I just finished the book, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. I had seen the movie several times growing up but had never read the book before. It has become one of those "best books I've ever read". I told Matt that I can hardly go back to reading some of the novels I've read lately because the writing quality is so poor in comparison to this book. I loved the fact that she used words that I rarely ever hear used....like how often do you hear someone use the word, "vapid"...so great.The problem now is, the lull after a really good book. This happens to me every time I read a novel that I have loved. I finish that last page and I wish it could just keep going. I am so sad when I open a new book and the characters from the last book aren't there. Am I completely weird? Because I miss the characters so much I can hardly begin a new book...partly because it seems rare to read a book where I love the characters so much. Like the last Ted Dekker book I read...I didn't like a single character in that book. I wouldn't have felt even a pang of remorse if someone had taken all the main characters out half way through the book and started with a new group of people...maybe they would have had some likable qualities. "To Kill a Mockingbird" definitely had very unlikable characters but the main characters were ones you wanted to root for.
If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. Very powerful and thought provoking.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." (Atticus Finch to his son Jem - chapter 11)
9 comments:
LOVE that book...way better than the movie!!
I loved "To Kill a Mockingbird"!! I had to read it in high school and because it was assigned, I decided I would hate it before I even began. It didn't take long for me to change my mind through. :)
So glad to hear I am not the only one who establishes some sort of connection with fictional characters!! But after spending weeks with them, going through the highs and lows of their life, how can you not?
I often find myself praying for the characters as I read. When I read Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion Series, I would find myself in tears as I prayed for the characters.
I LOVE that book too. It is a must-read for everyone, I think. A book that is actually a young-adult book but with similar themes and I think almost as powerful is Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor. It is my favorite book to teach- I'd teach it with my 7th/8th graders. I'd recommend reading it as well. It's definitely a lower reading level so will go fast, but really thought-provoking.
I'm so glad to know of others who have loved this book too! I feel a special bond with all of you today! :)
Kristy, thanks for the suggestion...I am always thankful for a good suggestion on a book. I will have to check that one out at the library!
oh and heather, I have definitely prayed for characters before too.
I'm the same way with good books. I haven't read that one yet, but I'll have to put it on my list. I also have been known to pray for characters, and whenever I read a book that takes place in a different country or area of the country, I always read it in the local accent. And sometimes I start talking in the accent as well!
Bek, I will have to borrow that book from you. I love the movie, so I will probably love the book too. Ihave been reading such serious books lately, and need a good fiction.
-Heidi
great review, bekah.
i miss you guys.
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