Review: To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Date read: 3 – 14 April 2018.
I got this book during a bookstore promotion. I have been meaning to read this classic and now I have finally got the opportunity.
Usual warning applies, spoilers ahead. Although… for this book, even if you knew the plot or how things turns out, you could always enjoy it. That’s how much entertaining this book is. At least for me.
My notes:
- Atticus is always right.
I don’t know how he does it. He is a role model for parents. I wish I could follow his way someday if I have kids (which I doubt gonna happen :P). Nowadays there are so many parenting advice available, people preaching over their social media and even though the points they are highlighting are right but the tones.. dear God, so condescending. Atticus set an example simply by doing and did not go around telling other people how to raise their kids. - The Rest of Us Just Live Here
At some point of this book, I was afraid that I would not like it. We are peeping the lives of Maycomb people through a little girl’s eyes. A very smart girl but still a kid nonetheless and it limits us only to glimpses about the meaty case in the background. I was afraid that it would end up like a book by Patrick Ness, The Rest of Us Just Live Here, which tells the stories in similar way but does it from the first page to last without ever telling us what the hot event in the background once. It was a newer book but I have read that one first. I rated Patrick Ness’ book as 5 but it’s not a writing style that I’d like to read twice in 5 or maybe 20 years. Fortunately with To Kill a Mockingbird, as pages goes by, it gets better, we are getting a good seat in the court, and we have the luxury to fully understand what is going on. - Well maybe…
When I said ‘fully understand’, it comes with the little stars that are terms and conditions. For me, it was having internet and previous readers with all their questions (and answers!) and buddy read (read this book together with a good friend of mine). The limited perception, especially the end part of this book, sometimes gave me a blurry scene and I needed to consult both internet and friend for confirmation. It’s not a bad thing because a) the portion is good. If it’s too much I think I would get lost. b) Scout is a wonderful narrator. She is sincere, intelligent, and can think for herself. - People of Maycomb
They are perfect, not in a sense that they are successful, beautiful, kind-hearted, and all of the good adjectives people. They are perfect for the story. They are so perfect that I wanted to hate them but I can’t. They are instruments that makes this story sings. They are the one of many reasons why I close this book with a satisfying sigh. - The other reasons
I applaud the courage to bring up racial issue that was still happening in the time of publication. (Yes, the fight is not over yet but our days are clearly better than the 1960s and before). Perhaps it is wise to choose telling the story from a child’s perspective because they are still pure.
I laughed so many times reading this book, I got my heart broken when Dill cried at the court (what a gentle soul), I admired Jem, Atticus, and Cal, I was entertained again and again by Scout’s dictions and determinations. I was glad she was brought up so well that in the end she reminded her father not to kill a mockingbird.
Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.