Of Convictions, Growing Pains and Mockingbirds

It's such a pleasure to find a book that stays with you long after turning the last page, one that introduces characters you fall in love with, who stay in your head. I recently finished one of those books, Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman, which she first submitted to her publisher in the mid-1950s, before To Kill a Mockingbird. The manuscript was discovered late last year, after having been presumed lost.

There was of course much hype surrounding the release, and I purposely avoided all reviews and conversation with anyone who'd already read it, wanting to go in with no preconceived notions or expectations. I needn't have worried; Watchman will live up to the expectations of Lee's most ardent fans. Her ability to tell a story that captivates and charms the reader is why Mockingbird has permanent residence on so many must-read lists. Yes, I know I’m "supposed" to love Lee's perennial bestseller, and contrary to my sometimes obstinate nature, I do.  I know very little about the South, and have never set foot in Alabama, but I was drawn in on page one. I'll wager that ten different readers will give ten different reasons why they fell in love with six-year-old Scout when they first met her. Besides her being a scrappy little tom-boy who hated wearing dresses (like a certain blogger, although for the record, I never beat up boys twice my size), it was her fierce love and admiration for her father that really endeared her to me.

In Go Set a Watchman, we get to know Scout, or Jean Louise as she's now known, as a young woman of 26, living by herself in New York City. She comes home to Maycomb to visit Atticus, in his 70s but still practicing law, and is confronted by the inevitability of change as civil rights tensions and political turmoil are transforming the South of her childhood. She also learns harsh truths about her family and her town. Childhood memories give us further insight into the Finch family while they cause Jean Louise to question her assumptions and illusions of the past. Challenging her convictions and those of her nearest and dearest sets her on a path she must navigate alone.

Watchman is now next to Mockingbird on a bookshelf. I know I'll want to re-read it at some point, but not for a while; Jean Louise won't be leaving me any time soon.

Saint Ashbury

It's always exciting to hear of a local band—especially a favorite—releasing a CD. While it's true that nothing comes close to the experience of live music, there’s something about taking home a CD, your own personal connection with the band.

Saint Ashbury's debut album will be released later this month. Trying to summon the words to describe such a musical feast evokes the old idea that writing about music is akin to dancing about architecture, but here goes.

The word soulful comes to mind upon hearing singer Jamie McCrary's country-flavored, alt rock-infused vocals. She has the kind of voice that brings you along on her journey, wondering where she’ll take you next. The first track, "Life of Crime," makes it clear that Saint Ashbury is fueled by stellar song writing as well as first-rate vocals. Ashley Mitchell and Jeremy Cozakas blend their writing styles to create rich melodies that beg diving into, treating us to lush guitar riffs, solid bass lines and mandolin. Bryan Gessaro, equally at home on keyboards or bass, and Louie Senor on drums seamlessly adapt to fit the mood of each song.

Stand-out tracks include "Matches and Gasoline," "Border Streets" and "Broken," but the entire album will remain on heavy rotation. It's perfect for a road trip or summer evening on the patio. Local bands come and go, but Saint Ashbury is one to keep an eye on. 

If you live in the Sacramento area, you'll have the chance to see Saint Ashbury and get a copy of their debut CD, Friday, August 28th at Harlows.