Read all the books you want, but it's a sin to miss this... (To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee)

Member Name: jwebb5

Product:	To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
Date:	12/05/09 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Highly enjoyable, phenomenally written, deep meanings and messages and great fun

Disadvantages: You may never read anything as good again...

With almost everything in the world, there is one object or brand in particular that is synonymous with the genre. When someone mentions sunglasses, you instantly think Ray Ban Aviators. Should the topic of fast cars come up, most people will be powerless to stop the famous prancing horse of Ferrari popping into their mind. It's an iPod, not an MP3 player; a PlayStation, not a games console. With almost everything on this Earth, there is a definitive version, and usually, there's a very good reason - the definitive version is the best.

'To Kill a Mockingbird' has as good a claim as any other tale as being the definitive novel. Harper Lee has created a masterpiece that few other books could even hope to compare to. It's certainly one of the best crafted, thought provoking stories I've ever read, and it's not one I'm likely to forget.

The tale is told from the point of view of Scout Finch, living in Maycomb County, Alabama, with her brother Jem, and their father, Atticus, a lawyer and a saint. It is set in the early 60's (I assume, as this is when it was written, and I can't think of any pointers to suggest otherwise), and follows Scout over her first three years of education. 'To Kill A Mockingbird' basically shows Scout as she grows up; from playing all summer with her brother, and their friend Dill; to trying to tempt the next-door recluse, Boo Radley, from the confines of his seemingly evil house; to the pivotal event - her father's controversial defense of a black man accused of raping a white girl.

I don't want to ruin what is one of the richest plots you could hope to come across, so I'll try to steer clear of telling you what actually happens. Rest assured though, the plot is incredibly strong, and is guaranteed to divide opinion. 'To Kill A Mockingbird' captures a unique snapshot of 60's Southern America, and while the lifestyle at times seems wonderfully charming, the actions and circumstances which arise throughout are far less desirable - something strengthened by the unblemished innocence of the 8 year old narrator.

Scout Finch is the real reason this book is such genius. The fantastic contrast between a child and the vicious prejudice, crimes and moral issues which arise throughout the book is nothing short of inspired. It seems to take a child's view to really show the pointlessness of so many problems that still exist today. The writing style is wonderfully endearing and really helps to draw you in, and the occasional misunderstandings are often hilarious. Scout is undeniably loveable, and is the perfect way to portray the serious messages covered by the book.

And they are serious issues, many of which are still relevant today. Despite the thought provoking nature of the book, it's brilliantly readable, never getting bogged down, and you won't be able to stop reading. It's testament to the quality of the writing that this book is almost 50 years old, but reads like a modern novel. The ideas and issues are always the bread and butter of a novel, but the execution of them here is truly outstanding.

'To Kill A Mockingbird' should be compulsory reading, for three main reasons. Firstly, the issues presented should not be ignored, are still highly relevant, and the manner in which they are approached will almost certainly cause you to think, and will most likely change the way you view the world. Second, this is a writing masterclass. Every character plays a part and is well rounded and interesting; you wish you could experience Maycomb County for yourself, always the sign of a good setting; the writing style is both effective in conveying the ideas of the book, and in keeping you hooked; and you'll want to read it again and again. Finally, it's great fun to read - the sort of book that could turn anyone into an avid reader. As an experience, few other books come close.

So, there is a good reason that 'To Kill A Mockingbird' is, for many, the definitive novel. The plot is well designed and constantly gripping; the execution of the novel is absolutely stunning - few other books are written this well; and the moral messages that you take from the book will stay with you a long time, and should make everyone think. It is a very deep book, and you could read it several times and still see new things, but it never becomes hard work - perhaps Lee's greatest achievement. Scout Finch will draw you into her world, and take you on a fascinating, unmissable, and deeply enjoyable ride. Everybody should read this - it would be a sin not to...

Summary: Outstandingly good