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bookytaunton's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant, horrible, heart wrenching book. Read the whole thing in one day off work and came out the other side feeling like I'd been forced through a mangle.
Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman has had some bad press, as we find out that one of the major characters isn't quite as they were cracked up to be in Mockingbird. This was the whole point of the story, and it couldn't have been written any better, in my opinion.
Scout returns home at the age of twenty six to see her world and its inhabitants aren't how they first appeared to her as they did as a child. This is a painful, triumphant coming of age story where the softer edged world of To Kill a Mockingbird is shattered, and in its place, both Scout and the reader witness a more ugly reality, which they are forced to come to terms with.
The novel especially resonated with me as I first read Mockingbird as a pre teen and I am now revisiting Scout at around the same age she is in this second outing. You feel everything right along with her, and in turn learn the same harsh lessons.
Harper Lee, you incredible, insightful meanie! I'm so happy this book was published.
Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman has had some bad press, as we find out that one of the major characters isn't quite as they were cracked up to be in Mockingbird. This was the whole point of the story, and it couldn't have been written any better, in my opinion.
Scout returns home at the age of twenty six to see her world and its inhabitants aren't how they first appeared to her as they did as a child. This is a painful, triumphant coming of age story where the softer edged world of To Kill a Mockingbird is shattered, and in its place, both Scout and the reader witness a more ugly reality, which they are forced to come to terms with.
The novel especially resonated with me as I first read Mockingbird as a pre teen and I am now revisiting Scout at around the same age she is in this second outing. You feel everything right along with her, and in turn learn the same harsh lessons.
Harper Lee, you incredible, insightful meanie! I'm so happy this book was published.
mbrogs2024's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Hate crime, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, Cursing, Alcohol, Incest, Suicidal thoughts, Death, and Slavery
Minor: Antisemitism and Death of parent
bradburylogic's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
scott_you_reading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
americaswing's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
3.0
I'm glad I read this. It's a well-crafted story, if a bit didactic at times. I enjoyed hearing from 26-year-old Jean Louise (Scout), returned to her hometown from New York City and chafing at the small-mindedness of her neighbors and family. And being able to compare this initial rendering to what later became TKAM, I am amazed at the genius of the editor who suggested that Harper Lee rewrite things from the perspective of Scout the child. And amazed all over again at the genius of Harper Lee, who could let go of the adult version of her character enough to retell the story from that fresh and wonderful perspective.
whitneysederberg's review against another edition
5.0
RIP my previous convictions
Despite the events, this novel will still be one of my favorites. I truly felt in touch with Scout through most of it , but there were points where I just grimaced and truly felt the distance. Still a very important book though- even with good convictions, a man can only be what they were raised to be.
Despite the events, this novel will still be one of my favorites. I truly felt in touch with Scout through most of it , but there were points where I just grimaced and truly felt the distance. Still a very important book though- even with good convictions, a man can only be what they were raised to be.
riestenberger's review against another edition
3.0
I really don't know how I feel about this book. Despite the ethical issues surroundings its publication I decided to read it anyway, and I'm just not sure what happened. For a hot second it looked like it was going to be hell yeah girl power Scout, but then... I don't know. Obviously this was unedited so I can't judge it based on that. But it was still an interesting look at the issue of racism
e_l_thompson's review against another edition
As I recall, Harper Lee didn't want this book published, and I can see why. While it's been five years since I read this novel, I still advise people not to read it if they enjoyed To Kill a Mockingbird. I found the book a disappointment, especially with regard to the character of Atticus Finch. I thought To Kill a Mockingbird told a stronger story.