most glaring mistake to me, however, was claiming that Atticus won the rape case from Mockingbird, when the whole point was that he knew he couldn't win, but still wanted to do what was right.
I know people frame this book as "growing up and realizing your heroes aren't all they seemed to be," but I think there's a difference between that intention, and completely changing the fundamental character of a person. Atticus cannot claim that all men are created equal, which he does in Mockingbird, and then say that some people are "fundamentally backwards" as he does in this one, and not have that be a flip of character. And when Scout tries to hold to her convictions, as she's been taught to do, she is immediately told by all of the men in her life that she is wrong, and immediately apologizes and turns around to their way of thinking.
Overall, this book broke my heart. It was wonderfully written and kept me glued to the page, but overall, I just can't abide by the message it or it's publication sends.
First off, I want to say that Harper Lee is a beautiful, wonderful writer, and I wish we had been fortunate enough to get more of her work.
That being said, I have some serious questions about the ethics of this novel even being released. I remember the controversy surrounding her agreeing to publish this at all, but reading through the book has completely heightened all of those concerns. Not only does this entirely undermine the point of the whole first book, it also has a lot of plot inconsistencies that make me question if Lee ever looked at this book after she originally decided not to publish it. Henry even existing to me was interesting, given that there was already a character in Dill who could have filled his role for the most part. The biggest, most glaring mistake to me, however, was claiming that Atticus won the rape case from Mockingbird, when the whole point was that he knew he couldn't win, but still wanted to do what was right.
I know people frame this book as "growing up and realizing your heroes aren't all they seemed to be," but I think there's a difference between that intention, and completely changing the fundamental character of a person. Atticus cannot claim that all men are created equal, which he does in Mockingbird, and then say that some people are "fundamentally backwards" as he does in this one, and not have that be a flip of character. And when Scout tries to hold to her convictions, as she's been taught to do, she is immediately told by all of the men in her life that she is wrong, and immediately apologizes and turns around to their way of thinking.
Overall, this book broke my heart. It was wonderfully written and kept me glued to the page, but overall, I just can't abide by the message it or it's publication sends.
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It took me at least 3 pages to realise the character they were talking about was Scout! I haven’t read To kill a Mockingbird in a while. I feel like this was a real slow burner and I wasn’t sure were it was going for pretty much the whole book. The social commentary in the end and the way it’s written happens so fast but so perfectly! Twists that I would never have expected, an ending that I didn’t want but I’m glad it ended the way it did. It felt important to end it that way and sadly probably true for a lot of people in that place at that time!
Pff I was so disappointed in Atticus, not the way I wanted the story to go. I will forever love Scout tho
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes