General
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is one of those books they make you read in school, but it’s actually really good. It’s set in the 1930s and shows how unfair life could be back then, especially when it came to racism and class. Even though it was written decades ago, it still feels relevant today because some of the issues haven’t gone away.
The story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a little girl who’s curious and kind of fearless. Her dad, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer and probably one of the best fictional dads ever. He’s calm, wise, and stands up for what’s right, even when the whole town is against him. Watching how much he cares about justice and teaching his kids the right values is inspiring.
The plot revolves around a trial where Atticus defends a Black man, Tom Robinson, who’s accused of assaulting a white woman. Even though it’s obvious Tom is innocent, the way people react shows how messed up things were back then. It’s frustrating but also really eye-opening. You can’t help but feel angry at the unfairness of it all, but it also makes you think about how far society has come—and how far we still have to go.
How I felt
What I liked most about the book was how real it felt. The characters aren’t perfect, but that’s what makes them relatable. Scout and her brother Jem learn a lot about growing up, and you feel like you’re right there with them. Boo Radley, their mysterious neighbor, is another interesting part of the story. At first, the kids think he’s some kind of scary monster, but by the end, they realize he’s just a quiet, kind person who’s been misunderstood. It’s a reminder not to judge people based on rumors or appearances.
One thing I didn’t expect was how funny some parts are. Even with all the heavy stuff, there’s humor and moments that make you smile. It’s a good balance that keeps the book from being too depressing. For example, the way Scout talks about her teacher or how she’s always getting into trouble is pretty entertaining.
Writing
The writing itself is simple but powerful. Harper Lee doesn’t need fancy words to get her point across, which makes the book easy to read but still really meaningful. The themes of justice, empathy, and standing up for what’s right are so well done that they stick with you long after you’ve finished the book.
Overall
Overall, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a must-read. It’s not just about history or racism; it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. It also shows how important it is to try to see the world from someone else’s perspective. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on something powerful and timeless. This book isn’t just a classic because teachers say so—it’s a classic because it genuinely deserves to be.
