A Mocking Bird - Book Report #2

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On my day traveling from Madison to Myrtle Beach; Scout, Jem. Dill, Atticus, and Calpurnia kept me company.

It's one of five books I resolved to read during 2023.  The 281 pages (323 when converted to Kindle) provided an interesting and at times, uncomfortable look at 1933 to 1935 in Maycomb, Alabama.

Atticus Finch is a widower raising a son and daughter who was strongly influenced by her big brother.  It's a journey into learning about people who live with and around us but people with whom we don't connect.

As you likely know, Atticus is a country lawyer trying to do the right thing in law, at home, and for Maycomb.  It's a lonely road for the Finch family.

The language is tough but accurate in a community that functioned with two groups of people who operate together and far apart.

It drove home the fact that, as a country we haven't progressed as far as we'd like.  The trial of Tom Robinson doesn't seem all that foreign.  Atticus is the primary 'hero' of the book, yet it borders on making him a 'white savior' for the African Americans living in the Alabama community.

I'm not sure how I missed this book in high school, I suppose taking classes like Major British Authors will do that.  While difficult, it's an important read and thought-provoking. 

If a current author put a 2020's spin on it, I'd like to know more about Calpurnia, the maid and nanny for the Finch kids, who deserves attention.  Her ability to navigate through the real and imaginary red-lines in her life and community is impressive as is her ability to assist Mr. Finch and be a substitute mother for Jem and Scout.  

The story, told by Scout (character's real name is Jean Louise) made me want to ask them in 2023 about their mysterious neighbors, how they were influenced by Calpurnia and Atticus, and what they might do different today.

If you haven't read it in a while or ever... I recommend it.