I just finished To Kill a Mockingbird, which I had somehow avoided for years and years. While reading it, I took an informal poll and found that Harper Lee's classic seems to be assigned more in Southern schools. That, combined with my Connecticut upbringing, may explain why I missed out as a student. Still, it feels good to plug a huge hole in my TBR list.

I was surprised by the book. Because it is a staple of school reading lists, I thought the racial strife would resolve itself in a cute tale of Deep South harmony. I was unprepared for the dark plot, and the unremitting class warfare reminded me of another favorite: House of Sand and Fog.

Apparently, there are many admirers of wily Atticus Finch: Hachette is preparing to release Lorilee Craker's A is for Atticus. Baby Names from Great Books. It offers a literary synopsis for names such as Abra (East of Eden) and Anne (Anne of Green Gables and Persuasion). Here's an excerpt. 

Do any Read Streeters carry literary names? Mine has a Biblical heritage; hardly as chic as Scout or Jem or Dill.