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Summary: THE Great American Novel
Review: Harper Lee, a Southern woman, wrote the Great American Novel. Without demeaning the quality and value of "Huckleberry Finn" or "Grapes of Wrath" or "The Great Gatsby" -- great American novels all -- "To Kill a Mockingbird" summarizes a nation in constant flux, always examining its personal values, forever wondering whether there is something bigger than each of us. The story of Scout Finch, her family, friends and acquaintances is the story of an entire nation, whether Harper Lee intended to write a universal story or not. This is not just a book worth reading; it is a book thet should be read by every American reader, lest we begin to believe that Tom Clancy, Stephen King, John Grisham and Danielle Steel are great (or even good) writers who reflect the complexity and depth of American literature.
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Summary: Kimberly's Review of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Review: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a excellent novel that relates the story of an ordinary child's life in extraordinary circumstances. Harper Lee uses strong emotion, laughter, and reason to relate a time of controversy and "the crisis of conscience". This story is told from the perspective of a young girl named Jean Louise, nicknamed Scout. She lives with her older brother Jem and is raised by her single father, which relates to her less than typical upbringing.
The main focus point of this story relates to a case that Scout's father agrees to take. It is a case that is surrounded by controversy. A black man is accused of assaulting a white woman, and in this time frame, a white person is not to be disputed by a black person. Atticus, Scout and Jem's father, believes that he has no choice but to take the case and he must struggle with the town that he lives in to do what he knows that he must do. This also has a strong affect on Scout and Jem's life. I would strongly encourage anyone to read this book and learn how Atticus, Scout, and Jem handle the town's reactions and to learn the outcome of the case.
This novel tells a story filled with humor and excite, sadness and emotional conflict. This novel is especially good for young adult readers, because the story is related from their viewpoint. This is a novel that you can sit down and enjoy, but also take away a good life lesson from it.
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Summary: A treasure
Review: I am not going to write a really long review. I can only say that I don't remember a thing from high school...except.. when I was given this book to read. It is a treasure that everyone should read, and then read again. Pass it on to your children, or read it to them. They will thank you one day. Just as I would thank that english teacher if I could.
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Summary: Outstanding!
Review: I read this book in 10th grade and it is my favorite book of all time!! I recommend it to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that was written in 1960 by Harper Lee about Jem and Scout Finch growing up in Maycomb County, Alabama. Their father, Atticus, is a well-respected lawyer who is assigned to the case of Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is an African-American man who is unjustly charged with committing a crime against Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Although Tom Robinson's case is predictably lost because of the racial and prejudicial beliefs that existed at the time, Atticus feels obligated to accept Tom Robinson's case. Atticus Finch is a strong person who is well ahead of the times, who believes in Tom and who wishes to help him as much as possible. He also wants to set an example to his children against the prejudicial beliefs that they are growing up around. Besides Atticus, Jem and Scout, there are many other important characters in the book, especially as it progresses. As the book advances, the characters change. They evolve, become more or less important, and fall in and out of the story. For example, in the first part of the book, Miss Caroline is one of the main characters. She is Scout's first grade teacher, and it is in her classroom that Scout faces the first injustice done to her. Dill, who spends summers with his aunt, Rachel Haverford, in Maycomb, is also an important character in the first part of the book. He plays an important role in being a friend to Jem and Scout and brings out more information about Boo Radley. On the other hand, Boo Radley does not play an important role consistently throughout the book. In the beginning, he leaves gifts for the Finch children. After he can no longer do that, he is not heard from until the resolution of the novel, when he saves their life. Miss Maudie, the Finch's neighbor, is important through out the book. She is always around the help the children and shares her wisdom. Calpurnia, the black woman who works at the Finch's household, is also important throughout the book. She serves as a good example of the African-American community to the children. Another member of the household is Aunt Alexandra, Atticus Finch's sister. In the midst of the main conflict, she moves to Maycomb to live with her brother's family. At first there are many conflicts, but soon Aunt Alexandra is loved as part of the family in her own way. She is supportive of her brother, Atticus, even when she disagrees with him about the Robinson case. Atticus's client, Tom Robinson, is very important to the plot of the story, although he is not the main character. When the conflict is examined, he is the main protagonist. The Ewell family is in the story more than Tom, although they are featured as the antagonists. Other characters are Judge Taylor, who presides over Tom Robinson's case, Heck Tate, the county sheriff, Mr. Underwood, owner of The Maycomb Tribune, and Mrs. Dubose, an elderly neighbor. Although this book was published in 1960, it is set in the 1930s in Maycomb County, Alabama. It is a town that is full of southern pride, where everyone knows everyone else, where rarely does someone leave, and where judgments are formed about people from their last name. Because each family has a position in the county, and each person in that family just follows in the way their ancestors lived and behaved. Each class just keeps to themselves. It would seem like the town was divided into the townspeople, the Negroes, the country folk, and the people who live in trash despite their skin color. This story could happen anywhere, but the setting definitely accelerated the pace and depth of the plot. The author's purpose was to write a novel that explored the issue of prejudice in a way that everyone can feel and relate to. By writing through the eyes of a young girl from ages six to eight, it allows readers to look at complex, controversial issues in a simple, innocent way. Scout asks simple questions such as "Why? Why does this happen? Why is this going on?" Harper Lee makes the reader feel angry at the twisted prejudice that existed for so long. I think that the author accomplished her purpose the instant her successful book was published and later won the Pulitzer Prize. I can understand why this book has become a classic piece of American literature. The book conveys many emotions and completely shows the injustice and desperate feelings of humanity. The first half of the book focuses on building the atmosphere of the town and of the Finches and other residents. You learn of the school, the neighbors, the opinions of the town, and become familiar with the important character's lives. Then, you are thrown into the midst of Tom Robinson's trial. The whole community must face their personal prejudices and angry feelings of injustice and helplessness. You can see how the behavior of others affects the feelings and opinions of a person. I think that this is an important book that still holds a lot of meaning.
