Book Review: to Kill a Mockingbird

Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

The story opens on a solemn Scout and her brother Jem reflecting on their childhood. As scout begins to recount her childhood, it’s immediately apparent how different post Great Depression Maycomb Alabama is from present day Orem Utah. Rather than texting or watching movies, the kids entertain themselves by reenacting their favorite stories in the backyard with their friend Dil.

It’s immediately apparent that Scout is a very clever girl for her age – reading fluently and writing in cursive much before her peers. As such, Scout always has a unique and enlightening perspective, and yet she still displays some naïve behaviors. After seeming so mature, she still indulges in Dil’s crazy stories and enjoying childlike games and horseplay.

The story starts to heat up when a schoolyard scuffle causes Scout to learn that her lawyer father is defending a black man. At that day and age, this was a wildly unpopular position. I find it very admirable that Atticus is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even though he is vastly criticized for doing so. It’s easy to look back today and see that Atticus was in the right defending Tom Robinson and that racism is just plain wrong – its funny how opinions can change so drastically in 60 years.

I find the book interesting in that Scout is merely an observer to the main plotline of Tom Robinson’s trial. It seems like traditionally, the story would be told from Atticus’s point of view. Scout, with her unique and naïve perspective forms her own opinions on the case. The way Atticus raised Scout, by supporting her creativity and embracing her individuality, really nourished her growth to not fall into the popular opinion of racism.