"Hey Boo": The Start of a New Friendship
Published on December 19, 2023
By Kara V.
One of my favorite t-shirts simply states, “Hey Boo” with a little white bird perched on the H. My mother got it for me when she visited the hometown of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Every time I pull the shirt on, I am reminded of the bravery it took for Scout to utter those words and the impact they had on Boo Radley. Two small words that hold so much humanity. I can’t wait to hear them on stage at the Washington Pavilion on January 12-14 in their production of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Mockingbird is told from the point of view of Scout, a six-year-old girl living in the Deep South during the height of segregation. Her father, the town lawyer, is hired to defend a Black man accused of assaulting a white woman. Throughout the story, Lee infuses subjects regarding prejudice, income inequality, gender inequality, and family relations. She weaves together the perspective of this wide-eyed child with timeless topics that are deeply human. To Kill a Mockingbird is compassionate, empathetic, grace-filled, and full of boundless love.
“Hey Boo” is the start of a new relationship in the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. It only seems fitting that Siouxland Libraries’ new partnership with the Washington Pavilion should start with this memorable work. Stop at any Siouxland Libraries location for your copy of To Kill A Mockingbird or other read alike novels. Don't forget to check out Hoopla, and Libby for the eBook or audiobook versions. As a part of our partnership, ask for a $20.00 off promotional code for section A and B for Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. only. Enjoy the show!
If To Kill a Mockingbird pulled at your heartstrings as much as mine, you can add these titles to your TBR (short for “To Be Read” list):
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
This is the follow-up novel of To Kill a Mockingbird, written several decades later.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
A young woman finds her voice after she witnesses the death of her close friend.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
A biography of Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Intuitive in Montgomery, Alabama.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Three women with different backgrounds unite during the civil rights movement.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Although unusual, this is a story of a loner -- much like Boo Radley, Scout’s next door neighbor.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A touching story about an adoptive single dad and a small town full of found family.
Mockingbird Songs: My Friendship with Harper Lee by Wayne Flynt
A series of letters between himself, his wife, Harper Lee, and Lee’s sister.
Honorable Mentions:
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
A Time to Kill by John Grisham
March: Book One by John Lewis
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei