To Kill a Mockingbird
discussion
Is this book good? Or is it boring?
Hannah, you will find that when you read a book ten, fifteen, or twenty years later,it is not the same book. The book,of course, has not changed--same words, same characters. But you have changed and your perceptions are different. There are some books that you cannot really understand when you or 18 or 20. Once you have had kids, been married, been divorced, had a friend die--your whole view of the world and life changes.
David wrote: "Hannah, you will find that when you read a book ten, fifteen, or twenty years later,it is not the same book. The book,of course, has not changed--same words, same characters. But you have changed a..."David, that's a great point. (In fact, if I could "like" a comment, I would "like" that one.) Similarly, there are books that make a big impact on you in youth, but when you read them later, you think, "Wow! What did I ever see in this?"
Citra wrote: "It's one of the most boring books I've ever read. I don't know what's so good about it.Just because it's classic doesn't mean it's a masterpiece.
I regret reading it, waste of time."
YES, "Just because it's classic doesn't mean it's a masterpiece."
BUT, The book is a masterpiece and it becomes classic.
It's definitely fantastic work of the writer.
Thousands of song birds and a mockingbird is chosen as a symbol. Thousands of family name and Finch is taken as a main character. Amazing.
Definitely not boring. It's worth reading. If only a book you could read, you might consider it.
Certainly not boring! Its a great read and Harper Lee's writing stlye is elegant and it portrays an important time and place in our thinking in this country. I highly recommend you read it.
Hannah: Pick it up again and give it another try. I think you may be pleasantly surprised.
Richard wrote: "David wrote: "Hannah, you will find that when you read a book ten, fifteen, or twenty years later,it is not the same book. The book,of course, has not changed--same words, same characters. But you ..."You are so right Richard. The same is true of movies and music. Some of the works that impressed you in your youth pale as you mature. For example, I used to drink sweet wines; now, they would make me nauseous.
It's very good. You should read it. Whoever said it was boring, obviously doesn't read much, because there are a lot of boring books (I would know) and this isn't one of them. It's very interesting especially the history and culture of the time.
I had seen the movie (terrific), but had never read the book until I was in my early sixties. I thought, why did I wait so long? A Classic!
It is one of the best . . .
I personally didn't find the book boring, but I guess it depends on personal tastes, right? In any case, even if you find it boring, it's one of those books that you should at least try.
Sometimes the boring is not boring but the reader is.
I had to read this for school and I'm pretty sure I went into it with an open mind. I've always loved books, so I thought I could possibly enjoy this classic that the masses love or maybe it would change my way of thinking. But it didn't (and ask anyone in my class, I am the person most likely to enjoy this book). I found it kind of boring for the most part. I couldn't find much of a plot from one chapter to the next (except during the trial and at the end). It was just okay, not great or life-changing. Just okay. There were good points to it. The characters were amazingly complex and real. I particularly loved Atticus, Mayella, and Tom. The parts with a plot I really enjoyed. The trial was superb and I loved Atticus's eloquence. The end was great because you can see how Scout changed through the course of the novel in how she treats Arthur Radley. She would have treated him differently had she met him at the beginning of the novel. I can see how this book became a classic. I see why it's beloved. But I just didn't care for it. Not because I'm stupid or boring or simple. I don't know. And if you think you know, then stop being so superior and thinking you know everything.
Michelle wrote: "I had to read this for school and I'm pretty sure I went into it with an open mind. I've always loved books, so I thought I could possibly enjoy this classic that the masses love or maybe it would ..."Hi Michelle, I couldn't have put it better myself. There were parts of the book that were good and like you I can see why it's a classic novel but it really isn't my type of book either. Overall what we do have to remember is that it was written in a different era and therefore you should expect the language and style to be completely at odds with modern books.
This is a book that is not only endearing it is also extremely well written. AS told through the eyes of a child this nook IS the epitome of American Literature. My daughter read this book at 7 and saw the movie over and over again. The beauty of this book is that it touches on so many issues of the time but it still holds up today. Atticus Finch is still the greatest character penned and out of the mouth of my own child. "Mommy, this book is so sad and funny and it isn't about rape at all it's about racism, Atticus is a great daddy...And the scary guy turns out to be a really cool guy!"
Delaney wrote: "Ok, so is this book good? I heard it is, but I've also head it's the most boring book on the planet...Can someone shed some light on this book for me please?"This book is set in Mississippi in the early 20s or 30s (feel free to correct me on that), and one of the main themes is segregation. Right there, if you are interested in those topics, then this is a book for you. It's written from the perspective of a young boy, and pretty much talks about the normal drone of life in the above setting. The climax of the book is a court case. I don't usually like these types of stories because of the setting, but this book came across as very charming.
I read it originally because I HAD to as a "set novel" at school, even then I loved it and have read it several times since and still enjoy it.
The book is set in Alabama. It is an excellent book and is included in the English curricula in most high schools. There is a very good black-and-white movie adaptation of the novel by Harper Lee(Truman Capote's cousin) starring Gregory Peck.
I read it back in high school. And just like with Speak, it wasn't one of my top favorite reads as it was required reading. But it was decent enough. It was just kind of awkward doing it as a play too in class and seeing how many fellow white classmates were trying to keep from saying the N word so much while reading their lines.
Lily wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I had to read this for school and I'm pretty sure I went into it with an open mind. I've always loved books, so I thought I could possibly enjoy this classic that the masses love o..."I agree with you. Just because someone is younger does't mean that they are too young to enjoy a classic novel
The book is beautiful and slow going. The intention is to read a story with beautiful words not action. It is a wonderful read.
