It is great, once in awhile, to return to the classics. There is definitely a reason why a book becomes a “classic” and this book is the perfect example of this. It is actually tragic that Harper Lee never wrote any other book — although I guess when you win the Pulitzer, there’s too much expectation and therefore pressure to write anything further. I’d certainly be intimidated…
But back to this book. Bottom line… if you’ve never read this book (and even if you’ve seen the movie), this is an absolutely must-read. It is a simply-told, but deeply emotional story of Scout, a young girl growing up in a small town in Alabama in the 1930’s, who watches her father get involved in defending a black man accused of raping a white girl. Her father, Atticus, one of the most understated, yet bravest fictional characters of all time, in my opinion. He is both gently honest and honorable, and in a time when black and white were hideously divided, he was ethically colorblind. Furthermore, Atticus showed his children (both Scout and her older brother, Jem) not only that anyone of any color mattered, but also those who were outcasts but did no one else any wrong, also mattered. And his children learned by his example, as seen in particular, by the subtle development of Jem.
This book is sheer excellence. I am so glad I read it again. Do yourself a favor and do the same!
kindread spirits 