On July 11, 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird was published. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of this beautiful novel. I have made no secret of the fact that it is my favorite novel. Ever. The author is Nelle Harper Lee who is from Monroeville, Alabama (Maycomb in the novel.) It is the only book Harper Lee ever published. She won the Pulitzer Prize. It has never been out of print, has sold more than 30 million copies, has been translated into more than 40 languages, has been voted by librarians across the country as the best novel of the 20th century and routinely appears on every best books ever written list.
Harper Lee based the character of Atticus Finch on her father, who was a lawyer in Monroeville. The character Dill was based on her childhood friend, Truman Capote. (She later helped him do the research for his book In Cold Blood.) The story is timeless. It is a coming-of-age story set in a small southern town – seen through the eyes of Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. The characters are richly written: Scout and her brother Jem, Dill, Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, Mayella Ewell, Boo Radley, Atticus.
I suppose everyone knows the story. I just know that the issues of racial prejudice and inequality, the fear people feel about those who are ‘different’ from themselves, class differences and intolerance still resonate as much today as the day the book was written. Every time I read it, I am struck anew about how little things have changed. Some will insist that the world is very different now – that things are much better. Yes, in some ways; but I when I look around our world today and read the newspaper or watch the nightly news, I see a world where all of this still occurs. Every day. Everywhere. Will we never learn?
At heart, To Kill a Mockingbird is about love. The love of a father for his children. The love they have for him. And the love Boo Radley has for Scout and Jem.
If you haven’t read it, you must. I plan on reading it again in honor of this anniversary. Will you join me?
If you asked me who I would like to meet most in this world, it would be Harper Lee. She has shunned all public appearances since mid 1960’s. Occasionally she appears – briefly – and then retreats to her very private life. I admire her for that. And I admire her for writing the perfect novel. She never wrote another. And why should she? It would be almost impossible to top her masterpiece. She has said as much.
I have an autographed copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. I cherish it. I suppose that is as close as I will ever get to Harper Lee. Somehow, it is enough.
Thank you, Harper Lee, for this, the most perfect of stories. I am a richer person for having read it. Hopefully, I am a better person, too.
How wonderful to have a signed copy!! It’s a great story…and I loved the movie….but you DO know that this title was all I could think of when I had the mockingbird in the tree next to my bedroom for a few months!!! Yes, I think he has moved a few trees down now…maybe he found his love.
Great post.
xox Rella
Hard to believe, but I’ve never red the book. I’m going to have to do that now. Wonderful tribute to a masterpiece!
Brenda
Absolutely one of my favorite books. Right up there with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn…. which I just read recently for the first time, believe it or not.
If I had to name someone, kid, dog or cat… it would be Boo or Scout….will maybe not a kid name Boo, but Scout… now you are talking.
Still playing with the blog format. I’m going crazy trying to center that header picture in the new format.
Toodles,
Kate
I agree it is a wonderful book Claudia. I love it.
Is that how Scout got his name :-)
I have a signed copy too but mine is signed by Gregory Peck. A very treasured gift from him.
Hi Claudia,
I have a confession, I have never read To Kill a Mocking Bird… I know its shameful…
How wonderful to own a signed copy.
I love the photo of you wearing the beautiful necklace you won, its just lovely and you look so pretty!
Have a sweet day.Hugs~Elizabeth
I think I read it in high school as part of my obligatory english reading list. Not sure though, can’t say I remember it well. I just put it on my summer reading list!
How nice that you have a signed copy!!
I did not know that it was your favorite novel…I listened on that day to an NPR segment on the books anniversary, learned alot I didn’t know there as well:)
Could it be where ‘Mockingbird Hill Cottage’ comes from?
Your so right…some things never change, and sadly, some do get worse it seems.
xo
paula:)
Hi Claudia,
What a wonderful book and the movie. My husband is from Mobile, Alabama…just south and not to far from Monroeville. A guy that my husband was working with until this past February was from Monroeville…it’s a small world, isn’t it?
OH, and I’m loving that necklace from your previous post!! Just so pretty.♥
Have a wonderful {cool} day if possible,
Stephanie ♥
Hi Claudia, I have read it recently in fact. That you have a signed copy is about eight kinds of awesome. I am currently reading two books but will find my copy and start as soon as I can. I agree that things have really not changed much. hugs♥olive
I have never read the book. Shame on me for heaven sakes.
