The buzz surrounding Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman was first about whether the press-shy author of To Kill a Mockingbird truly wanted her first manuscript to reach the public. Once the first chapter was made available online and the book was published days later, focus shifted to the character Atticus Finch, who is very different from the Atticus so admired in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Here are some online and social media reactions to both the July 10 broadcast of Harper Lee: American Masters and the book that was published July 14, 2015.
When American Masters PBS repeats Harper Lee, watch it. Brilliant. Sets whole new purpose for reading Go Set a Watchman.
#HarperLeePBS
— Kris Nystrom (@DrKNystrom) July 11, 2015
#HarperLeePBS is a beautifully done documentary. A must watch, especially for English teachers on summer break!
— Carmen Middleton (@cmiddleton79) July 11, 2015
In reaction to naysayers of the book and even its very publication, author Stephen King voiced his wholehearted support of Harper Lee and her work.
Watch the critics clobber GO SET A WATCHMAN. "Thou shalt not monkey with our scared literary cows." For the rest of us: you go, girl!
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 11, 2015
Author Judy Blume weighed in by recommending an article in the The Guardian on Harper Lee and her new book:
.@hadleyfreeman writes most intelligent piece I've seen on #GoSetAWatchman http://t.co/eZixAL893Y
— Judy Blume (@judyblume) July 14, 2015
Bookstores across the country welcomed the book with special events and fully dedicated window displays like this one:
Can you tell we're deliriously excited about Go Set a Watchman?! pic.twitter.com/AbNax1zmzq
— Waterstones Durham (@wstonesdurham) July 6, 2015
On July 13, people posted questions online for Harper Lee’s friend Joy Brown and filmmaker Mary McDonagh Murphy, who also answered questions from a live audience. Watch the recorded Q&A for the answers to these questions:
Would Harper Lee today consider this novel as “separate timeline” or altogether different story of the popular characters of “To Kill a Mockingbird?” – Cherryl Gary
Did Lee want to spare readers disappointment with Atticus, their moral champion? Is that why new book was delayed? – Christina Knight
Harper Lee’s literary agent Andrew Nurnberg had reason to celebrate. You could say his agency ate the book up. See their literary “mash-up” cake:
Our gorgeous #GoSetAWatchman cake looks almost too good to eat…. pic.twitter.com/phTQZtTGX9
— AndrewNurnbergAgency (@nurnberg_agency) July 14, 2015
Reactions to the first chapter, posted on the American Masters site, included:
“It reads like a comic book alternative/parallel story line – same characters, but different actions.” — nacrandell
“I got my copy yesterday and read it one setting. I hated it. I wish I hadn’t read it.” — Jon Carsello
“I just don’t want the Atticus Finch that I know to suddenly become the one I never wanted to know.” — Peter Lathrop
“I do like her writing style.” — Susan Keeping
What do you think of Go Set a Watchman? Share your comments, below.
Part of THIRTEEN Days of Harper Lee. See more at thirteen.org/americanmasters.
