Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Reviewed by: Mom (does age matter?)

I struggled with the decision of whether or not to even read this book when the initial reviews were so negative. Like almost everyone else on the planet, I love To Kill a Mockingbird and admire Atticus Finch as a man of integrity. In the end, I felt I just had to read it, and I am glad I did. The writing was beautiful and the themes complex. I felt raw and hurt with Scout when she witnessed what she thought was a betrayal by Atticus of all they held dear. I really loved the way Harper Lee demonstrated the complexity of the issue to those in the South-- although I can't say that I hold similar views to those expressed by the inhabitants of Maycomb, I did get a better understanding of how and why they held these views. And though it wasn't tied up as neatly in the end as I would like, with my beloved Atticus being beyond reproach, I think that was part of the point. There is also much to discuss here about the struggles of the South for a century and more after the Civil War; the way of life that existed under slavery and then after the Emancipation of the slaves posed so many challenges to African-Americans that made unification and de-segregation an easier-said-than-done situation. (I'm not excusing racism here, only viewing the complexities of a civilization seeking to overcome it).  Those outside of the South found it much simpler and more clear-cut than those living in it. In truth, when solving society's problems, we often need the perspective of BOTH those outside of the situation and those in the midst of it to find a more useful and functional solution.

A major theme in the book was that no one is perfect; if we choose to idolize another human being, we will eventually be let down. Nelson Mandela said, "I'm no saint, unless you think a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying." We all are works in progress, and we all have need for mercy, even Atticus Finch. One of my take-aways was that after Scout was angry, after she felt betrayed and disillusioned and even hatred, she let herself try to understand another person's perspective. It seems that in our time there is much divisiveness, particularly between people of faith and secularists. Especially on social media, there are virtual lynch mobs, ad hominem attacks, righteous indignation, and so much vitriol spewed out upon those whom people do not understand. Our society instead needs more of listening to those with differing viewpoints and seeking to understand their perspective. This does not mean that we have to agree with everything they believe by any means. But as we seek to understand another, we see the good in them; we find the commonalities as well as the differences; instead of being sharply divided, we can agree to disagree and remember that their opinion on whatever subject is only a part of who they are-- and that is a work in progress. We all have need of mercy and grace extended to us, not only by the Savior, but by each other. If you are a believer (or seek to understand one,) you might appreciate this talk given in a recent LDS General Conference. As I listened to it again this morning, it reminded me so much of this book.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the book in the comments. If you disagree with me, I would still love to hear them, and hope that you will be able to be civil and seek to understand my perspective. I think that Harper Lee would expect no less.

Genre: Fiction

Setting: post WWII Alabama

Introduction: Jean Lousie Finch (aka Scout) returns to Maycomb for a visit. She is in her mid-20s and living in NYC. She is disturbed by the changes she finds there, particularly when it comes to racial tension and attitudes. Her perspective on her father (and ours) is challenged and altered.

Themes: racism, family, states rights vs. Federal government, the South, forgiveness, seeking to understanding those who are different, idolizing a person will let you down, grace, 

Recommended Age: 13 and up

Full Disclosure: There is some language. Frequent uses of the N word and several uses of the Lord's name in vain. The book deals with some big issues, so it is less about reading level and more about maturity to handle the issues discussed when determining a child's readiness to read this. Prepare to discuss the book with your child.

Rating: 4 stars

Other Books:  To Kill a Mockingbird

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

Reviewed by: Mom (does age really matter?)

Richard Peck had me laughing and engaged from the first chapter of this charming book. We listened to the audio version in the car and everyone enjoyed it (except the 2 year old, who likes to scream for music whenever we turn on our book). I loved that PeeWee wanted to be just like her big brother and yet could see glimpses of herself in the librarians who took her under their wing. Great message about girls being equal without being overbearing and insulting to men. Also lots about cars and racing to keep the boys engaged!

Genre: Historical Fiction

Setting: 1914 small town Indiana

Introduction:

 This delightful story of a young tomboy coming of age at the dawn of WWI, the automobile era, and the suffrage movement. Comedy abounds as their hick town in Indiana becomes the focus of 4 young heiresses who all want to be the town librarian and reform the citizens with books. Throw in a race that is an early version of the Indianapolis 500 and you have a book for everyone.

