To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee and Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee, by Charles J. Shields

My aunt had suggested the biography of Harper Lee, and I always take her book suggestions. I started to read it, and then realized that I needed to read To Kill A Mockingbird itself, too. And since I was on the kick, I also picked up the movie from the library, too. God, I love the library. I still have moments when I gleefully think, how can this all be free?

First, what a wonderful book. I guess I read it sometime in high school, though I can't say I have any memory of it. I am trying to read some of the books I either didn't read or wasn't equipped yet to understand or appreciate in my teens. Tom Jones is waiting for me next, and I have such fond memories of reading it in Mr. Loyd's AP English class, and of seeing the movie, with its wonderfully sexy, comical eating scene. But more on that when I finish that one.

Lee evokes the small southern town so perfectly, and Scout is such a perfect narrator, whether it's Scout the child or Scout the grownup. It was interesting to read these books, too, after having read In Cold Blood, and seeing the movie Capote not too long ago. I'd like to read some more of his work, too, especially after reading Mockingbird.

Lee was notoriously shy of interviews, so the book is put together based on other people's perceptions of her, which might actually be more interesting. Also fascinating is the recounting of her relationship with Capote, which becomes severely strained as time goes on.

The movie was also fun to watch. Much more emphasis on the trial and fewer of the townspeople, but it really captured the feeling and tone of the book, which to my mind, makes for a good adaptation. I've always been fascinated with the adaptation process, and I really enjoy reading the book and seeing the movie together.

I should also say that I accidentally chose the large type version of the book, and kind of liked reading it. I hope that's not a bad sign...