My DD just read this for freshman English, and it's been probably 30 years since I read it myself. I would be up for a re-read and discussion if others are interested. (This might also tie in well / be a grand follow-up-to the current discussion of The Help on another thread.)

I read this in my 40s for the first time and absolutely fell in love with it. I'd avoided it for years because I figured if Yankees liked it, it wasn't any good.

I loved the character of Dill, who is supposed to be a portrait of Truman Capote; I adored Scout; I worshipped Atticus.

I reread it a couple of years ago for the first time in ages and thoroughly enjoyed it again.

rosefolly -- I don't know that it's a "deficit in your literary education," but you have missed out on a wonderful read. I read it several years ago for a book group, but would be willing to read it again for a discussion here.

All right, then! I'll be starting it next, and get back to the forum shortly.

If anyone else is eager to start the discussion off immediately, please feel absolutely free to do so and I'll join in. Otherwise, I'll be back once I've read it and have had a little time to consider my thoughts.

Rosefolly

It's been many years since I read this, but am willing to revisit this old favorite. Unfortunately, I've watched the film so many times that the way the novel's characters were presented in it overshadows my first impressions....

Great idea, I read this many, many years ago and have always meant to re-read. I am curious to hear from our RP friends outside of North America regarding this book.

If I recall correctly, this is the only book that everyone on this Forum loved reading - a unique characteristic right out of the chute! I am not sure how much time I have to participate, but I will certainly be lurking.

I love the movie and the book. I think I own a copy of each. I'd love to participate, though I have to admit that I lurk a lot and by the time I read the comments in a thread I don't feel I have a lot to contribute. I've been an avid reader all my life, and certainly not shy about my opinion, so I'll attribute it to the very thoughtful and insightful comments of this board!

I have a copy, and may chime in.

I've just checked this one out, so am bringing up this thread as a reminder to others who may wish to also participate.

I'm going to be delayed a week or maybe two, since I must read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for my regular book club first. I'm dragging my feet on that one; not sure why. If someone else wants to start this off now, please feel free. Otherwise I'll be back to it in a couple of weeks.

Rosefolly

I'm halfway through my reread, and getting much more out of it the second time around. I'll be ready whenever you are, Paula.

I'm almost halfway through this and should be ready for a discussion next week. It's going very fast and I am enjoying it much more the second time around.

I've finished this. When will our discussion begin?

This book is one of my favorites. I have read it over and over. Looking forward to discussion.

Coming up, as a reminder. ;-)

Friends, I apologize for the delay.

I've been busier than I expected with one thing and another, and I just have not read more than the first chapter yet. I will read it and look forward very much to our discussion. However, I suspect I'm holding up people who are eager to begin. If someone else would like to take the lead on this, I will be happy to join in. If that does not happen, I'll start a new thread once I have finished the book.

Rosefolly

I just finished it today -- what a completely stunning book. I'm ready whenever anyone wants to start.

Well, we know there was interest in a discussion way back in February. I have already renewed the book once at my library. Should I do so again? (I am currently battling a terrible bout of bronchitis, so don't have the energy to start anything, much less a discussion....)

Although I've read this book countless times, it remains near the top of my favorites. Having been raised in a small southern town myself where there really were women's church society meetings, neighbors who were often rather strange and mysterious, neighbors who were sensible and law abiding, and neighbors who were half-crazed with racial prejudice. And to make it even more interesting to me, I have always identified with Scout, preferring my overalls to getting all "gussied up" to bring in little cakes and cookies for my mother's WMU friends.
Perhaps one of the most important legacies of TKAMB now is to remind modern readers of a time that really did exist. Lee's portrayal of every aspect of this small southern town rings true for its place in history. And to be completely truthful, it wasn't just in the South that these injustices abounded.
There was an interesting article in the latest Readers' Digest about Harper Lee and the 50th anniversary of TKAMB. The article was written by Rick Bragg, another "survivor" of those mid-20th century years and an excellent writer himself. (All Over But the Shoutin')
I look forward to any comments which may be forthcoming on this book.

Having renewed my copy continuously, in the hope of a discussion, I think I shall return it to the library. Am I right in assuming that, after 4 months, there will be no discussion, then???

Froniga, I agree with what you wrote. For me, as well, Scout was rather a role model, in that I grew up playing with the neighborhood boys and was considered to be the proverbial Southern "Tom Boy" in the vernacular of that day.

Friends, I am just back from my trip, and I read the book while traveling. I enjoyed it immensely and would love to discuss it. After the long delay, is there still interest? If so, I'll start a new thread with my thoughts on reading this book.

My apologies for the long delay in either case. I suggested it at a time when I had more on my plate than I realized.

Rosefolly

Let's do it!

I'm still willing -- I really enjoyed my second read.