To Kill a Mockingbird

Rating:
Summary: It just isn't that great
Review: In recent years I have begun reading what everyone calls "The Classics". Books like War And Peace, Shakespeare and so on. So far, this is the only classic that I can't stand.

The first time I said this to my mother (who is one of the biggest fans of this book I've ever seen) she was of the opinion that I needed to read the analysis of the book and then I'd understand the true meaning of it. Well, even after that I still don't think it's so crash hot.

What I mean is that "TKAM" is sort of the "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Stairway To Heaven" of 20th century literature. I can read it, read about 10 analyses of it and then read critiques of the analyses and - despite having my vocabulary enriched with many long words - I'm still none the wiser about what all the fuss is about. Sure I now understand a lot more about the book but it just doesn't seem to be worth all the racket that everyone makes ("You're reading To Kill A Mockingbird? Lucky you! I LOVED that book" and so on).

So the book deals with racial prejudice in America's south early this century. So did Martin Luther King. So it deals with growing up in a 1-parent household. Big deal, I can name a good number of people who have done that as well.

I guess my main point against "To Kill A Mockingbird" is that it really doesn't offer anything new in relation to the stuff it deals with. I don't know whether that was neccessarily Harper Lee's intention when she wrote it, but that's definitely the way it's come out now that I read it.

Of course, the good thing about it being able to be interpreted in so many ways is that when you do an assignment on it you can. I had the "luck" to be told to do an oral as Atticus and then an essay comparing Atticus to Sir Thomas More in "A Man For All Seasons". I wouldn't be surprised if, had I done my oral in exactly the opposite way to that which I did, I would have got the same mark for it - if not higher for "bringing a new perspective to the study".

Don't get me wrong here - "TKAM" is a good book. Well written and so forth. The only problem is that it doesn't really leave you (r me at least) with a satisfied feeling after reading it.

If you really want this book then go ahead and buy it. I personally would save my money - but that's just me.

Rating:
Summary: A book that keeps your attention
Review: I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at this book. I suppose I read it years ago, in high school, but I don't recall it. My son has to read this book this summer, and I ordered it for him here. I was bored one afternoon and asked him if I could borrow his book so that I could check out what his summer reading assignment would be. Well, I sat on the porch most of the day reading and had a hard time putting the book down. It's wonderful for all ages....it has lessons that all of us can benefit from. Scout is a wonderful character, I can see why so many people name their children (Demi Moore) and their pets (my dentist) after her!

I recommend this book for anyone who is hesitant...who may have read it years ago and doesn't remember it well, or who didn't enjoy it then. You will appreciate it now. To Kill a Mockingbird is a wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: Boring? NOT A CHANCE!
Review: This book is one of the best books I've read in a VERY VERY long time. The truth is that when I had to read this bok it was so that I could write a book report. I was sure this book would be so boring. But then I started it and I read it in 2 days (I couldn't put it down!) To Kill a Mockingbird deliveers strong messages of conscience and the realization of how strongly racial prejudice is embedded in the hearts of some people. The book mainly tackled issues of discrimination , but you will be surprised at how NOT run-of-the-mill it is in comparison with other books of the same topic. The narration by Scout is perfect, the metaphors of Mr Raymond, Boo Radley and of course Tom Robinson as mockingbirds is pure genius. I really think everyone who has the ability to read should get this book.You will undoubtedly fall in love with it. And when you read it a second time the very first page suddenly becomes so much clearer!

Rating:
Summary: Funny, Haunting, Sad
Review: Told from the viewpoint of the girl, Scout, this story of a small-town lawyer who stands up for what is right is one of the most beautiful books ever written. Funny, haunting, sad, this is one of my favorite books; I have read it at at least five times and discovered something new and wonderful each time....

Rating:
Summary: A moving novel
Review: Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a must for everyone. The book's narrator, Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, is a tomboy from Maycomb, a "tired old town" deep in Southern tradition during the '30s. Although most of the novel depicts Scout's childhood, the last half of the novel connects with the beginning to tell a story that leaves everyone moved. Tom Robinson, a young, friendly black man, has been charged with the rape of a girl by a trashy and disrespected family, and Scout's father, Atticus, has been asked to defend Tom. The family's struggle through this trial and the life lessons learned by Scout make this book top-notch. If you haven't read it, buy it today- you can finish it in a weekend, but it will impact you for a lifetime.

Rating:
Summary: a classic for all ages
Review: i had no choice but to read this book for english class when i was 15. i fell in love with it. even now, being 19 and reading adult books, this will always remain the most treasured book in my personal library.

Rating:
Summary: It's a sin not to read this book
Review: This is the best book I have ever read. That's hard to say because I've read a lot of books. I never imagined I would enjoy a book we were assigned to read in school. I literally almost cried during some of the book. Right now we are supposed to be on chapter 17. I finished it - twice. This is a beautifully written book. The way the author can put all of this together in one little girl's mind is remarkable. Like the book says "It's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

Rating:
Summary: A Great Classic
Review: I am sure many people read this book, in High School I did since January we finished months later, the book on tape is good the reader, did a good job reading it. I liked this book I suggest you read this you'll like it.

Rating:
Summary: ahhhh!
Review: this is the best book i have ever read for school, and one of the best i've ever read for enjoyment

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: We had to read this book for school, and i was NOT looking forward to it. The class from last year had nothing but bad things to say about it. So I decided I would read a little bit just to keep up in our class discussions. Let me tell you, I was hooked! I couldn't put it down! To Kill a Mockingbird is the best book I have ever read!!