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YORK NOTES on Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird"
80 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 1981
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November 20, 2013To Kill A Mocking Bird was an icon book full of meanings and lessons especially at the time it was written. This novel covers huge issues such as racism, addiction, rape, and even death through the perspective of a young girl. From what what i understand this book is about scout learning life lessons and coming to understand the world.
To Kill A Mocking Bird is about growing up, the main character is named Scout Finch and is six when the book begins and eight at the end of the novel. The book is about what she learns about people, and life in the coarse of the two years the reader feels like they are apart of her life.
The story takes place in 1935 too 1938 in the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. We are introduced to the story of a small family consisting of the main character Scout, her brother Jem, her father Atticus Finch, and the children's care taker Calpernia. Atticus is a lawyer, but doesn't make much money because the clients he has are poor.
As we get to know the kids we find out that Scout is a tom boy who likes excitment, and Jem is the other brother who tries to mentor Scout but like Scout is curious and likes to play games. Shortly into the story we meet Dill a boy who stays next door for the summer and ends up being friends with the two, spending most of their time together.
This book is mainly based around four Lessons Scout learns throughout the book. The first lesson is putting yourself in someone else's shoes, which takes up most of the book. On the street the kids live on their is a old house where Arther Radley lives, but because he never goes outside the children paint a picture of him being a mean ugly old man. After a while of playing games involving the house the kids start finding gifts from later to be found out Boo/Arther Radley. Gradually over the year Scout and Jem realize that Boo is actually nice after a few incidents where he had helped them.
The second important lesson is not to kill a mocking bird which has a literary meaning of not to hurt someone who is defenseless or someone who has done no wrong doing. Which Atticus tells them when he gives them an air rifle to kill anything but mocking birds because they don't eat anyone's crops, and do nothing but sing and grace people with music.
The third lesson is too keep fighting even if you know you will lose. Atticus demonstrates this when he defends Tom Robinson a black man when he was convicted of raping a white woman named mayella Uell. Although Atticuss and the kids know he is innocent he is still convicted because of racism. This is the first part of the book when the kids are devastated at the injustice of life.
The fourth and most important lesson is that the world is unfair.
This is particularly shown when Tom was sent to jail for a crime someone committed. Bob ewel carries a grudge against Atticus for making a fool out of him and tries to kill Jem and Scout, but Boo Radley saves them and kills Bob first. This is when they really realize he is good and meet him to see he is a normal person.
This book was not my favorite but if you are into meaningful stories of life and historical fiction this book is for you. Although at the end I felt accomplished and was glad I read it.
To Kill A Mocking Bird is about growing up, the main character is named Scout Finch and is six when the book begins and eight at the end of the novel. The book is about what she learns about people, and life in the coarse of the two years the reader feels like they are apart of her life.
The story takes place in 1935 too 1938 in the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. We are introduced to the story of a small family consisting of the main character Scout, her brother Jem, her father Atticus Finch, and the children's care taker Calpernia. Atticus is a lawyer, but doesn't make much money because the clients he has are poor.
As we get to know the kids we find out that Scout is a tom boy who likes excitment, and Jem is the other brother who tries to mentor Scout but like Scout is curious and likes to play games. Shortly into the story we meet Dill a boy who stays next door for the summer and ends up being friends with the two, spending most of their time together.
This book is mainly based around four Lessons Scout learns throughout the book. The first lesson is putting yourself in someone else's shoes, which takes up most of the book. On the street the kids live on their is a old house where Arther Radley lives, but because he never goes outside the children paint a picture of him being a mean ugly old man. After a while of playing games involving the house the kids start finding gifts from later to be found out Boo/Arther Radley. Gradually over the year Scout and Jem realize that Boo is actually nice after a few incidents where he had helped them.
The second important lesson is not to kill a mocking bird which has a literary meaning of not to hurt someone who is defenseless or someone who has done no wrong doing. Which Atticus tells them when he gives them an air rifle to kill anything but mocking birds because they don't eat anyone's crops, and do nothing but sing and grace people with music.
The third lesson is too keep fighting even if you know you will lose. Atticus demonstrates this when he defends Tom Robinson a black man when he was convicted of raping a white woman named mayella Uell. Although Atticuss and the kids know he is innocent he is still convicted because of racism. This is the first part of the book when the kids are devastated at the injustice of life.
The fourth and most important lesson is that the world is unfair.
This is particularly shown when Tom was sent to jail for a crime someone committed. Bob ewel carries a grudge against Atticus for making a fool out of him and tries to kill Jem and Scout, but Boo Radley saves them and kills Bob first. This is when they really realize he is good and meet him to see he is a normal person.
