User:Marxo Grouch/sandbox/To Kill a Mockingbird

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." Type: Southern gothic novel Published: July 11, 1960 Author: Harper Lee Pages 281 Next Book: Go Set a Watchman (actually a first draft)

To Kill a Mockingbird is a southern gothic novel written by Harper Lee (as one of only two books written in her lifetime) and published by J.B. Lippincott & Co.. It is a coming-of-age story that follows Scout Finch and her brother and father through the Great Depression in the town of Maycomb and other meaningful events in her life. The book was adapted into a film in 1962.

Why It Rocks

1. The plot is a coming of age story strung together by a series of interesting events. Highlight include Atticus's convincing defense of a black man in court and Boo Ridley saving the Finch children from Bob Ewell.
2. The novel depicts a hard truth about racism in the early 20th century, as Tom Robinson, an African-American, is convicted of attempted rape despite sufficient evidence proving him to be innocent.
3. The various themes are explored very deeply, such as social inequality, prejudice, and the coexistence of good and evil.
4. Deeply developed and interesting characters. Just to name a few examples:
   • Jean Louise "Scout" Finch is a young girl who is curious about the extremities of society and develops more sympathy and open mindedness through the trial of Tom Robinson.
   • Atticus Finch is a lawyer and a man of his words who provides a good upbringing for his children and a view of every scenario that is honest and truthful.
5. The novel teaches a positive moral about standing in someone else's shoes before judging them.
6. The themes of racism and oppression presented make this novel even more relevant to modern times, as those things are still prevalent in today's society.
7. The quotes are memorable and carry the novel's theme quite well, such as Atticus' insistence that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird and "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

Bad Qualities

1. The plot starts out unclear since it tends to get deep into certain events before changing course. The only clear plot at that time is the one revolving around Boo Radley.
2. TBA

Reception

The novel holds a 4.27 rating on Goodreads.

Trivia

• The events depicted in the novel are based on Harper Lee's own experiences.
• The novel has been translated into over 40 languages.

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