Book Reviews by Title

To Kill A Mockingbird

by Harper Lee
  • Five stars
    Read this book right now & tell all your friends!
    Maybe because I read this book for the Tom Robinson case, I found it to be a bit lengthy. A significant portion of the beginning was largely unrelated to the case, but it still is worth reading. It is an AMAZING book that is extremely relevant today, especially with current events and systematic racism that exists even in 2020, 60 years later. This book is a must-read.
    Suzan N. Grade 10
    07/31/2020
  • Four stars
    Put this on your must read list!
    Warning - SPOILER! To Kill A Mockingbird is an iconic American book by Harper Lee. You read this story through the eyes of Jean Louise Finch or Scout as called by her friends. She lives in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930’s and you see all the action in Scout’s life whether it be witnessing the trial of Tom Robinson or the life lessons she learns. She faces inequality and is forced into a stereotypical role of a girl by her aunt. Scout's mysterious next door neighbor Boo Radley is a man who is described as a “very creepy guy” and is a witness to everything that occurs within those two years described in the book. “To Kill A Mockingbird” focuses on four main ideas. The first idea is that you don’t really know how anyone feels until you’ve been in their shoes. The second is not to kill a mockingbird. The third lesson is to keep fighting even when you know something isn’t going to go your way. Lastly, is the lesson that life is very unfair. I felt that the story was weak in characters and could have been better if they had more depth into them and not just a black and white picture. I would have also enjoyed the story more if it had been more interesting throughout the book not just some of it, although the parts that were interesting were full of details and made me paint a picture. Note: This story does use racial slurs throughout the book. This book also includes topics about rape and assault. The story was especially strong in the area of plot. The plot is arguably one of the best plots I’ve ever read. I especially enjoyed the “flashback” part in the beginning. I was also really excited to see that Harper Lee didn’t hesitate to depict racial tension and sexism - she wasn’t afraid to talk about it. I was very captivated during the trial when cross-examining Mr. Ewell. [“Mr. Ewell, can you read and write?” “I most positively can.” “Will you write your name and show us?” “I most positively will. How do you think I sign my relief checks?” Mr. Ewell wrote his name. “What’s so interestin’?” he asked. “You’re left-handed, Mr. Ewell,” said Judge Taylor. Mr. Ewell got angry and didn’t see what being left-handed had to do with it. Mr. Gilmer asked him one more question. “About your writing with your left hand… are you ambidextrous, Mr. Ewell?” “I most positively am not, I can use one hand good as the other. One hand good as the other,” he added, glaring at the defense table. Jem got excited, “We’ve got him.”] Overall, this is an amazing book though it does have a few flaws like every book. The lessons learned in the book are amazing and I would rate this book at least a good 4.55 stars.
    SMG Grade 12
    06/20/2018
  • Three stars
    Give it a try, if you have the time.
    The author described the characters in the most simplest of ways. The manner in which Harper Lee did so, is well described and very minimal. The novel is told from the protagonist, Scout's, eyes. She throughly describes all actions that impact her life in just three years. It is very well written with realistic life impediments.
    Edgar V Grade 9
    06/07/2018
  • Four stars
    Put this on your must read list!
    This book has multiple opinions. This book takes place in Maycomb, Alabama. The main character is Scout and her older brother Jem live with their Dad. They live in a neiborhood that has a haunted house. The book is a mystery and an adventure with the three of the kids. Jem, Scout and Dill have traveled the town from coast to coast. this book is good for people who enjoy adventure books. The movie is a lot easier for understanding the concept of the story. Also suggested: The Martian
    Yosef Al Grade 9
    06/07/2018
  • Five stars
    Read this book right now & tell all your friends!
    This novel is an amazing story about a little white girl who struggles to fit in a racist town. She was taught from her father to never judge a man based on their skin color. Her father does what he can to support the black community despite their opposites in race. I highly recommend you read it. Also suggested: Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry
    Matthew M. 13
    07/06/2017
  • Five stars
    Read this book right now & tell all your friends!
    This story has its themes of race, justice and judgment, youth, morality and ethics, fear, women and femininity, family, compassion and forgiveness, and it's presented in a somewhat powerful way.
    Andrew H. 15
    06/27/2017
  • Three stars
    Give it a try, if you have the time.
    This book was very nicely crafted. There was always a deeper meaning behind every word said. However the language was a bit different and hard to understand for me as it is set in the 1930s. I believe that this is a great book for those who are looking for classic novels or historical fiction. It is based on one girl's real life and the events that occurred during it.
    Pooja B 13
    06/05/2017