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Summary: A Complex And Beautifully Written Novel
Review: To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee belongs in the pantheon of great American novels like Huck Fin. Indeed both stories are about children peering beneath the veneer of Southern life and coming face to face the ugly secrets of class distinction and racism. The discoveries of such secrets always lead children ultimately to the loss of their own innocence. However, unlike Huck Fin, Jem and Scout have Atticus Finch, their father, to guide them. Atticus is aware he can't keep the world away from his children forever. Perhaps it is for this reason that Atticus, a lawyer, decides to represent a black man wrongly accused of rape. Atticus is that rarest of people, a man who is willing to lead by example. It is the example Atticus sets for his children during this trial which will stay with Jem and Scout for the rest of their lives. I read To Kill A Mockingbird first in middle school and again years later during college. Upon my second read I was stunned by how much of the book I didn't understand during the first read. Everyone should be forced to read To Kill a Mockingbird twice. Full of profound and deeply moving truths regarding human nature, To Kill A Mockingbird is a complex and beautifully written novel. Preston McClear...
Rating: 
Summary: To kill a Mockingbird
Review: In our most humble opinion we think this book could use some work. Half the book dose not appeal to the readers eye, but on the other hand the other half of the book is completely different from the first half. This is a story that may have touched the hearts of some, but for the many that don't understand it. We agree with them because it doesn't make any sence to us. Two of the only good parts are when Tom gets convicted of a crime he didn't commit and when Mr. Ewell tries to kill Jem and Scout. Granded, we do commend you for the winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and also winning Academy Award winning for the film which is also a classic.
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Summary: Enjoyable, and will leave you thinking.
Review: To Kill A Mockingbird deals with the theme of racism in a prejudice society. The main conflict in this book is the trial of a black man, Tom Robinson, for the alleged rape of a Miss. Mayella Ewell a white girl. The dilemma throught this book is whether or not the fair trial of a black man is possible in the deep South, and if justice truly does prevail. The novel is narrated through the eyes of Scout, a seven year old tomboy who is quickly learning of the existance of prejudice in the society she lives. Her father, Atticus Finch is a well-respected lawyer who takes on the case of Tom Robinson. Aside, from the obvious theme of prejudice the author has also created a mysterious character that is the center of intrigue to the population Maycomb. The purpose of this character, who is Boo Radley, is unknown to the reader and to both Scout and her brother Jem. They become obsessed with him and won't give up their struggle to discover his true identity, aluckily for the reader they do. This mysterious character ends up playing a very important role in the outcome of the novel. Regardless of age, this novel will touch people on a personal level. It will make the reader think and xplore the ramifications of hate and discrimination. At least this will be the case if there is to remian the hope that racism, predjudice and discrimination will someday be irradicated. This is a nvael that has a lot to teach if only the reader is willing to listen.
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Summary: Wonderful Read for Middle and Upper Grade Students
Review: This enduring and delightful classic is often required reading for classes in school. I taught an entire unit on this book to my seventh grade classes. Highly enjoyable and thought-provoking book. A must read for all students!
Evelyn Horan- teacher/counselor/author
Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl Books One and Two
Rating:
Summary: Unforgetable Classic - Required Reading - A Must!
Review: Who hasn't read this wonderful award winning book? Young people in schools are reading this delightful book as part of their literature required reading text assignments. I have listened to many book reports through the years and have taught the book to seventh graders using the study guide sheets available. A must read book for every student and a book for the library home shelf and for schools and libraries!
Evelyn Horan - teacher/author
Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl Books One and Two
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