The book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a judgemental, but eye opening kind of  story. I honestly love it. It has a lengthy beginning, but as soon as the action starts, it doesn’t stop until the very end. I didn’t want to put the book down.  I also like it because you learn everyone is different, but in their own way, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  No matter how much others criticize you.

First, we have Scout Finch who is the narrator of the story. She tells her story from the outlook she has as an adult, reflecting on the different lessons she learned from the different experiences she went through as a child. The story starts out with Scout as a young girl, with several tomboyish characteristics.  Throughout the entire story, Scout tries to act and dress more like a young lady, to please her Aunt Alexandra. Her aunt couldn’t accept the fact that Scout wasn’t like every other girl. I really don’t think its right to criticize someone on the way they act or the they dress. It’s their life, they get to make their own choices. It’s not like its affecting or harming anyone else. All that matters is if they are happy with themselves and the life they’re living. Scout eventually realizes it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, she’s happy with her life the way it is.

Their housekeeper, Calpurnia, took Scout and her brother Jem to a colored church. Aunt Alexandra was not happy whatsoever. She tried convincing the childrens’ father, Atticus Finch to get rid of Calpurnia just because she’s indifferent. Atticus wasn’t getting rid of her anytime soon. There’s another something right there. There is nothing wrong about Calpurnia being black; she took the kids to that church so they will be comfortable being around the different kinds of people. This is something a lot of kids need now a days. Yeah, it has gotten better now that blacks are allowed in public places, and are for the most part treated equally. Just think about how difficult it was for kids to do that back in the old days, when they were never taught to accept people as they come. People in the past, present, and future all need to realize; we are all the same people. Scout realizes again it’s completely fine to be different that others, in different ways. We’re never going to be exactly the same.

A court case involving Mayella Ewell, Bob Ewell, and Tom Robinson just keeps going downhill. Judge Taylor told Atticus he was the lawyer needed for this type of case. Atticus immediately took the opportunity and agreed to take the case. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, or turn out well. Everyone thinks Tom Robinson is guilty, just because of his color. Atticus, being Tom’s lawyer, fought until the end to prove him innocent. Back in the day, a white man’s word would always beat a black mans. Tom was actually a nice, polite, and caring human being. After Judge Taylor told Atticus this was his case, he fought till he couldn't anymore. He knew what really happened, he knew Tom was innocent. He fought, until there was nothing else to talk about.  It’s still the same way now a days. Not because of color; because of he said she said. You never know what to believe.  No one is trustworthy, it’s always about getting someone else in trouble because you're upset with them, or you didn't give them what they wanted. This is one of the many lessons she learned as a kid, she learned you never just listen to one person, you have to hear both sides, and actually look into the situation before coming to a conclusion. Just because they said Tom raped yet beat Mayella, it wasn’t true. You will eventually find out who the real criminal was in this case; if you read the story.


At a point in the story, Atticus says, “‘Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird’” (Lee 119). This quote wraps up the majority of the story.  Blue jays are a more common type of bird. Just like we have our “normal” people. Mockingbirds, are a more unique and less common type. Just like we have those types of people that are a lot more different from others and or quiet, or as people say “weird.” Sometimes, when we lose someone that wasn’t just like everyone else, it’s more sad because that person wasn’t afraid to be themselves. They weren’t scared to live live and have fun like they are suppose too. Everyone needs to be able to express themselves in any way they want, and they should be comfortable doing it. Scout did a excellent job explaining her experiences with criticism and discrimination.