To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird is a fascinating and endearing book. I read it in high school and loved it. I read it this year and loved it more. After this last read, it became one of my favorite books. There are a variety of elements that make it relatable to a diverse group of people.

The first element that really grabbed me is the vulnerability of the characters. How could you not relate to the outdoor shenanigans Jem and Scout continually get themselves into? Playing outside stayed an integral part of my childhood for a solid decade, if not longer. Lee portrayed the essence of their childhood with ease, humor, and vividness. Combining all these elements endeared each character to me while prodding me to keep reading. I really enjoyed reading about all the quirky creative ideas that Jem, Scout, and Dill thought up. 

The plot grabbed me next. Lee tactfully wove the story from mere neighborhood rumors and childhood play, to the weighty subject of racism and judicial injustice. By the second half of the book, I became enthralled and invested in each characters life. Atticus made me proud. I found myself fighting for him during the trial. The jury and Ewell family infuriated me (I must admit, I may get a little too into the plot of books). Scout and Jem made me proud; however, it broke my heart that Jem began to lose hope in people. Naturally, this happens in the course of life, but 12-years-old is too young to lose hope. Ultimately, the children had to grow up at a young age. I think that is rare now. On average, most children have the opportunity to live sheltered comfortable lives. To Kill A Mockingbird reminded me of the rawness of reality of life and how blessed I have been. 

After researching the book for my presentation, the background of the writing of the novel intrigued me next. In reference to only writing one book, Harper Lee said "I have said what I wanted to say and I will not say it again." Harper Lee made her point. She stood up for what she believed in and never backed down. To Kill A Mockingbird was first published in 1960 right in the middle of the Civil Rights movement. A white southern woman took a stand against racism. Despite being set in 1933-36, the novel voiced the struggles of the African American community in the late 1950's and early 1960's. This background and the fictional elements of the story made me respect and enjoy the novel even more. It is a novel with a purpose and a moral. Not many novels produced today have the depth that To Kill A Mockingbird has. Twilight, The Hunger Games, etc have no substance. Yes, they can be fun reads, but what do they even stand for? Nothing. Reading about vampires or kids having to kill each other are not stimulating my mind or making me think about changes that should be made in the world.

Overall, this is my favorite novel that we have read so far. It is a great coming of age story with substance. I did not want to put it down. I fully understand why it has been translated into 40 different languages now--the amazing message.