Customer Reviews

To Kill A Mockingbird: 50th Anniversary Edition

5 star:		(849)
4 star:		(176)
3 star:		(41)
2 star:		(23)
1 star:		(36)

 

 

I bought it for my sister as she had never read it and I feel that it is a book that everyone should read at least once. I have read it many times and cried every time.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic. I tend to read a lot of modern fiction and don't pick up a classic too often. But I discovered that there is a reason this book is considered a classic. It is an absolute masterpiece. I loved the writing style of Harper Lee - it was simple and easy to read and yet so very powerful in its message. The struggle life in the south with the prevalent prejudices of the time of the blacks and whites living together in a small town is shown through the eyes of a young girl named Scout. Life is straight forward and simple to her and there are clear lines between what is right and wrong. The life lessons provided by her father, Atticus, still ring true today, decades later. There are so many lines from this book that will stay with me. It was powerful and meaningful. I strongly recommend it to anyone. Especially those who think it will be an old book and, therefore, difficult to read. It's well worth a reader's time to check it out.

Like many great novels, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a book to die for... This fictional novel was written in the era of racism, the infamous 1960s. Though written when racial discrimination was commonly accepted, it radically imposes the thought of tolerance. Scout Finch is an aggressive, non-effeminate, little girl always looking for adventures that lurks throughout Maycomb County. Scout's curiosity leads her brother and herself into trying to catch a glimpse of the mysterious, Boo Radley. Being discreet as possible, Boo leaves subtle clues and gifts for the two within a log tree. Atticus Finch, Scout and Jem's father, forbids them to continue bothering poor Boo Radley. After being assigned the attorney for Tom Robinson, a persecuted African-American for rape, Atticus is tied up with a perilous task which burdens his family from the town. Sought as the "nigger-lovers", Atticus preserves his moral composure and does resists from violence, as the innocence of Scout and Jem slowly deteriorates. Atticus's unique personality understands the world's good and evil due to his experiences. As the novel progresses, Scout and Jem learn to appreciate the good in people and sympathize for the bad. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, is a Pulitzer-winning book-and why? It continues to be a classic because it not only displays to everyone the rational and compassionate side of human-nature, but teaches one to appreciate humans from all aspects. Given as a gift, assigned for a class, or bought, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a piece of American history and should be read by anyone who enjoys literature at its finest. Of the three novels I've read for class lately (OF MICE AND MEN by Steinbeck and KATZENJAMMER by McCrae), this was my favorite. While I enjoyed the others, this one really has heart and will be around for a long time.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is one of my favorite books, the other being MY FRIEND LEONARD which should be a bestseller soon. The storyline is about a young girl, Scout, who is at the age of curiosity. She wants to learn about everything, and looks to her older brother Jem to help her learn the ways of life. It is about a father that is forced to raise his children alone, after losing his wife. Through many hardships, this family learns about respect, love, personal growth, and most importantly they learn life lessons. "You never really know a man till you walk a mile in his shoes", says Atticus, who is defending an innocent black man, who is being charged for the rape of a white girl. In the end the real truth comes out, to no avail. The story is also about friendship, found in Dill, a boy that brings excitement to these two young characters. The three quickly become friends and they explore, play, learn, and love one another.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a excellent high quality novel written by a great author. It's in the same vein as BARK OF THE DOGWOOD or McCuller's THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER. The book does a good job in painting a picture of historical America. The author does a fine work creating wonderful characters who seem stuck in an ever unfair world. The events in the novel cause one to think about what a cruel world this is and how our attitudes and behavior affect our children so deeply. Probably the best book ever written. If the characters of Jem, Scout, Atticus and even Zebo (the guy sent out to collect the dog) don't stay with you, then you need to check your pulse. It's hard to believe just how grea this little book is.

To Kill A Mockingbird is a powerful masterpiece at it's best. This classic tale was brought to life by Harper Lee in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961, and later became an Academy Award-Winning film. There are over 15 million copies in print with translations in forty languages. The story takes place in Alabama during the Depression, in the early 1900's. It is about a young girl, her brother Jem, and their lawyer father Atticus, who must teach his children the value of every human being, regardless of race. It is a life lesson that is taught not only to the characters in this book, but the reader as well. Harper Lee does a marvelous job allowing the reader to actually live the hatred, love, suspense and determination of this family to stand up for what they believe in. It is a test for them because in the days that To Kill A Mockingbird takes place, race issues were just coming to life, and the true lesson was yet to be learned.

The storyline is about a young girl, Scout, who is at the age of curiosity. She wants to learn about everything, and looks to her older brother Jem to help her learn the ways of life. It is about a father that is forced to raise his children alone, after losing his wife. Through many hardships, this family learns about respect, love, personal growth, and most importantly they learn life lessons. "You never really know a man till you walk a mile in his shoes", says Atticus, who is defending an innocent black man, who is being charged for the rape of a white girl. In the end the real truth comes out, to no avail. The story is also about friendship, found in Dill, a boy that brings excitement to these two young characters. The three quickly become friends and they explore, play, learn, and love one another.

The story is based on Scout Finch, Jem, Dill, Atticus Finch, and many others who bring this book to life. The Radleys, who live next door to the Finches, are a strange and curious family to say the least. Through determination, they all quickly learn the Radleys aren't as strange as they would appear. There is Aunt Alexandra, who is very much against everything that Atticus believes in, she moves in with her brother and tempers flare. The neighbor, Miss Stephanie Crawford nurtures the children and aides them in ways only a woman can, since they lack a mother figure. Culprina, the black housemaid who has been helping Atticus raise his children, also guides this family into a world of understanding. Through all the characters, you find a perfect puzzle, that without just one piece, it would crumble.

