Huge literary news is about to be made and fans can be a part of it on Monday, July 13. Anderson’s Bookshops are hosting a party to mark the release of Harper Lee’s new book, Go Set a Watchman. Known as the author of the beloved and Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee is about to share something new with the world. And while Lee will not be attending this special Anderson’s event, her works will be at the center of it. Go Set a Watchman is the author’s earliest known work, and its recent discovery led to major buzz in literary circles across the nation.
Above / Anderson’s is set to host the event at 8PM Mon., July 13, at Downers Grove’s historic Tivoli Theatre.
8PM Mon., July 13 at Tivoli Theatre
The book officially releases on Tuesday, July 14. And anxious readers can be among the first to get their hands on a copy, thanks to Anderson’s Bookshops. Anderson’s is hosting this unique event on Monday, July 13 beginning at 8:00 p.m. at Downers Grove’s historic Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave. Tickets are $36 and include a copy of Go Set a Watchman. With that purchase, fans can then purchase up to two additional companion tickets for $10 each.
In light of the recent tragedy in Charleston, this event will also benefit readers in South Carolina. A portion of ticket proceeds will go to honor the memory of a Charleston area librarian lost in the shooting. This Anderson’s event will support The Charleston County Public Library’s Cynthia Graham Hurd Memorial Fund. Fitting, as Lee’s books reflect a part of our country’s struggle with race.
See ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ on big screen
Few would argue that there’s a more American novel than Lee’s first book, To Kill a Mockingbird. High schoolers across our nation read this classic. Anderson’s event will explore why. The evening will include experts and educators discussing To Kill a Mockingbird’s significance to the American psyche. Performers will share scenes.
Then the 1962 film version, starring Gregory Peck, will be shown.
All leading up to the stroke of midnight, when ticketholders will receive their copies of Go Set a Watchman. Tickets to this historic night are available with the purchase of the new book at Anderson’s Bookshops in Downers Grove (5112 Main St., 630-963-2665) or Naperville (123 W. Jefferson Ave., 630-355-2665). Guests may also purchase tickets online at www.andersonsbookshop.com.
About the book / Originally written in the mid-1950s, Go Set a Watchman was the novel Harper Lee first submitted to her publishers before To Kill a Mockingbird. Assumed to have been lost, the manuscript was discovered in late 2014.
Go Set a Watchman features many of the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird some twenty years later. Returning home to Maycomb to visit her father, Jean Louise Finch—Scout—struggles with issues both personal and political, involving Atticus, society, and the small Alabama town that shaped her.
Exploring how the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird are adjusting to the turbulent events transforming mid-1950s America, Go Set a Watchman casts a fascinating new light on Harper Lee’s enduring classic. Moving, funny and compelling, it stands as a magnificent novel in its own right.
About Anderson’s Bookshop / Anderson’s historic Harper Lee book release event is part of Anderson’s Bookshops’ calendar of special literary programs. The store has been helping Naperville readers for six generations. Downers Grove has been home to Anderson’s since 1980. A gift shop, Anderson’s Two Doors East, opened in the fall of 2009. A new bookshop location is set to open in downtown La Grange later this summer. Key to Anderson’s success has been special events, like the July 13 program for Go Set a Watchman.
Submitted by Candy Purdom and Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter of Anderson’s Bookshops
