To Kill a Mockingbird

You're familiar with the basic story and maybe you read it long ago. You know the book is a classic and you remember seeing the movie as a child. But have you ever sat down and just appreciated this novel for the wonderful story that it truly is? This is story about racism, culture and societal expectations. But, most of all, it is a story about integrity and doing the right thing.The story is set in the South: the town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930's. A place where white people have roles and black people have rules. This is where the great Atticus Finch is raising his two children - Jeremy (Jem) and Jean Louise (Scout). Although he is a widow, he does have the help of a servant named Calpurnia who is a cherished part of the family. Atticus is a public defender and serves on the State Legislature. He is a highly-educated and thoughtful man dedicated to his town, his neighbors, his family - and justice. His motto: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."The story, however, is not told from his perspective, but from that of his daughter, Scout who is around 5 or 6 when the story begins and about 10 or so in its closing scenes. Through her eyes, we get innocence mixed with a precociousness and the wry sense of humor she has inherited from her dad. He's a lawyer and he asks a lot of questions. Sometimes he asks them when he already knows the answer and so does Scout. Atticus is always straight-forward about answering her. Jem tries his best with her, but he is also very young at the time and trying to find his way of fitting in as well.The first few pages introduce a cast of characters and are somewhat challenging to get into. Best to relax and just enjoy the ride - it will all come clear as the story unfolds. Remember you are being introduced by a small child. The action starts soon enough, as Atticus is assigned to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman. The scenes leading up to and within the courthouse during the trial are brilliant and evoke so much emotion as you "climb into another's skin and walk around in it". The writing is so vivid and the characters really come alive. Your heart wants one verdict even though your head knows it's going to be another. The town gets past the trial and life goes on; or does it? Unfortunately, not for everyone. The ending is incredible and will not leave you for a long time to come.I read this book as part of a banned book project and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I fell in love with Atticus Finch and Scout and I hope to become a better person for it! I'm glad when young people review this book and are shocked by what the world offered in 1935. That helps me understand that times are indeed changing despite still having a way to go!

Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a literary gem that captures the essence of a sleepy Southern town, offering a profound exploration of human behavior and the moral crisis that shook its foundations. Published in 1960, this novel swiftly became an instant bestseller, receiving critical acclaim and earning the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. Its subsequent adaptation into an Academy Award-winning film solidified its place as a classic in both literature and cinema.The narrative of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is an eloquent portrayal of the dichotomies within human nature - from innocence to experience, kindness to cruelty, love to hatred, humor to pathos. Set against the backdrop of a small Alabama town, the story encapsulates the complexities and struggles of the human condition.Harper Lee's storytelling is at once compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving. Through the perspective of Scout Finch, the young protagonist, the novel offers a poignant examination of societal injustices, racial prejudice, and the moral conflicts that challenge the town's moral fabric.The timeless appeal of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is evidenced by its widespread success, with over 18 million copies in print and translations into forty languages. Lee's ability to capture the essence of human relationships and societal dynamics makes this regional story universally relevant.Originally regarded by its author as a simple love story, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' has evolved into a masterpiece of American literature. Its enduring relevance and impact lie in its ability to engage readers across generations, inviting contemplation on timeless themes such as justice, empathy, and the struggle between right and wrong.The characters, particularly the iconic Atticus Finch, have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Atticus's unwavering moral compass and his dedication to justice remain a beacon of integrity and moral righteousness.While the book tackles weighty themes, it does so with grace and subtlety, inviting readers to reflect on the nuances of life and the intricacies of human behavior.'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a timeless classic that stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Its narrative remains as relevant today as it was upon its initial publication, continuing to prompt reflection and conversations on the complexities of human morality.I rate 'To Kill a Mockingbird' with five stars for its masterful storytelling, poignant exploration of human nature, and its unwavering impact on literature and society. Harper Lee's work remains an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience.

I've read this book twice now, and it hits differently every time. This time, my heart was racing throughout the court trial, and then again toward the ending. The snapshot of time that this book represents, with references to historical events that prod to me to learn more about U.S. history, and the curious language used by the characters... all places me right in the heart of the culture and scenery like a reality-check time-warp jolt to the senses. I almost never read a book twice. This one, I think I should read at least once every two or three years.

Precio calidad lo que esperaba. Muy buen libro. Súper recomendado .

Tenho uma impressão contínua de que não se trata de um livro novo, mas sim de um usado; mas alguma forma, apesar disso, esta obra tem sido tão prazerosa e bem escrita que o fato de provavelmente ter pertencido a alguém tem enriquecido a experiência.

A young white girl tells us all about everyday life in the deep South in the nineteen thirties.Such a good book.

Muy buen libro y muy buena película