Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird is a great American classic. Many cultural issues with regard to segregation were brought up in To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout's Dad seemed the pillar of such morals.

In Go Set a Watchman Scout is 26 years old and has been away at school in New York. She is home visiting and describes her transition from New York to Maycomb as entering another world. She changes her wardrobe and even starts changing her mindset, to a certain degree. This descriptive beginning sets the tone for the rest of the book; which is set during a time of great civil rights and political tension.

Scout is met at the train station by her childhood sweetheart Hank. Hank happens to work for Atticus at the law firm and is striving to move up in the world of law and wishes to have a higher standing in the community. Much of these ambitions are driven by self-pride, but a small portion of it is driven by Hank's desire to build a life with Scout. The two have a type of banter that can only be achieved through years of association.

Scout's father, Atticus, is aging and has some difficulties with mobility and daily living activities. As such, his sister has moved in with him to help out. Aunt Alexandra now runs the household and attempts to run all manners of Jean Louise's (Scout) life. This goes over like a lead balloon.

There is a death in the town and one of the members of the "black" community is involved. He is related to the maid that Scout grew up with. It is during a visit to Calpurnia that Scout realizes that not everything is as it seems in Maycomb.

In the time that Scout is home she learns a lot about those she loves and the people of her little slice of the world. Maycomb is not exactly what it seems. Scout is now viewing the world through the eyes of a woman who has been molded by a father who seemed to represent righteousness. Her childish views of many of the town situations are being shattered and Scout has a hard time dealing with this.

Scout's Uncle Jack helps her make sense of all of the perceived craziness that has come over the town. Jack acts as a mentor for Scout and uses some unconventional methods to help Scout see the truth. He has a way about him that you can see Scout mimicking. I found this intriguing because of the monkey see- monkey do mentality Scout had with regard to her father.

The book is an adult's view on To Kill a Mockingbird. The thoughts and ideals that founded To Kill a Mockingbird are great ideas that often require rocky pathways to achieve. These are the lessons learned as an adult and attempted to be reiterated to children.

I found Go Set a Watchman to be just as fantastic as To Kill a Mockingbird. A greater appreciation has been established by this reader. Forget the hype associated with the book and the very vocal negative attention. If you enjoyed To Kill a Mockingbird you should read Go Set a Watchman.

Happy reading!

Judi