may the mockingbirds be with you

            It’s funny how many books I disliked in high school. I mean, most of them I would have probably enjoyed if I didn’t have to overanalyze and memorize what were in my opinion, superfluous details. In all fairness, it’s a lot harder to enjoy a book when you know in the coming weeks you will be subject to pop quizzes and some sort of summative examination. Aside, I remember To Kill A Mockingbird, as one of the few books school didn’t ruin for me. Before reading it a second time, I couldn’t tell you much about the plot. I remember the character of Atticus made quite an impression on me- I just couldn’t remember why that was. Also, my incredible freshman English teacher made the book entertaining. I remember how our class would erupt in laughter whenever he would read passages from the novel in his fake southern accent. He insisted that he make our experience as authentic as possible, and encouraged us to use southern accents when reading it ourselves. You can bet the voices of the characters in my head had some thick southern drawls both times around.

            My experience reading the book a second time was just as enjoyable as the first. It felt like watching a movie you hadn’t seen a while but remember liking. With each tale of Scout and Jem’s adventures, I began to remember different aspects of the novel. How could I have forgotten about the infamous Boo Radley? It’s hard to not be interested in a “cat-eating” monster of a man that lurks around the town of Maycomb at night. I found myself rushing through the pages of part one to learn more and more about this character. I couldn’t wait for him to reveal himself. Yes, it took me a while to remember that that was the grand finale of the book. Still, I felt as if I was in the same situation as Scout and Jem. I wanted to know this seemingly strange man.  Still, Boo’s true identity may actually be even cooler than his reputation. He is a protector of the innocent whose loving heart became apparent when his children were put in danger. While he may not be comfortable coming out of his home, he did so when he was needed most.

            Also, how could I have forgotten about the great Atticus Finch? First, I had completely forgotten about the scene with the rabid dog. In all honesty, the scene didn’t do much for my opinion of Atticus. I just remember thinking how cool it would have been to witness. I see Atticus standing resolute, this may seem dramatic but he appears somewhat majestic. Perfectly calm, Atticus fires a single shot into the dog stopping instantly. Aside from the action, there’s something truly admirable about Atticus’s character. I love how he not only stands for what he believes in, but refuses to retaliate against those who mistreat him. Atticus’s life reflects Matthew 5:44. He is the moral standard of Maycomb, and the hope that no matter how racist, intolerant, or whatever the town might become, there is still a person who stands firm behind what they know is right.

          Of course I can’t leave out our beloved Scout and Jem. I think it’d be incredibly hard for any person to not be able to relate with their coming-of-age story. All children at some point have to deal with injustice in the world. In Scout and Jem’s case, their innocence takes an incredible hit over the course of the Tom Robinson trial. They are subjected to bullying by kids in their school,for their father’s actions, not their own. They see a court convict an obviously guilty man, who eventually is killed. Finally, they experience an attack that almost took their lives. No act Scout and Jem committed merited such injustice. In fact, their actions to support what they knew was right only led to them realizing that doing what’s right doesn’t always make your life any easier or fairer. Life doesn’t always uplift the good and punish the bad. We all come to terms with the injustice inescapable in the world we live in.

            To Kill A Mocking Bird is a fantastic book. I’m not very much of a reader, but I can’t deny enjoying every bit of my experience with this book both times. The story is timeless with action, adventure, mystery- It’s kind of like Star Wars. May the Mockingbirds be with you!