Recently I read one of those rare books that elicits so many different potential outlets for discussion that I couldn’t possibly NOT chat with someone about it. Buzzing with thoughts, ideas and questions a book talk about Daisy Whitney’s The Mockingbirds was born. In a rare departure from my normal review style I’m excited to post in a Q/A discussion format. My partner in this endeavor is the awesome Kelly from KellyVision who will publish the second half of this conversation over on her blog.
To say that Mockingbirds is an excellent book to discuss is an understatement, however, everything you read from this point on assumes that you too have read this book. As such you can assume there will be spoilers. So if you weren’t fortunate enough to grab an ARC to read come back and hear our thoughts after the book goes on sale on November 2nd.
Without further ado I give you the first half of our chat:
Q: What did you think about the concept of The Mockingbirds being a grassroots group?
Michelle: I was kind of 50/50 on it. While I thought it was an interesting concept
I also felt it was a bit hypocritical. So this group of kids uses a form of
bullying and oppressive behavior to make people fall in line with their
chosen method of justice for bullying and oppressive behavior?
Kelly: I felt the same way. On the one hand, I completely loved the idea that kids–who are pretty powerless in real life, when you think about it–could create this system where they had power and real power, the kind where you could force someone to give up what they loved best. But on the other hand, it’s exactly like what you said. It’s using bullying to combat bullying. And while the system seems to work so far, it’s also anyone’s guess how well it will work a few more years down the line. It sounds like it was still fairly new, because I don’t think Alex’s sister was THAT much older.
Michelle: I love the feeling of empowerment the book provides, not only for the victim of the crime but to the larger community. It allows people to take
control of the outcome at a time in life where they are extremely impressionable. What amazed me is the follow-through for the punishment. That a child found guilty by his/her peers actually committed to removing that from their life was astounding to me. And frankly, what would happen
if they didn’t?
Q: Do you think a group like this could be effective in real life?
Michelle: I definitely don’t. Kids are going to do what kids are going to do and no matter what the circumstances are I doubt sincerely today’s teenagers
would ever fall in line enough to accept punishment from their peers without any adult involvement.
Kelly: I don’t think it would be effective in real life. I think teenagers would absolutely laugh in your face if you suggested it. And I think that if you tried, you’d probably get suspended at the very least when you got caught.
Q: I know when we were discussing it on Twitter, one concern we both had was what would happen if someone were wrongly accused. Do you think it would be possible to restore someone’s reputation if that were to happen?
Kelly: I don’t. I think that it would be one of those cases where people would remember the accusation and not the exoneration. It’s human nature. And I also wonder if I would have had the wisdom in high school to be able to really see the truth in a case that wasn’t as cut and dried as Alex’s was.
Michelle: As a kid who has been found guilty of whatever crime committed you’re obliged to give in to your punishment. So, if you don’t what’s going to happen? Your reputation is already crap, people already know what you’ve done and you’re likely ostracized to some extent. I can see the perpetrator thinking that’s punishment enough.
To your question, how does one restore their reputation? I don’t think they ever do, not fully anyway. Close faithful friends would likely rally to a person’s side but what stake does anyone else have in maintaining acquaintance much less striking one up. The accused and acquitted would have to endure until after graduation when life could turn around. But then, who has that person become in the meantime? A recluse? Someone afraid to do or say anything for fear of being falsely accused again? Or do they become bold and uncaring because they’ve been accused before anyway so there isn’t anything to lose now?
To hear more of our thoughts on supportive friends, parental/adult involvement, and keeping it all covert hop on over to Kelly’s blog to see what we have to say.
Also, if you’re interested in book talking with me on an upcoming title let me know. I’m open to doing it again just give me a shout out!
Do you have loads of books (of the kidlit variety) that you’re looking to donate? I know I do!