The meaning of this book really touches on all the problems that are still very real in this world today. It is a true life lesson for the reader, young and old alike. I don't believe anyone can read this classic and not walk away with something truly special....Love For All.

Also recommended: THE LOSERS' CLUB: Complete Restored Edition by Richard Perez

I really liked this book. It was very well written. The characters were well done and interesting and there was quite a bit going on in the plot despite the book's short length.

I really liked that the story began before the characters got involved in the main plot. I was able to get a sense of the characters lives before they were changed by the events in the book. The characters were all very well written, I really felt like I was sharing the experiences with them instead of just being a spectator. I thought Atticus' character may have been just a bit too perfect, but it didn't bother me that much.

I didn't have the really strong feelings about this book that I have seen from others, but I still think it is very good. And I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good, interesting story.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic by Harper Lee. The book narrates the story of a young girl named Jean Louise Finch, also called ¡°Scout¡±. Lee presented this book through the eyes of Jean Louise.
The story takes place in Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930¡¯s or so. The plot is about Scout¡¯s father, Atticus Finch (a lawyer), trying to defend Black suspect Tom Robinson for accused of raping a White girl in the Maycomb County of Alabama. The plot incorporates several issues that people were struggling during the time of the story, including racism, injustice, and prejudice. The entire novel circulates around Scout and her family. Many situational conflicts arise, from trying to make Boo Radley come out of seclusion to dealing with family and community difficulties.
Lee did a miraculous job of telling the story through the view of Scout. The characters were depicted hardly by their appearances, but by their personality traits, which showed advanced style in writing. The setting and the time periods had a great impact on the story, as people those days lived quite close to each other and knew their neighbors well. I was amazed how natural and realistic the characters were made. Scout and her older brother, Jeremy (also called Jem), reacted to situations exactly as many of the children now days would act. Almost every character in the story had a crucial role at some point of the story. The character development was beyond imagination. From Dill (Jem and Scout¡¯s best friend) coming to visit the Finch family in the summer, to Jem trying to make it past the Radley¡¯s gate, to Calpurnia (the house cook) scolding the children for not coming home, this piece of literature truly elaborated on pivotal character details. After reading this book, one would think he knows the characters quite well.
Overall, this was a fantastic novel to read and I was truly impressed with the quality of writing and development presented in this story by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird will truly be an American Literature classic for as long as it will be remembered.

The story is set during the great depression of the 1930's, in a small town in the southern United States. Scout and Jem Finch are the motherless children of a lawyer in the town of Maycomb, who spend their carefree summer days with their friend Dill. Their sunny-sweet world is turned upside down when their father is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who is accused of committing a terrible crime against a white woman. The children are exposed to the narrow-mindedness and hypocrisy of their community, and the discrimination faced by black Americans in their town.

This book is without a doubt my all-time favorite, and is easily endearing for many reasons. The characters are varied and colorful, from Ms. Maudie, the children's acid-tongued neighbor, to Miss Stephanie Crawford, the neighborhood gossip, from Mr. Avery, the pot-bellied gainsayer, to Arthur 'Boo' Radley, the mysterious recluse who lives in the 'haunted' house down the street. Above all, the most engaging characters are the children - innocent, sweet, mischievous and absolutely delightful.
The thing I liked most about this book was the flow and innocence of the narrative. The entire book is told as seen through the eyes of a young child, making the language straightforward and easy to comprehend. The style is bold and forthright, putting forward debatable issues with a candid frankness.
While it is a book with a serious theme and a solemn message, the book is interwoven with instances of carefree childishness and subtle comedy. The perfect balance of solemnity and pleasantry make this a hearty, wholesome book.
This book is both emotionally thought-provoking and educationally stimulating. As Harper Lee's first and only novel, To Kill A Mockingbird is a touching story of innocence and humanity that I believe everyone should read.

I just finished this book a few moments ago, and I am completely awed by this story. Harper Lee has done an excellent job bringing this 1930s Alabama childhood to life. I can see why To Kill a Mockingbird has won the Pulitzer Prize, garnered an Academy Award for the movie version, and ultimately become a timely classic enjoyed by many generations.

To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of two children, sister Scout and brother Jem, and their childhood during three years in the midst of the Great Depression. Scout and Jem spend most of their summers with their summer-neighbor, Dill, making up plays and spying on the town recluse, Boo Radley. During the school year (minus Dill, who goes back home to Mississippi), Scout finds herself in trouble one too many times and struggles with the concept of being a lady, especially when all she wants to do is wear overalls and beat up her classmates.

Then everything changes one fall.... Scout and Jem's father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer in their town of Maycomb, Alabama, is appointed to the defense of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman (although not of the highest caliber), Mayella Ewell. The fact of this case rocks the town of Maycomb, and with Scout and Jem feeling the brunt of their classmates ridicule when they realize Atticus is on Tom's side.

I was simply floored while reading this novel. I wasn't expecting a "classic" to be so readable. Now I know what I've been missing! To Kill a Mockingbird is a piece of our American history that depicts racism and prejudice, childhood innocence, and the perseverence of a man who risked it all to stand up for what he believed in. Wonderful portrayal and one I will read again.