Some people don't care for that kind of book.
A wonderful work of art!
Read it high-school. It was good and memorable. I would also say the movie, was one of the better movies based on a book.
I read the book in high school and loved it. Re-read is again last year (I'm in my early 40's now) and loved it. One of my favorites.
this book is good if you like to reaffirm you position as anti-racist, but it's worthless apart from than that.
Maybe I'll try it again later. But right now I still have that horrid feeling of reading it in high school. It was shoved down my throat, and each page was analyzed. We did that with Dune when I read it for some literary study, but to me Dune had more to go on than TKAM. Now that's to me, and my opinion. Dune is my type of book and what I really love to read. TKAM is not, and even if I do try it, I feel I still won't enjoy it.
This is THE book I refer people to when they ask me as an English BA/MA student "What I should read?"...
Natalie wrote: "Maybe I'll try it again later. But right now I still have that horrid feeling of reading it in high school. It was shoved down my throat, and each page was analyzed. We did that with Dune when I re..."I've read Dune, too, and TKAM is a totally different style, totally different genre, totally different BOOK. I did not find TKAM to be the best out there, either. High-five! *yay*
I thought it was slow at times but the book in total was amazing. The characters were spectacular and the story never leaves you.
"Dune" is science fiction/fantasy while "To Kill A Mocking Bird" is fiction that could have been true. I read Dune for fun, but did not take it seriously. On the other hand, there are a number of books that deal with the enduring problem of race in America such a TKAMB and Alice Walker's "Meridian." Comparing "Dune" to "To Kill A Mocking Bird" is like comparing apples to oranges.
i read this book for my freshman english class, and i did not enjoy it. it may have had something to do with it being a requirement, but it was a coming-of-age story of a girl who had to about 8 years old at most. it did not appeal to me because it wasnt very easy to relate to. some parts i found just confusing and i really didnt get anything out of this book.
This book is wonderful
Delaney wrote: "Ok, so is this book good? I heard it is, but I've also head it's the most boring book on the planet...Can someone shed some light on this book for me please?"This is one of the best American books ever written in my opinion. Harper Lee captured the time period very well. Scout in today's society may seem like she is prejudiced, but she is a child and a product of her time, and through the journey of the book, she learns that everyone, no matter their ethnicity, is a human being, worthy of respect and basic human dignity. Her father is an excellent example of courage and love. It does take awhile to get into the book, but once you do, it's a wonderful read.
The beginning of the book is very slow, and will have you (at least me) wanting to quit reading it. When the actual action comes around though, it pulled the whole story together and made the first 2/3s whorth it. All and all, it was a very good book and, of course, the message is great. If you're patient enough to get through the beginning, TKAM is worth it in the end.
I read it last year for the first time. It was very good!
I've read this book too many times to count and very different ages in my life and that, I think, makes the difference for whether people think it is boring or not. If you give this book to a 7th grader (the age I was when I first read it) and they are also reading things like The Hunger Games (which I read as an adult and loved), they might find it boring -- though I loved it the first time around. The 2nd time I read it, in my early 20s, I finally started seeing a bunch of the humor in the writing, and I found myself laughing out loud. I also cried even harder at the end of the book than I did as a 7th grader because I think you realize how hugely important what happens to Tom Robinson is. I've since read it several more times, have seen the movie numerous times (I actually think it's the best adaptation of a book I've ever seen), and it is a go-to book for me when I find myself home with nothing new to read. Absolutely brilliant writing actually!
If you have a weak spot for classics and enjoy a good story with an interesting message than I think you'll really enjoy this book.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is, hands down, the definitive classic of American literature. Even if it isn't your cup of tea, it deserves to be read by you.Yes, you. I'm talking to you.
Try the book. It is one of the best books ever. It's a shame Harper Lee never wrote another book.After you finishe the book, watch the movie. Gregory Peck cited it as his best role.
Sophie wrote: "Try the book. It is one of the best books ever. It's a shame Harper Lee never wrote another book.After you finishe the book, watch the movie. Gregory Peck cited it as his best role."
And then, after you've read the book and watched the movie, go and rent the documentary HEY BOO: HARPER LEE AND TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. It's so magical it'll bring happy tears to your eyes.
That this question is even asked suggests some serious holes in our cultural education in this country. Yes, it's a great book...no, it's not fast action like a video game. If you have a two second attention span, look elsewhere or maybe you should give up reading altogether.
I actually wouldn't know. I need to reread it... I read it in high school and my English teacher was sooooooo hot.
Zomg its like so totally boring that's why like old boring people make you read it! It's like total useless junk that like no one cares about! Omg like this shit happened two thousand years ago and racism doesn't exist anymore so like there's no point! ^Yes, there are people that actually think/talk like that.
Sophie wrote: "Try the book. It is one of the best books ever. It's a shame Harper Lee never wrote another book.After you finishe the book, watch the movie. Gregory Peck cited it as his best role."
I actually thought the movie was more interesting than the book. They left out some parts of the book, though.
Catherine wrote: "If you can plow through the the first chapter when they introduce every family member they ever had, you will love the rest of the book. Is it one of my all time favorite books!"I agree. The background is slow going but the book is superb. If only all children received the messages on tolerance and not judging others the world would be a better place. Exceptional book!
Read it and see - but let me just say this...there is a reason why it is repeatedly on the Best Books of All-Time lists - it's one of the best "coming-of-age" books ever written.
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Good point. Scout is the age when her father is perfect. Teens are shocked when they learn that their parents are human, too. Eventually, they get over it.