Every once in awhile, To Kill A Mockingbird would enter the topic of conversation with my friends, and while they all read it in English class as high school underclassmen, I have never even entertained the thought of reading it. It was my favorite English teacher's favorite, and I've heard the overwhelming praises for this classic from practically everyone. So I decided to just hunker down and read the darn thing.
I am so glad I did. This book just reminded me how important and essential it was to hold on to the child-like view of the world for as long as you possibly can. It just magnified the fact that society, now and then, shapes people in the most horrid ways. When we entered this world, we had no idea of the supposed "societal difference" between the races. We were completely ignorant to the "effects" of one's economic status to one's social standing. It didn't matter what your last name was. Back then, you looked at everyone in the same light, because people were people - no matter their differences. But this book just highlights the absurdity of it all, and the horrific consequences that this school of thought causes.
Once, a friend told me that "Atticus is a bad ass mother fucker." And after reading this book, I have to agree wholeheartedly with that statement. Not only was Atticus brave, but he is also intelligent, honest, and kind. The fact that he was a lawyer just made him more awesome in my eyes. But I think the most important thing was that Atticus was a phenomenal parent. Not in the traditional sense, but he gave his children very important life lessons and life values that I only hope to impart on my children when I become a parent.
I'm probably the last person on the planet to have read this book, but if you haven't yet, I highly urge you do. It's fantastic. They have a movie version too! But, don't be that person who cheaps out and just watches the film without reading the book. The book is always better than the film adaptation. For this book, it's worth the read.
I made a pact with myself that I will read as many books as I possibly can this summer, so expect lots of Book Clubs in the coming future. :)