Themes: Women's rights, family, books inspire change, cars, Indianapolis 500

Recommended Age: 9 and up, but younger will enjoy the read aloud

Full Disclosure: The neighborhood bullies are violent and there may be a few parts that are scary to younger kids, but Peck keeps everything peppered with humor to lighten the mood.

Rating: 4 stars

Other Books:  

Murder in Retrospect by Agatha Christie (also published as Five Little Pigs)

Reviewed by: Michal, the mom (does age matter?)

I loved Agatha Christie in my teens and read everything that my local library had by her. I have no idea if this was one that I read-- it likely was, but my memory for such things is not good enough to spoil this mystery a second time around (20+ years later)! Hercule Poirot does not disappoint. I recommend Christie's mysteries for high school and up. They are never graphic or crude and I love trying to unravel the mystery along with Poirot or Miss Marple.

Genre: Murder mystery

Setting: 1940's England

Introduction:

Private detective Hercule Poirot is contacted by a young woman to investigate a murder that happened 16 years before, when she was a child. Her father was poisoned and her mother convicted to die, but her mother, on her deathbed, claimed to be innocent. The daughter wants to know the truth. Poirot must recreate the murder so many years after the fact and find out who the real murderer is.

Themes: family history, loyalty, everyone's perspective is a bit different, but if you hear them all then a clear picture will form

Recommended Age: 14 and up

Full Disclosure:

A large part of this case involves infidelity-- not just one love affair, but a habit of infidelity by one character (the murder victim). There is never anything graphic or specific in nature, only references to love affairs. Although some of the characters dismiss this behavior as to be expected from "a man like him", the book does not portray his affairs in a favorable light-- and as it made his family suffer and eventually cost him his life, I feel like there are consequences to his actions that are on par with reality. To me it makes a difference if poor choices are shown to have consequences and not portrayed as a way to happiness.

Rating: 4 stars

Author Spotlight: Jan Brett

One of our favorite author and illustrators is Jan Brett. Her work is mainly focused on retelling folk tales and fairy tales with incredibly rich and detailed illustrations. Young and old will enjoy snuggling together and reading aloud from these books, taking time to explore the margins, borders, and expressive characters. Some of our favorite Jan Brett books are:

You can explore Jan Brett's website together as well! 

What is your favorite Jan Brett book?

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Reviewed by: Michal, the mom (does age matter?)

We listened to this as an audio book and the whole family was sucked in. We loved the brilliant kids and their courage in the face of great danger and personal risk. I liked that they determined to work together in spite of being different from each other-- and even in spite of finding one member of the team to be difficult to work with. Their unity made all the difference in the outcome of the book. Some good lessons there. I also appreciated that these "brilliant" kids were all smart in different ways. This would be beneficial if you have a child who doesn't see their own strengths as brilliance.

Genre: Fiction

Time Period: present/near future

Introduction:

Reynie, an orphan, responds to a mysterious newspaper ad seeking gifted children. After successfully passing a series of strange tests, he and three other children are given the opportunity to save the world from certain destruction, but it's a long shot. 

Themes: orphans, misfits, smart is good, your differences make you special, good vs. evil, courage, unity, teamwork

Recommended Age: 10 and up, younger as read-aloud

Full Disclosure: There were bullies in the book, but they certainly weren't glorified in any way. The kids cheat and break a few rules in order to complete their mission, but not without wrestling with it first and determining that the rules were there to protect the evil they are fighting.

Rating: 4 stars

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Reviewed by: Michal, the mom (does age matter?)

This exquisite book was one that I wanted to immediately re-read once it was finished. It tells the story of its two main characters so beautifully and poignantly. The ending wasn't what I had hoped for, but did feel like the right ending, if that makes any sense. I am glad to have read it.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Time Period: World War II

Introduction:

The book tells the story of two people who seem completely unconnected, but artfully connects them throughout their experiences. One is an orphan boy growing up in Nazi Germany, the other a blind girl in Paris. The author jumps around in time and between the two characters, but it works.

Themes: family, light, overcoming, racism, war, 

Recommended Age: 14 and up

Full Disclosure:

There is occasional swearing and one minor character who makes a few crass (sexual) comments. There is some violence, although not as much as you would expect for a book about war. Some heavy content, thus the older recommendation.

Rating: 5 stars