Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird

Mary McDonagh Murphy

This is for anyone who loves Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Murphy details the history of the book that’s often been called “Our National Novel.”

The book also contains interviews about the novel from Tom Brockaw, Roseann Cash, Alice Lee Finch (Harper Lee’s sister), James Patterson, Oprah Winfrey, Andrew Young, and many others. The interviews cover the history of the novel, its style, its importance to our society, and race relations from 1960 through today.

Murphy’s book is a treasure. I love the references to Ms. Lee’s reclusiveness, Truman Capote, and the making of the film. The interviews cover a wide range of perspectives that offer insight into this American classic. I enjoyed the parallels to Huckleberry Finn and The Catcher in the Rye.

Every time I read To Kill a Mockingbird, (the first time was in the eighth grade), I have a different experience. I enjoyed Murphy’s book. Scout, Jem, Atticus, and Boo will always be a part of our cultural fabric.

Murphy’s book was also the first book that I read on my eReader. I’m hooked.

Late, Late at Night: A Memoir

Rick Springfield

This is my first guilty pleasure of 2011! Happy New Year!
 

It’s Rick Springfield’s (who knew his real surname was Springthorpe??) memoir. It was interesting to discover his perspective on things I remember from the MTV years and other performers. If you’re an 80s music, “General Hospital,” or dog fan, it’s a good read.

The book has a darker side as he details his bouts with depression and addiction. But it’s a good depiction of healing, redemption, and forgiveness. And I love how the dog stories are woven into the healing process. Some of them will bring you to tears. And then there are some really fun moments. I didn’t know the adorable Spuds McKenzkie look-a-like on his “Working Class Dog” album was his dog, Lethal Ron.

The “Oprah” show didn’t do its homework with it contacted him about being a “one hit wonder.” He’s had an interesting and varied career. (He starred in a 70s cartoon and filmed Hard to Hold.) And some of his hits will always be a part of my music history.