Rating: Summary: hi Review: one time a librarian told me to read this book so I like borrowe it and like took it home and like read it but I didn't have time to read it so OK
Rating: Summary: Wonderful Review: Absolutely fantastic. If you liked A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, you'll love this.
Rating: Summary: BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ (and I read a LOT)! Review: Somehow I managed to avoid reading this book in high school or college. Then, about 10 years ago I picked up a copy at one of those library sales, thinking I *should* read it at some point.When I finally started, I couldn't put it down until I finished. Some books are great, but the prose gets so dense, they can be a struggle at times (Cold Mountain, anyone?). This one was beautifully written, but also a rocket ride of a plot. It's part comedy, part mystery/thriller, part social drama exploring the themes of bigotry and racism, part kids' adventure book, and so much more, all wrapped up in a coming-of-age story. Since then, I've re-read twice more over the years, and given away more than a dozen copies to friends and family members as gifts. I've tried to watch the movie, but it's flat, boring, missing the spark of excitement that runs throughout the book. I can never shake, either, that this talented woman who wrote this has never published a book since. I would read ANYTHING published with her name on it as author...
Rating: Summary: Book Review Review: The story "To Kill a Mocking Bird" is basically a story about the way of life in a time of suspicion, hatred, poverty, and ignorance. It's about the effect of racism has on a small town from a child's point of view. The town is called Maycomb with "grass that grows as tall as a person, roads of dirt, and children with none, sometimes or disgusting eating habits." The main characters are Atticus, Boo Radly, Scout, Jim and Dill. I liked Boo Radly. He stayed hidden for many years. I don't know if he really did, what the town said he did; that he stabbed his father in the leg with scissors and then pulled it out. Boo placed wax dolls and food in the hollow tree and in exchange received candy from Scout, Jem, and Dill. Atticus the father of the children heads into a major problem as a lawyer defending Tom Robinson who is accused of assault and rape on a town woman. The children had many difficulties dealing with Ms. Doubtly's craziness from drug use. Seeing their dad being ridiculed by the town as he was trying to achieve justice for Tom Robinson also made their lives more complex. The characters I could relate to were Atticus, Scout, Boo Radly, and Dill. Boo Radly reminded me of events in my life when I was not wanted in places like school and church, Where Boo was stuck in a hole, I felt I was stuck somewhere as well. Just as Atticus stands up for human rights and believes in himself, I stand up for my rights as well as the rights of my friends. Dill is a character that has a wild imagination just like I find myself having a wide variety of ideas. My favorite part of the book is when Boo Radly saved Scout and Jem from Bob Edwell. As well, I thoroughly enjoyed the part where Bob Edwell is twisted crimes were exposed and he was killed accidentally. For the educational and symbolic idealism the book deserves a medal. The book exposes and illustrates hard reality in a time when people were racist. My least favorite part of the book was when Tom Robinson was killed because he was killed by hate. It was as if he was going to die anyway whether a public execution or not. From a student's point of view, I would change the use of the n word so readers don't have to see it. I would recommend this book to as an insight and perspective on history. The type of person who would like this book would be a person who enjoys reading history, a suspenseful novel, or a person who likes to read about problems in the past.
Rating: Summary: Stunning Literature Review: It's quite pitiful that so many people don't see the beauty and Southern grace that is infiltrated all through this book. I've never been in Alabama, but I've had enough contact with Southern types of people and this is a very accurate portrayal: time moves slowly, everyone takes it easy... I watched this movie earlier this year and was completely taken by it. But I'm not reviewing the movie. The book was just as good. Every time I put it down I just wanted to pick it up and go on reading. It was, contrary to several reviewers' statements, very easy to follow. Yes, it can be a bit scattered at times, but much of its charm lies in the child's narration, surprisingly mature at times and yet all the same naive. It flows along slowly but never once drags. And I like the dialect. Of course we all knows Southern folk have awful grammar, but I don't rightly think that ought to matter. If you ever lived around folks who talks like this, you'll realise how very authentic it is. Adds a touch, like. Overall I felt this was a very moving story. I must say that every time I read Atticus' words I just heard Gregory Peck saying them. The way Scout describes her father's voice matches Gregory's so perfectly... I'm already reading this a second time, and I hardly ever read books again just after finishing them. Let that be my recommendation after my wandering review.
