I am just finishing up this last months book club pick "To Kill a Mockingbird." I have to be honest I was not excited to dive into this one. I was in the mood to read something that was flying up the bestseller list! I remember reading it in high school, but I didn't remember much about it. The back of my copy says "voted best book of the century." It truly is a classic. I think this will stay on my list of books to read and re-read.
It tells the story of a young girl in the south wrestling with prejudice as her father defends a black man for a crime he did not commit. It shows the fathers gentle parenting style and wisdom. I love that the book reminded me of my childhood as my sister and I would adventure all over the neighborhood, visiting with the neighbors, young and old...people my parents knew and some they really didn't. It also makes me sad that this is not something that is going to be an option for my children. It's just not as safe of a world anymore. But I was thankful to be reminded, and will read this book again.
Reading and re-reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird' ( http://www.shmoop.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/ ) is always a pleasure. Why? Because of the story? The characters? The setting? I think the answer lies in all three of them. The novel tells the story of Atticus Finch defending a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman in an era way before the Civil Rights Movement. It is the story of the indomitable spirit of Finch who stands tall among all the characters. The man has all the qualities that we have been taught as children, of being fair, and honest, and just. He sets an example not only to his children, but also the readers. Browsing through Shmoop I learnt that the book was made into a popular movie starring Gregory Peck. Get more interesting comments and information at this site. It was of great help to me in understanding the nuances in the study of literature.
Posted by: Carlson Higgins | March 31, 2010 at 07:22 AM