Saturday, January 28, 2012

Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was one of the few books I actually read back in high school. I remembered liking it, but didn't recall much more than that, so decided to read it again.

I can tell why this book is a classic. Throughout the entire story there are incredibly deep themes about our society... what is wrong, what is right, why people act the way they do. But it's written from the view of a child in a way that makes the most ethical choice in any given situation seem like a no-brainer. You find yourself just as frustrated and angry as the children who are experiencing these things.

The development of characters in this book is genius. Somehow Harper Lee manages to reveal a great depth of personality for Boo Radley even though for most of the duration of the book nobody actually sees him. I also found that a real love and admiration developed for Atticus as a lawyer and father that I'm sure mimics that of his fictitous children and neighbors. I found myself hoping that there were real people like him during that time in our nation's life. And I mention these two characters beside the obvious star of the book... Scout. Makes me want to bake a cake for the kids in the neighborhood just to see if I can befriend one who is just like her.

I was really glad I decided to read this book again. It has persuaded me to give some of those other high school books a chance that I dismissed so long ago.

2 comments:

Budsly said...

That's funny, I have this on my list to read this year! I've read it before, but like you, I only know I liked it. Glad to know it won't be a waste of time.

Denise said...

Also one of my favorite books. I also love the movie (1962). I don't usually like movies that are based on the book but this is an exception.