This book was not my favorite but if you are into meaningful stories of life and historical fiction this book is for you. Although at the end I felt accomplished and was glad I read it.
November 8, 2013
This book was revolutionary, 40 years ago. The book is about large themes such as racism, addiction, death and rape. The reason for it's strong impact is because it is told through the perspective of young Scout Finch. Through her eyes, she witnesses many tings, and her honest questions and juvenile actions grants access to the larger themes of the novel. For me, I saw the book going through her life rater than seeing the themes later on in the book. From the games she played to her relations, I fell into a sense of pure fixation. I reread many chapters and I had the book again to fully understand. This Scout Finch is not the main character, it is her father. The later half of the story, and parts of the beginning completely revolves around Atticus Finch and his actions. His role in the controversial case of Tom Robinson creates tension and support in respective parts of Maycomb, Alabama.
Although this book is mainly focused on the case, before and after, there are many other key components. The mystery of "Boo" Radley and Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose's story are some of most favorite parts of the novel. I completely fell in love with the line "Shoot all the bluebirds you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." on page 104. Atticus tells his son that it is okay to kill the bluebirds that harm can create distress but only if you catch them doing so, however is wrong to kill the mockingbirds that have never done anything against them, which made music to enjoy. As I read the book, I learned how that one line becomes so critical. I didn't realize the relations the of that quote with the characters of the book until the first conflict.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it made me think, stay up late and learn. This book may change your way of thinking, and for the better.
Although this book is mainly focused on the case, before and after, there are many other key components. The mystery of "Boo" Radley and Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose's story are some of most favorite parts of the novel. I completely fell in love with the line "Shoot all the bluebirds you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." on page 104. Atticus tells his son that it is okay to kill the bluebirds that harm can create distress but only if you catch them doing so, however is wrong to kill the mockingbirds that have never done anything against them, which made music to enjoy. As I read the book, I learned how that one line becomes so critical. I didn't realize the relations the of that quote with the characters of the book until the first conflict.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it made me think, stay up late and learn. This book may change your way of thinking, and for the better.
May 28, 2023
The original book was written in uneducated white community dialect of the USA. Being an Indian with skills Indian and Br.English, I found it difficult understand this book. But, this help me to understand it.
July 10, 2019
The book is fairly good. I've mixed reviews for it. It is indeed full of morals but at a certain point of time I had to read the book even if I didn't want to. Though it's interesting enough. Atticus Finch was my favourite character throughout the novel . He is the kind of person we need now a days. I wished the court drama lasted long. Though there are my remarkable quotes mentioned throughout the book. My favourite quote was -" There are just some kind of men who - who're so busy worrying about the next world they've never learned to live in this one and you can look down the street and see the results." SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LINE. Well, the book indeed deserves a single read.
November 16, 2024
I reread this classic with one of children, and think I enjoyed it more the second (or third?) time around. The lessons, and writing are brilliant—and the message is still so timely. Love your neighbor, friends.
March 21, 2018
As every high schooler in America will tell you, To Kill a Mockingbird is a book which tells of the horrors of racism in the deep south. While it may seem as common knowledge that you shouldn’t kill a man just because he was born with black skin, To Kill a Mockingbird seems to have been a novel which has made many people question this claim. The reason behind this is that modern society no longer believes in common sense unless it was said by someone who was affected by an issues. Thus To Kill a Mockingbird is a truly irrelevant novel which has no relevance in modern society.
If you are writing a novel about racism you have numerous choices for a setting. You could choose apartheid in south africa, slavery in nearly any nation, or nazi germany. However, if you want to write a novel which polarizes america, you choose Montgomery, Alabama. The plot of this novel has near no originality with the classical case of a minority being given a false trial in a court of law. It also contains the stereotypical savior of the majority who is fighting on behalf of the minority. The only thing To Kill a Mockingbird has which is unique is the fact that is not written from the perspective of the messiah and also has a creep who lives next door.
From a thematic point of view, this novel shouldn’t even exist. The theme doesn’t contain a life changing truth, doesn’t challenge the modern status quo, and reinforces everyone's beliefs. If the only messages I get from a novel which was hailed as a artifact in literature is that I shouldn’t be racist, growing up is hard, and you should stand up for what you believe in, then this novel was the most overhyped waste of time to ever see the light of day.
Everything wrong with this novel could at least be forgiving if it was fun to read. Unsurprisingly, however, the novel makes the reader want to rip the book in half after every turned page. The slow paced nature of this novel, albeit representative of a court case trial, makes it near unbearable to read and enjoy. However, once completed, the reader will be rewarded with an unjustified sense of moral superiority having finished it much like how the characters in the book face an unjustified ending.
