Local community members offer their thoughts on reading, "To Kill A Mockingbird," and the One Read project.

"Reading is the ultimate reality show without all those commercials. Pick up a book, expand your mind and set a good example for your kids."

Brian Ash
6th Ward Council Representative
City of Columbia

“Certain books stick with you your whole life. I read ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ as a teenager, and saw the movie starring Gregory Peck as Atticus some years later. It’s amazing how one book can change our whole view of the world and help us recognize the evils of ignorance and intolerance, and greatness of courage and regarding all men as brothers.”

“Books make learning possible. Learning makes all things possible.”

Dr. Bruce Brotzman
Principal
Rockbridge High School

"When I was in high school I was very involved in speech and debate. For one particular speech contest my teacher selected the speech that Atticus gives the jury in closing remarks. I felt so proud doing that specific passage from Mockingbird. I will never forget, however, practicing over and over the line
'. . .because he had the unmitigated temerity to feel sorry for a white
woman. . .' [The line] had to be delivered with a special punch."

Dr. Wanda Brown
Principal
David H. Hickman High School

"I'm a big fan of Truman Capote, so when I heard that a character in 'Mockingbird' was based on him as a child (Dill Harris) I was intrigued to say the least. That was the first time that I read this novel, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. Whether it is a reading group, a film, or popular TV talk show host, I feel that anything which motivates someone to read a book is just great. The One Read program reaches thousands of Mid-Missourians and inspires them to pick up a great novel - to me, this is a wonderful thing."

Eric Duermeyer
Manager
9th St. Bookstore

"Harper Lee's 'To Kill A Mockingbird' highlights the devastating impact that
prejudice can have on every member of our society. The book also demonstrates what just one individual of courage and conviction can teach us by example. I highly commend it to every reader."

Elson S. Floyd
President
University of Missouri

"Reading should allow the characters and surroundings to come alive and dance in one's mind for entertainment without boundaries or limitations toward the outcome."

Lee Fritz
Callaway County Presiding Commissioner

"Reading is like dying and going to heaven. Forget the casket, I'd much rather bury myself in a book!"

Sarah Hill
KOMU New

"The characters in 'To Kill A Mockingbird' resemble people I meet every day in our town. It is interesting to read their dialogue and compare them with what I hear around here. It has been interesting to hear the opinions and reactions that are given from different ethnic groups in our community who participate in the One Read program."

Taiyun Hsieh
One Read Reading Panel Member

"Reading has been a central part of my life since as long as I can remember. And I have learned that few things bring people closer than the sharing of one's intellectual and emotional reactions to books read. That sharing breaks down boundaries and builds bridges. We at Stephens College congratulate the Daniel Boone Regional Library for its One Read efforts and wish the program a very successful second year."

Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D.
President
Stephens College

"I have read 'To Kill a Mockingbird' several times. It is one of my favorite books and like most people, my favorite character is Atticus. The true test
of a man's character is how he reacts during times of moral crisis. Despite the effect which defending Tom Robinson would have on his family and law practice, he took on the challenge simply because it was the right thing to do."

Jim Loveless
Mayor Pro Tem
4th Ward Council Representative
City of Columbia

"Learning to read enhances the mind and unlocks the door to many opportunities."

Captain Marvin (Moon) McCrary
Columbia Police Department

"'To Kill A Mockingbird' is a book for all time and all people - I would heartily recommend families reading it together because it is so enjoyable and meaningful for all ages."

Cindy Mustard
Executive Director
Voluntary Action Center

"Good readers makes good leaders. From every book you read, you gain a multitude of life lessons, personal insights, and new discoveries...all combining to create new depth and breadth to your knowledge and abilities. Wouldn't it be a shame if you didn't keep learning and growing throughout your lifetime? The One Read program is a great way to remind us all about the importance of lifelong learning."

Mike Odneal
Director of College Relations
Westminster College, Fulton

"I think when any community communicates through literary art–or art in general–it discovers a deeper sense of itself. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is admirable not only for its important subject matter, but for how well it is written, how well it is shaped. We are very excited about this selection!"

Marcia Vanderlip
Barnes & Noble Booksellers

“I believe 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a book that should be read several times throughout one’s life. Atticus Finch advises his daughter Scout that you have to climb into another person's skin to truly understand a different point of view. The book teaches us the great value of tolerance and courage, and calls on us to examine our own assumptions about others."

Chancellor Richard Wallace
University of Missouri-Columbia

"The One Read program reminds us why we should regularly read books. They are fun and informative. We get out of the book habit only at our own expense. This year's selection, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a wonderful story. The movie version is one of the most popular of all time. Many of us saw the movie but never read the book. Now is a great time to absorb the original."

Henry J. Waters, III
Editor and Publisher
Columbia Daily Tribune