Hi neighbors!
I have a confession to make.
Up until a few weeks ago, I’d never read To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
I thought I had. But apparently not.
When Dan Cafaro asked me to come on board at Atticus Books & Music to write this newsletter, I knew one of the first things I’d better do was to get “reacquainted” with the shop’s namesake, Atticus Finch.
Everyone has heard of Harper Lee’s 1960 novel—winner of the Pulitzer Prize, 40+ million copies sold, the subject of an award-winning, beloved movie starring Gregory Peck. To Kill a Mockingbird is an American classic set in the 1930’s, a tender and brave treatment of racism, prejudice, compassion and community.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” ~ Atticus Finch
This book is so well-known (“One of the best-loved stories of all time” according to its publisher), that I was sure I must have already read it. Surely, I just needed a refresher.
One page in, and I had to admit I was reading it for the first time. One chapter in, and I was hooked.
I was not surprised that this book is phenomenal (Pulitzer Prize winner and all), but I am embarrassed that it took me this long to find out for myself. It’s one of those books that I wanted to start over again as soon as I’d finished.
My younger self would’ve loved this book—especially because its narrator is a spunky young girl who will rub another kid’s nose in the dirt if she feels slighted and who questions the traditional rules for girls that don’t apply to her older brother. Scout gives us her view of life in her small southern town and we gain, along with her, an understanding of its hurts and its heart.
But I’m glad to have read it as an adult, even later than I intended. Atticus Finch’s moral courage in the face of ignorance and societal pressures felt like a balm to my soul. And, the children’s interactions with the (mostly invisible) recluse at the end of the street had me cheering for a more accepting, compassionate world.
“....Atticus, he was real nice....”
“Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”
I won’t say any more—I am choosing to believe that some of you must have the same confession as me, so no spoilers here. I’ll just say that I’m proof it’s never too late to catch up on your “to be read” wishes, including books you didn’t even know should be top of your list!
P.S. I have another confession to make. <whispers> I haven’t seen the movie, yet, either…
Your turn!
What book would you confess to not reading yet? Or, what book, read late, was worth the wait?
Respond to this email to reach us directly, leave a comment to join the community conversation, or come on by & let us know what’s on your secret “to be read” list!
Atticus staff confessions: Recently, Dan connected with another side of himself, Denise got caught up in epic family drama, and Jeff found himself chomping at the bit.
Catch up on the Classics
We were happy to help some soon-to-be FHHS Seniors get started on their summer reading, including Crime and Punishment and other works for AP English. Atticus Books & Music has a beautiful Classics section—for students or for anyone looking to read those great works they might have missed (or re-read them with older wiser eyes!)
Have you met the two grackles that hang out on the patio in front of Atticus? They are affectionately known as “Boo” and “Scout,” of course…
On May 31, we were happy to have local author Farah Bradley with John Roderick here at Atticus Books & Music for their book signing. Thank you for celebrating with us!
If you missed it, drop by to pick up your copy of The Walking Quad. See Farah’s website for more about their incredible story.
Speaking of Atticus Finch and fathers who deserve high praise and presents…Father’s Day is coming up—
Come browse, get recommendations from our booksellers, or grab a gift certificate!
See you at the bookstore!
Our daughter was assigned Dickens’ Great Expecations at FHHS a couple of summers ago and she and I read it together. Admittedly, it was my first Dickens read. Laugh-out-loud funny at times, but such great writing.
Yes! Just read East Of Eden and now wondering why I have never read it. Oh to rediscover Classics ❤️…at Atticus Books & Music we have an amazing variety to choose from!