Brantford Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

It is pretty difficult to discuss Go Set a Watchman without mentioning To Kill a Mockingbird.

For those of you who have read To Kill a Mockingbird, did you find yourself constantly comparing the two stories or where you able to separate one book from the other?

For those that have not already read To Kill a Mockingbird, would you be tempted to read it now or perhaps re-read it if you can hardly remember it from high school?

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my top 5 books, so I've been super hesitant to read this one. So far (I'm just under a third through) I think I am spending more time focusing on comparing the characters, rather than just trying to enjoy the book for what it is. Although, a third through and so far there is little to no plot as far as I'm concerned. I assume I know where the story is going, but right now it just feels like a history and geography lesson on who is where and what happened to this and that.

I definitely want to read To Kill A mockingbird again just for my own enjoyment without having to add sticky notes for the next english class. I found it easy to just read the story for what it was because I was really interested to see how Scout ended up. I found it to be quick read and enjoyed the story line

I read Mockingbird many many years ago and although I do remember the basic story, I don't remember any details at all. I think I would like to re-read it. Just like Amanda mentions, I think it will be great to read without having to pick it apart for class. When I started reading Watchman, I was definitely comparing the two stories. It was slightly disorienting to have Jean Louise all grown up and heading back to her home town from New York. So I just pushed Mockingbird out of my head and after I did that, I starting getting on with Watchman much better. I don't think Watchman has nearly the same impact as Mockingbird, but then again, that is probably one of the reasons it wasn't published back then. But I still think it is a really interesting look at a part of American history (which really wasn't that long ago). I like that part of it.

Colleen wrote: "To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my top 5 books, so I've been super hesitant to read this one. So far (I'm just under a third through) I think I am spending more time focusing on comparing the chara..."

It's interesting to know that you were hesitant to read Watchman because of your love for Mockingbird. I wondered how people in general would feel about that? I figured it would be one extreme or the other. Either they wouldn't miss reading it or they were purposely going to avoid it. I'm glad you decided to try it Colleen. You will have an interesting perspective.

I never read Mockingbird...when I was in high school there were a couple of books parents objected to their kids reading and we had to hand them back in--unfinished or unread. Isn't it wonderful library's don't censor and we can find it in our local library.

Karen wrote: "I never read Mockingbird...when I was in high school there were a couple of books parents objected to their kids reading and we had to hand them back in--unfinished or unread. Isn't it wonderful li..."

Your kidding! They pulled To Kill a Mockingbird. You have to shake your head at that.

It has been so long since I read "To Kill a Mockingbird" that memories of it are dim to say the least. Of course, I remember 'Scout' - she is a very memorable character to me as is Atticus. I haven't been able to chime in on the conversations yet as I only just got the book to listen to. So far, I'm not finding that memories of the original are interfering with the enjoyment of this title. I think that it is a special treat to be able to find out what happens to some of these well known and familiar literary characters. Even if and maybe especially if it isn't what we would have imagined for ourselves.