To Kill a Mocking Bird

“It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird because they don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy.”  

I am reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This book revolves around themes of racism, elitism, moral integrity, empathy, and coming of age. I bought the hardbound illustrated edition.  

This book taught me how to put myself in another person’s shoes and truly understand their perspective before taking a stand. It’s easy to create our own justifications, but the other person will have their own reasons for acting in a particular way. When we put ourselves in their place, we gain understanding.  

Coming back to the story, when Tom Robinson is accused of a crime, Atticus defends this black man in court, even though the entire town questions and condemns him. Eventually the jury finds him guilty even though he isn’t. 

This book is a testament to courage and standing up for what is right, rather than going wherever the wind blows, following the town’s opinion. It also shines the light on a wide demographic and their perspective, on this issue.

The novel may have old-fashioned language and be a tough read, but get the illustrated edition and definitely give it a go.