Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This review has been edited. Original post date is July 13, 2010. Thank you.

Title:	To Kill a Mockingbird
Author:	Harper Lee
Publisher:	Warner Books, Inc.; New York
Publication (Copyright):	1982 (1960)
ISBN:	0446310786
Genre:	Fiction, Historical Fiction
Format:	Mass Market Paperback; 281 pages Audiobook, unabridged; 12 hours, 11 CDs
My Rating:

The reference to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird as a "coming of age" novel is undoubtedly attributed to the ages of its narrator, Jean Louise "Scout" Finch (age 8), and her brother Jeremy "Jem" Finch (age 12). If these two were given today's "real age" test, however, they would both demonstrate far older than their years. Yet Lee still allowed them to possess an innocence that demonstrates their true ages. They have a loving and devoted father to thank for that.

Even though Atticus Finch allows his children to address him by his first name, he takes parenting seriously; and has equipped them with three very important character traits: respect for their fellow man, more respect for their elders, and the desire to explore. Their absorbent minds retain every pre-designed or impromptu lesson Atticus has ever taught them. These children listen; and when they encounter adverse situations, they rely solely on the wisdom he has shared with them.

As the District Attorney of Maycomb County, Alabama, Atticus is called on to represent the defendant in a challenging case. Tom Robinson is waging an uphill battle in his rape case alleged by a member of the county's lowest-regarded family. Jem and Scout continue to learn valuable life lessons, including that of distinguishing friend from foe, as they watch Atticus take on the hardships of representing a Negro client in mid-20th-century Maycomb County. The Robinson trial, and the days leading up and following it, form the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout's observance of the neighbors' actions and reactions to life in Maycomb, including curiousity about their neighbor, Boo Radley, all contribute to her and Jem's "coming of age."

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Opening Lines: "When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem's fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscius about his injury. His left arm was somewhat shorter than his right; when he stood or walked, the back of his hand was at right angles to his body, his thumb parallel to his thigh. He couldn't have cared less, so long as he could pass and punt. "

The plot centers around the daily meanderings of Scout and her protective big brother, Jem. Despite her strong will and readiness to come to blows to settle disputes, Jem looks out for Scout. And she listens to him—most of the time.

Many bloggers have stated they read TKaM in high school. Some have said it was required reading. It was not a part of our curriculum. On the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement, I'm not sure how I would've processed it at that time. But, now, after my first of more anticipated readings, I consider it a wonderfully-narrated classic—a view of our country through a different sector of the prism which is Harper Lee. As a child of that era, I'm familiar with the scenes depicted and the stories told. At times it was like reading a letter from home.

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird has been on my reading list for quite some time. My recent introduction to audiobooks coincides with the 50-year anniversary celebration taking place this month. After it appeared on several recommendation lists for audiobooks, I decided to read and listen. I would say the listening/reading was about 65/35. This book reminds me of a time when children could place all their trust in parents and the home was a safe haven to unravel the mysteries of life. That was the Finch household. There were also families that did not fit this ideal. Be prepared to read of famlilial abuse and racism among other human frailties.

This is my first review of an audiobook of any type. I can say that listening to fiction being read actually freed my mind to envision the characters and scenes being described—not unlike being read to when I was a child. The introductive and queuing down music at the beginning and end of each CD does just that. The producers employed a sort of lilting, leisurely tune that prepared me to hear about life in a simpler time.

I had to get used to being read to as I listened to Sissy Spacek narrate each character with skill and finesse. But it was her interpretation of Scout that impressed me most. Her delivery of the impressionable and adventurous yet obedient 8-year-old will stay with me for a long time.