Reese Witherspoon Narrates An Audiobook That Deserves A Spot On Your TBH (To Be Heard)

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Reese Witherspoon has established herself as a literary influencer, launching her widely popular book club in 2017 and adapting some beloved titles into movies and TV series. While long-time followers will know that Reese's Book Club has highlighted a great selection of historical fiction, not all fans know that Witherspoon lent her voice to the genre years before launching her reading group. The "Legally Blonde" star narrated "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee when the book was published in 2015, with the title being a sophomore release from the "To Kill a Mockingbird" author.

Despite the release order, the title was actually the author's first manuscript, with the story giving life to her classic novel after prompting from her editor. The decision to publish the follow-up work garnered controversy following its discovery, with the public questioning whether Lee, who resided in an Alabama assisted-living facility until her death in 2016, had adequately consented to the release of the long-forgotten work. While the state did investigate claims of potential elder abuse and closed the issue without action, the publication of "Go Set a Watchman" in July 2015 remains criticized by some.

The novel sees Jean Louise Finch, who goes by Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird," as a 26-year-old returning home to Maycomb, Alabama, from New York City during the civil rights movement of the 1950s. Beloved characters are revisited while themes of racism and discrimination are explored, with Witherspoon opening up about narrating the noteworthy title.

Back in 2015, Reese Witherspoon emphasized how grateful she was for the opportunity to narrate Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman." Fans will know that the actor is proud of her Southern roots, tapping into her background for projects like "Sweet Home Alabama" and channeling her experiences in her memoir and cookbook "Whiskey in a Teacup." "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 told USA Today in 2015. "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."

In an interview with Katie Couric, Witherspoon spoke about narrating the novel, explaining that the reading experience was jarring at times, especially with some of the language used. "I had to keep reminding myself it was written in the '50s, and these were the complex issues that people of the day were dealing with," she told People, emphasizing the significance of the civil rights movement. "Old attitudes and modern thinking was just evolving about race relations in our country. So I think you will feel all that complexity in the piece." If you're a curious historical fiction enthusiast or simply a big fan of Witherspoon, we recommend checking out this celeb-narrated audiobook.