The First Wednesday Reading Group has discussed the book ‘To kill a mockingbird’ by Harper Lee.  They noticed that it was a classic work which is still relevant today. Sometime some of the member felt difficult to read about the injustice of racisim in the South. Members agreed it was very well written and intriguing insights into the perspective of a 7 years old child. The respect of the children for their father is well portrayed and very touching. The storyline is fascinating and keeps the reader interested right to the end.  It is a great marality tale that covers the great themes of race and class inequlity, and the fight for justice.

The group also discussed the book ‘The Gallipoli letter’ by Keith Murdoch. Most of who read it found the book was interesting. The letter itself is created with being highly influential in ending the Gallipoli campaing and this is very believable. Some felt it was disappointing that the extansive commentary written on the letter was at the front of the book and took away the element of ‘surprise’ from the letter itself.

The letter gives a great insight into the conditions at Gallipoli and the views of the soldiers and medics. It is well worth reading. However the group would recommend reading the actual letter first, with the photos, before reading the commentary. The commentary is also very interesting and gives the readers a great sense of context.