To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one of the best loved novels of the twentieth century. But for the last fifty years, the novel’s celebrated author, Harper Lee, has said almost nothing on the record. Journalists have trekked to her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, where Harper Lee, known to her friends as Nelle, has lived with her sister, Alice, for decades, trying and failing to get an … get an interview with the author. But in 2001, the Lee sisters opened their door to Chicago Tribune journalist Marja Mills. It was the beginning of a long conversation—and a great friendship.
In 2004, with the Lees’ blessing, Mills moved into the house next door to the sisters. She spent the next eighteen months there, sharing coffee at McDonalds and trips to the Laundromat with Nelle, feeding the ducks and going out for catfish supper with the sisters, and exploring all over lower Alabama with the Lees’ inner circle of friends.
Nelle shared her love of history, literature, and the Southern way of life with Mills, as well as her keen sense of how journalism should be practiced. As the sisters decided to let Mills tell their story, Nelle helped make sure she was getting the story—and the South—right. Alice, the keeper of the Lee family history, shared the stories of their family.
The Mockingbird Next Door is the story of Mills’s friendship with the Lee sisters. It is a testament to the great intelligence, sharp wit, and tremendous storytelling power of these two women, especially that of Nelle.
Mills was given a rare opportunity to know Nelle Harper Lee, to be part of the Lees’ life in Alabama, and to hear them reflect on their upbringing, their corner of the Deep South, how To Kill a Mockingbird affected their lives, and why Nelle Harper Lee chose to never write another novel.
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I loved this follow-up on Harper Lee, and one of my favorite books from years and years. I loved the non-fiction but story-like approach of the author. I loved the characters she introduces, follows, and builds. I love the old-south little town she recreates for us. Just delightful!
This intimate portrait of the reclusive Harper Lee and her sister, Alice, by journalist Marja Mills is fascinating and revealing. To Kill a Mockingbird was one of my favorite books as a teen and young adult and I had already read and loved it at least a couple of times before it was required reading in school. And now I’m rereading it again at the ripe old age of 65 with a whole different perspective, thanks to maturity, travels in the south and the unique opportunity Ms. Mills had to write this book. My only complaint may be the repetition of some aspects of the Lees’ story throughout the book, but still think it deserves 5 stars for a story that could just as well have been lost.
This book really goes into the everyday life of Harper Lee and her sister. What they enjoyed and how they really lived a simple life.
I found it slow. I expected better.
Of you ever wondered what it would be like to enter the very private circle of Harper Lee, read this book. This is no unauthorized bio by a pseudo friend or paparazzi. The author is a respected journalist. Harper Lee introduced her into her core group of friends because she understood that Lee’s wishes would be respected. If you lived “Mockingbird,” read this book!
A very well written book about a famous author of one of my favorite book of all time.
Wonderful stories about this great author and her sister.
I hoped for greatness in this book based on the respect I have for the author on which it is based. I was not disappointed. The author shares her experiences in a straightforward and interesting format. She does not sugarcoat the family members but shows respect in her remembrances and portrayals. I would strongly recommend this book.
As an avid fan of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, I was thrilled to find this. A journalist wins the hearts of Harper Lee and he sister. She talks to Harper Lee’s friends to write an article which the elderly sisters approve, and eventually becomes real friends with them. Eventually the writer rents the small house next door for an extended period and compiles stories, experiences, and participates in the lives of Lee’s family and friends. This book reflects the quirky life of these wonderful characters, staying true to her promise to utilize only the things that are approved by the sister, which becomes their everyday lives, their perspectives of the town, the characters in the book and movie, and the small southern town. All of it very touching and human, and true to the legend of this arthor and the well loved book. A MUST READ!
Was not as information of the Lee’s as I would have liked. More a story of the authors move and becoming their neighbor.
Very interesting. Enjoyed reading about this reclusive beloved author’s life! I was drawn into her life with her sister. This is an enjoyable read. I felt I was there.
I did not like this book. Poorly written
There has been very little written about the life of Harper Lee. This book gives the reader the first real insight about the woman who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. She and her sister were great real-life characters. To Kill a Mockingbird had always been my favorite book,
Enjoyed the personal stories about Harper Lee and her world provided through lengthy interviews with Harper, her friends and family, especially her older sister Alice.
An interesting look at Harper Lee.
The Mockingbird Next Door was great, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book filled in a good bit of the missing answers to lots of questions that I’ve had about the book: “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I would recommend this book to anyone who that has read To Kill a Mockingbird. Great read and very informative.
Material is very interesting for the most part. At times, the author would lead into an anecdote but, alas, there would be no anecdote. But then I really like Harper Lee! (Author doesn’t mention Go Set A Watchman but then she wouldn’t have. Good Set A Watchman is the rough draft of To Kill a Mockingbird! )
Really enjoyed knowing more about Harper Lee and her family. A fun read