Rating: Summary: A novel one simply ought to read Review: TKAM is not just a novel about a man's struggle for justice & truth; it is not just an indictment of racial prejudice & blind conformity to traditions of society; it is not just about the agonized, confused growing up of two intelligent & sensitive children - it is about man's struggle to be loyal to his conscience; about man's recognition of the sacredness of the human personality; about man's respect for man. Above all, it attacks that aspect of life which deserves the greatest denunciation in human existence - irrationality. I would not call TKAM one of the greatest novels of the world of all times, but it is certainly an excellent one. One of the main reasons I'd offer for saying this is that it is not a novel which explores several ideas in all their depth and profundity, such as the novels of Fyodor Dostoevsky, neither is it a masterpiece in characterization - exploring the innermost recesses and complexities of the human soul, like the plays of Shakespeare.Therefore, I'd give it four-and-a-half points; but between a choice of 4 and 5, I'd select 5. Nevertheless, it is a novel which captures several themes which are weighty by their basic import and weaves them into a story which brings them out wonderfully. One of the best aspects of this novel is its perfectly delightful humor. It exudes a sense of joyousness & benevolence, having been narrated from the perspective of an intelligent, precocious, sensitive, aggressively defiant and highly individualistic girl - Scout Finch, who, in the course of novel grows from the age of 6 to 9. Another element which endeared me to this novel is its highly appealing characters, especially Atticus Finch - a man of conscience, honor, & dignity, full of benevolence & goodwill, and the perfect gentleman; a father who doesn't want to impose on his children the stifling tradition of society or family, but allows them their space to develop their distinct individuality, at the same time inculcating in them, without the use of fear, a unique value system which can make them strong, proud, independent and compassionate individuals whom no tragedy and suffering can embitter or break. The character of Jem - Scout's elder brother, as intelligent, sensitive and proud as Scout, but less aggressive & defiant & obviously, comparatively more mature; Miss Maudie - firm but loving; and Cal are well-drawn & lovable too. Harper Lee has captured the mood and "feel" of country life - of a sleepy, old, rather poor & conservative town; of a small boy stepping into adolescence; of a young child's very simple, straightforward & honest way of looking at life, with great insight & truthfulness. In conclusion, TKAM is a must-read. It is a novel which re-affirms one's conviction in the innate goodness and nobility of the human soul.
Rating: Summary: Harper Lee's AMAZING To Kill a Mockingbird. Review: Scout and Jem Finch adore their father, Atticus. Atticus Finch, a lawyer, is asked to defend an African American man, Tom Robinson, accused of raping Mayella Ewell, the daughter of nasty Bob Ewell. Atticus must endure critisism from neighbors, townspeople, and his kid's classmates. But he doesn't care. Also, Scout and Jem are fascinated by their neighbor, Boo Radley. Boo has barely been seen, so some think he's a monster, and some think he's a criminal. Scout and Jem are determined to find out. The two plots link in a stunning way, one of the things that makes this book amazing. This book is a classic. It's my FAVORITE book! It's descriptive, has a wonderful plot, has interesting plot twists, and really gets into the mind of a 7 year old girl. Thank you, Ms. Lee, for writing such an important piece of literature!
Rating: Summary: A nice story! Review: Lee's only pulitzer price winning novel is a true classic! Lots of good characters and a nice plot filled with the issues that we're all struggling with today (e.g. racism, flaws in justice, torn relationships, and judgmental people)...I liked how all the characters interacted with each other and stuck by each other except at the part where it came to the trial of Tom Robinson. You have people rooting for him and people wanting him to be punished for a crime he never committed, which divides the line of love and coming together in a realistic way as told by Harper Lee....do read this novel and I assure you you will like it and consider it a well-written classic.
Rating: Summary: so good that I wish to memorize it Review: This book is so well written that I feel like I want to memorize at least half of the 250+ pages. Atticus seems to be perfect to be true yet probably everyone knows a few Atticus -- men/women who are normal but great. I know a few and realized after reading this book that they're such treasured friends. As a parent, Atticus is a great model of parents who are trying to raise independent, righteous, brave...childen. I'm going to send this book to my best girlfriend who is about to deliver a baby. I seldom finish up a novel and almost never collect books. But this book will be with me until I can memorize it.
Rating: Summary: If only all lawyers were like Atticus Finch! Review: In post 9/11 21st America, kids can't go two feet without holding their parents hands. If they do, they risk rape and mutilation at the hands of the products of late 20th century political correctness. Harper Lee's brilliant novel gives us a view of what is what like at the other end of the pendulum swing, and lets us see what life was like back then - through the eyes of a very young, precocious tomboy named Scout. All of the ills that plague our society are there... rape, prejudice, fear of the unknown, and just plain meanness. Ms. Lee confronts these ills, but leads you slowly through a gentile, scenic picture of Maycomb County, Alabama during the Great Depression. I was first introduced to this story by watching the movie on TV in the late 1960's and was fascinated with the story from the children's point of view. Later, when reading the novel in the 10th grade I realized that Ms. Lee had given us a compelling masterpiece dealing with crime, ignorance, prejudice, innocence, and community that stands out as one of the most enduring classics of the last century. Children were still allowed to be children back then. We follow the adventures of Scout, her older brother Jem, and their friend Dill until their adventures bring us into the rape trial of Tom Robinson, a black man being defended by her father. It is against the backdrop of the a 1930s rape trial that we are introduced to Atticus Finch, one of the best written father figures to ever spring from the mind of an author. His client is a black man accused of raping a white woman. It is through his relationship with his children that we experience the need to transcend social injustice with courage and compassion. The dialect of the characters, the colorful locals, and the rhythm and pace of the story is perfect. It is seasoned with humor, suspense, and some of the most wonderfully entertaining narrative prose I have ever read. I just re-read this book for the 15th time, and still highly recommend. Whether you're 15 or 95, To Kill A Mockingbird is still a sensational reading experience. After reading To Kill a Mockingbird you'll wish we had more people like Atticus Finch to make us feel safe and protected.
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