If you are writing a novel about racism you have numerous choices for a setting. You could choose apartheid in south africa, slavery in nearly any nation, or nazi germany. However, if you want to write a novel which polarizes america, you choose Montgomery, Alabama. The plot of this novel has near no originality with the classical case of a minority being given a false trial in a court of law. It also contains the stereotypical savior of the majority who is fighting on behalf of the minority. The only thing To Kill a Mockingbird has which is unique is the fact that is not written from the perspective of the messiah and also has a creep who lives next door.
From a thematic point of view, this novel shouldn’t even exist. The theme doesn’t contain a life changing truth, doesn’t challenge the modern status quo, and reinforces everyone's beliefs. If the only messages I get from a novel which was hailed as a artifact in literature is that I shouldn’t be racist, growing up is hard, and you should stand up for what you believe in, then this novel was the most overhyped waste of time to ever see the light of day.
Everything wrong with this novel could at least be forgiving if it was fun to read. Unsurprisingly, however, the novel makes the reader want to rip the book in half after every turned page. The slow paced nature of this novel, albeit representative of a court case trial, makes it near unbearable to read and enjoy. However, once completed, the reader will be rewarded with an unjustified sense of moral superiority having finished it much like how the characters in the book face an unjustified ending.
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September 17, 2013The Hunger Games is a science fiction novel released in 2008. It was written by Suzanne Collins. It is narriated by a young lady named Katniss Everdeen. This book can hold the attention of many audiences. The “Hunger Games” are an annual event in Panam. There is a selection of one boy and one girl aged 12–18 from each of the twelve districts . They select the children by randomly picking a name out of a hat. Yet, a the child’s name is put in every time the family is in need for assistance. So the more need from a family the more chance of their child being chose for the hunger games. The hunger games are televised and everyone in all the districts are required to watch. This is a way to keep the citizens at bay and behave all the rules set in place by the capital.
I chose this book because it interest me in how our world could be governed. It might be a little wonky but that is the intriguing part that makes it such a good read. I love science fiction books, they can just take your imagination away into another world that you really don't have to be connected to just enjoy the story. That is also the reason why I think it is a YA book. It really has an original idea with memorable characters with the detailed descriptions of the costumes and personalities. The thing that keep my attention was the fact it had such a great opening. It was fast moving into the exciting stuff. I am sure the young adults would agree that every book should just get to the point and give a small background story. We got things to do and people to see!
I chose this book because it interest me in how our world could be governed. It might be a little wonky but that is the intriguing part that makes it such a good read. I love science fiction books, they can just take your imagination away into another world that you really don't have to be connected to just enjoy the story. That is also the reason why I think it is a YA book. It really has an original idea with memorable characters with the detailed descriptions of the costumes and personalities. The thing that keep my attention was the fact it had such a great opening. It was fast moving into the exciting stuff. I am sure the young adults would agree that every book should just get to the point and give a small background story. We got things to do and people to see!
May 8, 2013
It is mainly about a young girl,named scout, growing up in Maycomb, Alabama. Her father was a lawyer, has taken a case of Tom Robinson. A man accused of raping Mayella Ewell. The whole story is told from Scouts perspective. Throughout the story Scout learns what it means to "walk a mile in someone else's shoes". She meets many people and discovers that you shouldn't judge others by their appearances.
The movie was really similar to the book. Although the director did leave out a few unnecessary scenes. Like when Jem destroys Mrs. Duboses' flowers, and as punishment he has to read to her. That is probably the most notable scene left out to me. Now back to the point; It was quite enthralling. I must admit, I did not picture Scout nor Dill like they had portrayed them. Other than those two, the director did an amazing job.
Personally this is fabulous book. It was a little hard to start at the beginning though. Once it got about 75 pages in, it started to capture my senses. This kept me going throughout the book. Sight and sound were the most powerful sources of imagery. I wish it would have appealed more to smell and touch. other than that, I liked it a lot. The way Harper Lee portrayed the scenes left a lot of gaps for your imagination to take over. If it's your kind of thing to imagine scenes, then this is the book for you.
The movie was really similar to the book. Although the director did leave out a few unnecessary scenes. Like when Jem destroys Mrs. Duboses' flowers, and as punishment he has to read to her. That is probably the most notable scene left out to me. Now back to the point; It was quite enthralling. I must admit, I did not picture Scout nor Dill like they had portrayed them. Other than those two, the director did an amazing job.
