Anderson's Bookshop Will Celebrate 'Go Set a Watchman' Release with Party

The literary world was shaken back in February when it was announced that Harper Lee would be publishing not only a new book, but one that continued the story of Atticus Finch and his daughter Scout.

Now, after months of speculation and rumors, the release of the novel July 14 is only a few days away and bookstores across the country will be celebrating in a way that hasn’t been seen since the last “Harry Potter” novel was published.

One of those stores is Anderson’s Bookshop, which has locations in both Naperville and Downers Grove. At 8 p.m. Monday, July 13, Anderson’s will host a midnight release party for “Go Set a Watchman.” The party will include a screening of the classic 1962 film adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Tivoli Theatre located at 5021 Highland Ave. in Downers Grove. At the stroke of midnight, ticket holders will receive their own copy of “Watchman.”

Downers Grove Anderson’s Bookshop Manager Don Hailman said in addition to the screening, there will be people speaking about Harper Lee, as well as trivia.

Hailman said the shop has taken a number of pre-orders for the book, which shows there’s an interest in the novel.

“Nobody has any idea what the content will be since she’s only written one other book,” Hailman said. “It’s a story that everybody likes.”

There are still tickets available for the party, which can be purchased online here.

Hailman said he’s looking forward to the party and reading the novel.

“It’ll be fun and it’s always fun to watch that movie in a grand theater such as the Tivoli,” Hailman said.

Readers who just can’t wait any longer to see what happens can have their literary thirst quenched by the first chapter of “Watchman” that was released today. Read the first chapter of “Go Set A Watchman” here.