deborahmarkus7

Yes, I'm reading this. Because I've never read it before, and everybody assumes I have because this is a book everyone's read, plus I read "everything" so of course I've read this. Except I haven't. I missed it in school somehow, and then I wasn't tempted to read it on my own because it was such a "supposed to" book. Plus the only thing everyone would ever tell me about was basically, "Racism is bad." And they all said it in this tone of voice that was as if they'd figured that sentiment out all by themselves. I automatically steer clear of any book that offers bonus self-righteousness points to readers, so I kept pushing this one away.

I just got another book from the library. I had a hold on it for weeks and weeks before it finally came in. And now it turns out that this book assumes I've read Mockingbird.

Plus, a few weeks ago, a friend of mine's daughter was reading this book and was so excited to talk about it because she was really enjoying it. She knows what a book fiend I am. She and her mom both assumed I'd read this. They were startled (and disappointed) to learn otherwise.

So, fine. I'm reading it already. And you know what? It would have been nice if someone had told me that this book is worth reading not because it's a modern classic, and not because "racism is bad, mmkay?", but because it's really well written. No, not just that. There are plenty of well-written books out there that I don't enjoy. I can't love everything that was ever written. But I wish someone had bothered to tell me that this book has a sense of humor.