Books - To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Rate the book: 8

I had to read this book for school, and I'm guessing that I'm not the only one, so for anyone who wants to know what they're getting into; here's the rundown:

I'll start by saying that I was surprised it was actually decent. We've had to read a lot of bad stuff for school, but this one was an exception to the rule. While many people may find it a bot slow to start (as I did) it is well worth continuing. Set during the mid 1930's, it telles the story of Jem and Scout (Jean Louise) Finch, beginning with the more ordinary stuff, like what they do suring the summer when school's out, and how they get on with he other members of the community, including their father. As the book progresses, it takes on more serious issues, including the trial of a (now, I think this is politically correct) man of African-American lineage. As you may have guessed, the (often violent) predjudices of Americans in the early 1900's ensured that the case was frought with various tense political situations on both sides of the proverbial 'coin'. Anyway, though the case is (arguably) what made the book famous, it doesn't mean the Lee got his sales purely on subject material. This book is a very well written peice that explores many issues in a comprehensive and ultimatly interesting way. If you have to read it, be very glad it's not 'Coraline'.

---- reviewed by Rowan

Reading books for school often takes the fun out of them. Glad you enjoyed this. If you want to know more about Harper Lee, check out the article on her at Wikipedia.....Cheers, Maryanne (webgurl)