To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Reviewed by: Jacob Roberts, Reference Assistant
Genre: Southern Gothic, Coming-of-age
Suggested Age: Adults, Teens
What is the book about?: To Kill a Mockingbird follows the childhood of Jean Louise Finch, a young girl that goes by the name Scout, as she struggles with the conflicting morality that exists in the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. Scout is seen to age from six to nine throughout the novel, and is full of imaginative fervor with her brother Jim and good friend Dill. Early on they find themselves embarking on a new schoolyear, exploring the mystery of their neighbor Boo Radley, and shaking off the little authority Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra instill upon them. However, as it is at the height of colored segregation during the 1930’s, they have a lot to learn about the world around them and just how they fit into it all. Their dad, Atticus, plays as their moral compass, but the town is shaken as an African-American man named Tom Robinson is prosecuted for assaulting a young white woman. Atticus, as the local lawyer, takes the case and sets out against the town to prove his innocence, causing not only the children to question what they know, but the town itself.
My Review: Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, has been held in high acclaim by all its readers throughout the decades. It produces insight only children can perceive, as the adults around them cave to the traditions of the past. It begs attention to dilemmas far ahead of its time, and that is why it remains relevant today. It shares a story of love, compassion, humanity, and acceptance that people in today’s society can’t help but continue to connect with. Lee is able to produce raw emotion and understanding through a childlike perspective. However, although it is through a child’s eyes that realization is achieved in To Kill a Mocking Bird, there exists a sense of authority with what is shared with the reader. It suggests that humanity grows naïve with age, and that if there is to be a change with anything in society it begins with the children that we raise.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Insightful, Moving, Reminiscent
Give This a Try if You Like… Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor, The Heart is A Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!