Today Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird turns 50 years old - and it remains as relevant today as when it was first published. There are celebrations throughout the country to celebrate the anniversary - many today, but many happening in the months ahead. You can check out the official Facebook page to stay on top of events near you. I read TKAM (as we affectionately call it at work) for the first time after graduating from college - somewhat late for an English major, I know. And I can't remember which came first for me, the book or the movie. Both are so wonderful, each in their own way. I had the absolute honor of meeting Harper Lee several years ago when we first published the trade paperback edition of the book. I felt like I was meeting royalty and I was - literary royalty. I'm about to reread the book with my book group and I may just pop the DVD in today too. I know I'll be watching on July 30th along with Dawn at She Is Too Fond of Books, who is organizing a cyber watchalong that night.
Published this year to celebrate the novel is Mary McDonagh Murphy's Scout, Atticus and Boo, a veritable love letter to the novel that includes thoughts on the Mockingbird from numerous luminaries, including Oprah Winfrey, Anna Quindlen, Tom Brokaw and Wally Lamb, among many others.
Check out To Kill a Mockingbird and Scout, Atticus and Boo; watch an excerpt from the Scout, Atticus and Boo documentary below; look for a celebratory event near you and lastly, take a look at my favorite scene from the film. (sorry for the low volume, but there are subtitles). Makes me cry every time.
Oh, my goodness ... to actually have met Harper Lee! What an incredible experience! Literary royalty ... absolutely.
Posted by: Melissa | July 11, 2010 at 10:31 PM