to kill a mockingbird 50 years later

2007 photo of author Harper Lee at the ceremony honoring four new members of the Alabama Academy of Honor. Photo: Rob Carr/AP Photo

I had the big idea on Facebook earlier in the week that today, on the 50th anniversary of author Harper Lee’s publication of her great novel, that everyone who has a blog should write a post about the anniversary and the book.

Well, because my watch skipped a day I almost missed it but I just now caught it.

And yet I am at a loss for words or/and I am intimidated.

How does one write about a book so powerful as that one? The idea that any series of words I could write might match the strength of hers let alone a post about her book seem silly. I can’t match that great literature with my lame-ass grammar.

So I won’t try to be an author. I’ll just be an appreciative reader.

Dear Harper Lee,

Your book, To Kill a Mockingbird, was so enjoyable for me to read that even all these years later, I smile at its consideration.

Thank you for sharing your time, talent and especially the treasure that is your book.

I am grateful for your efforts.

Best always,
– Peter

Now if you missed the opportunity to post a blog about this book but just want to like-wise compliment the author, feel free to leave a comment here. She won’t read it, I’m guessing, but you’ll feel better for having said something out loud if the book is one of your favorites too.

Thanks.

2 Responses to “to kill a mockingbird 50 years later”

  1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” was one of our book club’s selections this past year… I was privileged to facilitate the discussion… and later in the year we watched the movie… powerful writing and a timeless theme! It’s a shame that Ms. Lee never wrote another novel… but I guess when you get it right the first time…

  2. Hi Mary,

    I bet that was fun.

    I imagine it could be somewhat intimidating to sit at the typewriter after you score right outta the box.

    Where did those words and word order come from and can I summon them again?

    Probably best not to think about it and just keep typing. The audience will tell you whether they like it or not.

    Best always,
    – Peter