How to celebrate Harper Lee's new novel
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
For fans of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," the wait is nearly over.
Lee's second novel, "Go Set a Watchman," will be released on July 14, 53 years after "Mockingbird" was published.
Many assumed that there would never be another book from the famously private author, but this February, news broke that a long-lost manuscript had surfaced amongst Lee's papers.
That manuscript was "Go Set a Watchman," which picks up many years after the events of "To Kill a Mockingbird." It was actually written first, but rejected by publishers.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Lee's editor at the time suggested that she rewrite the material from the point of a view of a young Scout — that bit of advice inspired the bestselling classic that readers know today.
Critics are abuzz about whether "Watchman" will be able to deliver on Lee's legacy. Fans, however, have embraced the news; the initial print run is two million copies.
How to celebrate Harper Lee's new release
Join a marathon reading of "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Minneapolis bookstore Magers & Quinn is hosting a reading of the classic novel — the whole thing. The reading will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, "and won't stop until we're done!" the store declared.
Stop by to refresh your memory and join other Harper Lee fans.
Magers & Quinn, Minneapolis | 10 a.m. July 11
Watch the 1962 "To Kill a Mockingbird" film
The Heights Theater in Columbia Heights, Minn., is screening the film, in its original 35mm format.
The classic film stars Gregory Peck in his Oscar-winning role as Atticus Finch, and a young Robert Duvall as Boo Radley.
Moon Palace Books will be on hand, selling copies of both "Mockingbird" and "Watchman" in the lobby.
The Heights Theater, Columbia Heights, Minn. | 7:30 p.m. July 20
Read the first chapter for free
Lee's publishers have released the first chapter of "Watchman" online for readers.
Visit The Guardian to get a taste of the long-awaited novel. (And if you'd rather listen than read, Reese Witherspoon will read it to you.)
It begins with a grown Scout, riding the train home to Alabama:
Since Atlanta, she had looked out the dining-car window with a delight almost physical. Over her breakfast coffee, she watched the last of Georgia's hills recede and the red earth appear, and with it tin-roofed houses set in the middle of swept yards, and in the yards the inevitable verbena grew, surrounded by whitewashed tires.
Stay tuned to The Thread
The Thread, which brings you book news, author interviews and more, will be following the excitement all next week.
Check back for a discussion with fans about "Mockingbird" and for a review of "Watchman."
