Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman Cover Reveal and Reese Witherspoon

The book cover for Harper Lee’s upcoming novel “Go Set a Watchman” has been revealed. Lee's book will be released this July from HarperCollins.

The book is a follow-up by “To Kill a Mockingbird” author Lee and reportedly centers on now-adult “Mockingbird” protagonist Scout.

“Mockingbird” fans will note that the cover of “Watchman,” which is being released this July, echoes the 50th anniversary “Mockingbird” cover that shows a leafy tree. As you can see, the “Watchman” cover also has a leafy tree standing next to what seems to be train tracks. 

Michael Morrison of HarperCollins explained the presence of the train on the cover in a statement: 

The book begins with Scout's train ride home, but more profoundly, it is about the journey Harper Lee's beloved characters have taken in the subsequent 20 years of their lives.

Actress Reese Witherspoon will soon be bringing to life some of the most beloved characters ever created.

“As a Southerner, it is an honor and privilege to give voice to the Southern characters who inspired my childhood love of reading, Scout and Atticus Finch," Witherspoon said in a statement. "I am eager for readers to be transported to a pivotal time in American history in the manner that only Harper Lee's gorgeous prose can deliver.”

The audiobook will be released at the same time as the print version of “Watchman” – both will come out this July.

T is for Tolkien (and Dickens) Grandsons Collaborate for Book

A grandson of JRR Tolkien and a descendant of Charles Dickens are to collaborate on two new fantasy books for children.

Michael Tolkein

Poet Michael Tolkien, the eldest grandson of the The Hobbit author, will write two novels based on stories his grandfather read to him as a child.

Gerald Dickens

Gerald Dickens, (Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles, will narrate the audiobook versions.  Both works are due to be released later this year.

Publisher Thames River Press said the first book, Wish, was inspired by Florence Bone's 1923 story, The Rose-Coloured Wish.  It tells the story of two children who set out to use an evil enchanter's wishing chain of stones to save their alpine valley, only to fall into trouble.

Michael Tolkien was introduced to the tales in the 1940s and 1950s as a child, and he later read them to his own children.  He said he decided to pay tribute to the now-neglected tale and to "recreate the spirit of the original in new dress."

 
The second book, Rainbow, is based on Bone's 1910 novel, The Other Side of the Rainbow. Dickens said: "Wish is a timeless story which children will enjoy for years to come. Michael Tolkien has brought it to life in narrative verse."