Personally this is fabulous book. It was a little hard to start at the beginning though. Once it got about 75 pages in, it started to capture my senses. This kept me going throughout the book. Sight and sound were the most powerful sources of imagery. I wish it would have appealed more to smell and touch. other than that, I liked it a lot. The way Harper Lee portrayed the scenes left a lot of gaps for your imagination to take over. If it's your kind of thing to imagine scenes, then this is the book for you.
September 8, 2013
The narrator's father, Atticus Finch, has served as a moral hero for many readers and as a model of integrity for lawyers. One critic explains the novel's impact by writing, "In the twentieth century, To Kill a Mockingbird is probably the most widely read book dealing with race in America, and its protagonist, Atticus Finch, the most enduring fictional image of racial heroism."
As a Southern Gothic novel and a Bildungsroman, the primary themes of To
Kill a Mockingbird involve racial injustice and the destruction of innocence. Scholars have noted that Lee also addresses issues of class, courage, compassion, and gender roles in the American Deep South. The book is widely taught in schools in English-speaking countries with lessons that emphasize tolerance and decry prejudice. Despite its themes, To Kill a Mockingbird has been subject to campaigns for removal from public classrooms, often challenged for its use of racial epithets.
This book overall didnt have a dull moment, although it started off a little slow at the beginning, it was all worth it at the end.I would recommend this book to anyone whose above the age of 14 to understand the racial profiling in the south during the 1930. Segregation was still in place and this book showed what happened through the perspective of a white family.
As a Southern Gothic novel and a Bildungsroman, the primary themes of To
Kill a Mockingbird involve racial injustice and the destruction of innocence. Scholars have noted that Lee also addresses issues of class, courage, compassion, and gender roles in the American Deep South. The book is widely taught in schools in English-speaking countries with lessons that emphasize tolerance and decry prejudice. Despite its themes, To Kill a Mockingbird has been subject to campaigns for removal from public classrooms, often challenged for its use of racial epithets.
This book overall didnt have a dull moment, although it started off a little slow at the beginning, it was all worth it at the end.I would recommend this book to anyone whose above the age of 14 to understand the racial profiling in the south during the 1930. Segregation was still in place and this book showed what happened through the perspective of a white family.
September 26, 2013
No doubt this is the one of the best books I have ever read. A beautiful and detailed description of a small town, its people and all the happenings from the innocent view of a small girl makes you praise the writer at every moment. There are various small components in the storyline which show a small beautiful world of their own but are ultimately linked together smartly and this gives a strong point to storyline. The major case in the story is about a white man's struggle against the ill happenings in his society against black people and how other whites discriminate them. Also the major component which makes this book a masterpiece are the depiction of sweet father-children relationship also the relationship among the children and their life at school and in neighborhood. These things are so well formed and graceful that you will enjoy reading its every instance.
March 12, 2013
"To kill a Mockingbird" is based in a racial, segregated Alabama town of Maycomb that has taken place in 1932-1935. In a white racism,segregated town Atticus decides to defend a man named Tom Robison accused of rapping a woman. But, because of his decision his kids Scout and Jem are impacted because of their father decision.The experience that I have developed by reading this book. It has opened my eyes to know how bad the blacks where treated. As for Atticus, not many whites liked him, because he was helping Tom Robison that is black defending him in court. At some parts of the book I did like it but at other parts in the book I didn't exactly know has where the lot is taken place in.
August 2, 2015
I saw the movie when I was much younger. Reading the book just proves how much more insight you get from a book than you can ever get in a movie.
While the book was an easy read and I enjoyed it, it was very difficult to read the words used to describe people. Makes you wonder how we would have lived our lives if we had lived in that time.
While the book was an easy read and I enjoyed it, it was very difficult to read the words used to describe people. Makes you wonder how we would have lived our lives if we had lived in that time.
October 4, 2013
A beautifully written book though some aspects could be incredibly dull and hard to read through. But a great classic either way. I highly recommend you read this book. Teaches you a lot about racism etc.
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July 17, 2012Great read. Life lessons for youth. Race relations discussion should follow this read.
August 8, 2013
Read the actual book but the search would not find the original. Read this at school and lived it just re read it and it is still an excellent thought provoking read!
August 14, 2019
To kill a mocking bird shows seriousness of races and their stereotype. Although this book was published in 1960, under the Jim Crow laws (1876~1965), 'to kill a mocking bird' was successful.
This book criticize races by children's point of view. At first, I didn't understand that the reason why author choose the title of 'mocking', but after all, I find out why. 'Mocking bird' is the bird which gives happiness and never gives a harm, however, it seems that author wrote it in the other point of view. Gives happiness without any harm, shortly, in order to criticize people who kills every innocent to people. (sometimes people hide the truth in order to hide the bad things.)