DI
My dog, a beatiful, sweet and adorable Golden Doodle, is named Scout for Jean Louise. This is my favorite book of all times and I’ve read it several times. I also have to say I have been obsessed in the past with the true life murder genre created by Truman Capote with In Cold Blood. You do have quite a treasure with a signed copy.
Jody
It is a wonderful book, Claudia, and how great that you have an autographed copy! WOW! :-)
I love Southern authors, and Harper Lee is right up there with the very best. I also adore Eudora Welty’s short stories. She was the definitive master of that genre IMO, and I never tire of reading them. “The Worn Path,” “A Visit of Charity,” “Why I Live At The P.O.,” and “The Petrified Man” are all personal favorites, with the latter being hilarious. She had a wonderful sense of humor. I’m not sure if the two of them were friends, but if they weren’t, they should have been.
XO,
Sheila :-)
It is a wonderful, wonderful story! My youngest dd (the aspiring actress and singer) played the part of Maudie in her HS play. But the real thrill came when her drama teacher invited Mary Badham, the actress who played Scout in the movie to the school. My dd was privileged to have some one on one time and a little photo shoot with Ms Badham! Here’s a link to a picture if you would like to see!
http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x209/NanE4Designs/Theatre/?action=view¤t=100_0098.jpg
Amazing book and one of my absolute favorite movies, too! :-)
Have a wonderful Friday!
Hugs,
Anne
It was my favorite teacher {Mr. Lyman} in my favorite class {English Lit} who first introduced me to my all time favorite book {To Kill A Mockingbird} 26 years ago! Mr. Lyman would always follow-up a classic with the movie! Since I’m an old movie buff too… it was perfect! Our chosen boy name for our unborn child was Atticus, however we were blessed with a Sophie. Sophie read To Kill A Mockingbird last summer {age 11} we followed it up with the original B&W movie {OWN IT}… she too fell in love! So much so it’s become a passion to read all the classics, which many are no longer offered in schools! We follow it up with the OLDEST version of the movie made through our library.
Recently we added a Manx kitten {dog tendencies} to our family and Atticus was a possibility. Since Sophie loved Arsenic and Old Lace with Cary Grant so much… we went with Mortimer.
I’ve always searched for a signed copy, however it’s never fit my budget!
Thank-you for a wonderful blog {my fav},
{-A-}
Claudia,
I love this book, too. I may have to read it again.
As soon as I can venture a little further I need to take a picture of the “Claudia” boat on the lake. It turquoisy inside and out and every time I see it I think of you!
Thanks for your comments. I am getting stronger every day.
Carol
One of my favorite books! I re-read it last year and just like the first time, could not put it down. it IS the perfect novel. You are very lucky to have an autographed copy. What a treasure!!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
PS: I still like your idea of a “Collection Party”
Claudia, this is one book I’ve never read and always meant to. Since the book is turning 50 and I’m turning 50 (in November) I think it would be a fitting year to finally read it!
Thanks so much for sharing this lovely tribute with us!
Hugs,
Teresa
Claudia, what a treasure to have a signed copy! I purchased the Anniversary DVD about 10 years ago. I may have to watch it again over the weekend after reading your post! You definitely got me in the mood! Right now I’m in the middle of an oldie but goodie that I had never read before, Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington, a fantastic read. I may have to read To Kill a Mockingbird next… Donna
Yes, To Kill a Mockingbird is a wonderful book. I have read the book many time along with seeing the movie. Fabulous.
My favorite book and movie. I just recently downloaded it to my Nook. Can’t wait to read it again.
Love and miss you,
M
I have read it numerous times. My book club is reading and discussion it in October in honor of the 50th anniversary.
Have your read MOCKINGBIRD? It’s biographical about Nell (Harper Lee) and Truman Capote. Interesting if you’re interested in Harper Lee.
Wow- a signed copy!! That is so special. I actually picked up a copy of the book just about a week ago, in large part because of your references to it. I’m looking forward to reading it this summer, so –yes, I’ll read it along with you!
Hugs,
Jill