Extending Theme

Not to sound cheesy or lame but, To Kill a Mockingbird was different to me, compared to any other novel, I've read. This is the first book that I've really looked at and studied. The first book where it’s meant more than the rest. The book that transcends to have a greater meaning. It certainly wasn't my favorite book but, a book I will never forget. It will be the novel, that the meaning I will carry with me forever, if I don't forget by the end of the year!

To begin with, the book brought me back to the "good ol' days". The time when ice sandwiches from the ice cream truck and playing in the sun was all day long. When, you and your brother were friends, who played Pokémon together and the occasional Barbie doll, instead of fighting for time in the bathroom. Was this Harper Lee's intention? To bring back memories of the "good ol' days"? While tying in important messages about race, gender and poverty? Why even right this book? I think without this book in my life, would I be different? Will anyone I know turn out different? I don't think so. If this book is just suppose to bring back a memory, that’s why I bought a camera.

Through this whole unit of To Kill a Mockingbird, The one character that doesn't quite make sense is Atticus. Even though he was the most interesting character of the book, what was Harper Lee's idea behind him being a "hands off" parent? I assume by the way the author portrayed his siblings they grew up wealthy and high-society of Maycomb. Then why is he not continuing that pattern? He could go along with many people of Maycomb and discriminate against the blacks, but he doesn't. Why does Atticus never remarry? Was this, yet again another hidden message Lee had? Atticus was the most different father figure I've ever read about, he is, to this date, one of my favorite though.

What you all been waiting for.... why did the story mean to me?
I was again another story about racism. It had a good plot, with twists and turns, but I will never forget it. Its simplicity and easygoing nature was what struck me. It was the first book I really looked at, with a different perspective. I don't know what this book means to me. But, all I know from what characters have experienced is that the process of being truthful with yourself and accepting you as well as your neighbor makes you grow.