I really like the scene that children show their tears when they look their dad's charge in the court, and also get shocked when adult tries to hide the truth (although the men is innocent), since the author writes the point of view in children's very well.
This book criticize races by children's point of view. At first, I didn't understand that the reason why author choose the title of 'mocking', but after all, I find out why. 'Mocking bird' is the bird which gives happiness and never gives a harm, however, it seems that author wrote it in the other point of view. Gives happiness without any harm, shortly, in order to criticize people who kills every innocent to people. (sometimes people hide the truth in order to hide the bad things.)
I really like the scene that children show their tears when they look their dad's charge in the court, and also get shocked when adult tries to hide the truth (although the men is innocent), since the author writes the point of view in children's very well.
September 6, 2021
I don’t normally read fiction books, but I heard somewhere this was an impactful book to read. Having hearing mention of this striking title a number of times, my curiosity lead me to commit to its reading. I’m glad I did. The injustice and sadness felt was deep, with a beautiful childhood story threading together a number of themes.
I loved this book for many reasons. And it seems the echoing injustices of past are sadly still relevant today. I am informed, saddened and inspired by this writing. I thus recommend this book to all.
I loved this book for many reasons. And it seems the echoing injustices of past are sadly still relevant today. I am informed, saddened and inspired by this writing. I thus recommend this book to all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
Very excited to watch the movie and see how those tiny details were pictured and played in the prespective of a young girl ❤️
الاب وهو بيعلم ولاده وايلوبه كده بيفكرني بابا ❤️
رواية لطيفه للي حابب يقرا عن وجهة نظر الحياه والامور اللي، بتجري حوالين الشخص بس من وجهة نظر طفلة ٨ سنين المفروض انها شقية وفضوليه ونظرتها للظلم اللي،بيحصل حواليها وازاي كانت بتتعلم دروس مختلفه ف الحياه من باباها
الروايه مش مشوقه اوي بس تفاصيلها بالنسبه لفكرتها حلوه ولطيفة
الاب وهو بيعلم ولاده وايلوبه كده بيفكرني بابا ❤️
رواية لطيفه للي حابب يقرا عن وجهة نظر الحياه والامور اللي، بتجري حوالين الشخص بس من وجهة نظر طفلة ٨ سنين المفروض انها شقية وفضوليه ونظرتها للظلم اللي،بيحصل حواليها وازاي كانت بتتعلم دروس مختلفه ف الحياه من باباها
الروايه مش مشوقه اوي بس تفاصيلها بالنسبه لفكرتها حلوه ولطيفة
December 23, 2019
To Kill a Mocking-bird by Harper Lee.
This is my all time favourite novel. This is the novel that touched me in so many ways. The most important thing that it taught me is what Atticus (my all favourite written character) said to teach his daughter "'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view [...] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it''.
It is a beautiful masterpiece that every book lover should read.
This is my all time favourite novel. This is the novel that touched me in so many ways. The most important thing that it taught me is what Atticus (my all favourite written character) said to teach his daughter "'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view [...] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it''.
It is a beautiful masterpiece that every book lover should read.
September 5, 2017
I hate to be lazy, but I had to enter sooo many books at one time, that I didn't have time to review (or remember) all of them. I had been trying to keep track of them in a notebook. I remember this one, however, as it's been read better late than never. I might start to just review some books as a "must read". This is one of them..
September 19, 2017
I think that this book is a very insightful reminder of what racism was so we don't repeat history. this book follows the life of scout a young girl who's father, Atticus is any attorney. One day he is set to defend a black man on a highly one sided court case for the suspect and a very dumb accusation by the defendant that had so many holes in her story.
August 7, 2024
liked the book! was reading this book my freshman year of high school and never updated my account once finished! now a senior in college, and im just reviving my good reads account because i've been really into reading. cheers!
June 9, 2017
this book...It is so deep and meaningful. would HIGHLY recommend for all ages (above 12)
June 13, 2017
My all time favourites
June 22, 2017
one of the best books i have read, it brings perspective to everything we take for granted.
July 6, 2017
A close experience of the southern culture. Atticus is the role model every child deserves as a father. Scout is clever and curious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2017
This is a good example of a classic that has aged well. The issues implied and discussed throughout the story are still relevant today.
August 27, 2017
This book has a good message at the end but I did not like the rest of the book. You have to be a patient reader to like this book.
December 18, 2017
This book was so awesome. It was a great story and had a lot of details. Even for young people like me I totally recommend this book 📚
October 23, 2017
I don't understand why this is a banned book. this is a great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews