To kick off the new year, I decided to ditch YA for a little while and re-read some classic "adult" books. So of course I chose coming-of-age novels, ha. (YA wouldn't let me go so easily.)Both are historical and both feature strong-willed young protagonists. As you've probably deduced from the title of the post (and, um, the images), the books I chose were To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
Although Mockingbird won the Pulitzer, and is obviously well written, I (whispers) prefer Tree. It was a close call, but for me, Tree is a delight from the very first page, whereas Mockingbird takes a little while to get started. Don't get me wrong; the second half of the book is utterly amazing -- and pays off all the "slower" parts from the first half -- but it's not one I can read over and over the way I can Tree.However, my opinions could certainly change over time, and once I'm older I might flip my position.
Have you read both books? Which do you prefer?
Need a refresher? Take my quiz and find out if you're more likely to dig Scout or Francie:
Well, my result came out as Scout, but I prefer Tree too! I just re-read it about a month ago, and it was a delight.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma! Sorry about the mixed results. It's probably not a terribly scientific poll, hee. Fun that we both recently re-read Tree.
ReplyDeleteI knew it would be Scout for me (although I prefer Jem, to be honest). I recently re-read "Tree..." & wasn't as in love with it as I used to be. I don't think Smith is that good a writer (oy, "Joy in the Morning").
ReplyDeleteI love quizzes! I got Scout, which makes sense because I haven't read Tree yet lol.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Tree! Wow. Ok, I need to remedy that. I'll see if my library has it. I read Mockingbird in high school, and it's still one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI used to read TREE every year to start my summer. Haven't done that in decades. I'll have to do it again. I vote Francie. My favorite thing in that book is that her mom reads a page from Shakespeare and the Bible every day. I'm trying to weave in more classics this year as well. Brave New World and Lord of the Flies are first on my list.
ReplyDeleteI have not read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but this makes me want to! It sounds fabulous. I'm so happy to have "met" you! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome post and quiz! LOVED that! I'm not surprised, but I came out as preferring Scout. I've always been partial to the voice in that book. So strong and so raw with innocence and emotion.
ReplyDeleteI've never read TREE, and I need to. Be interesting to see if my quiz result changes afterwards... :)