To Kill A Mockingbird

Title: To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Ages: 15 and up (Even though the reading level is more for ages 12 and up, the thematic material is more geared towards older teens.  In my opinion, the younger you read this book, the less you will enjoy it.)

I read this book and immediately added it to my favorites list.  The characters all seem so real; almost like they really did exist.  Scout was the perfect adventurer, with Jem as her loyal sidekick.  I loved how there were so many little plots that all wound together at the end.  It's hard to convey the happiness with which I read about Scout and Jem's childhood.  It was a simpler time and a better one.  I used to think that childhoods like Scout's and Jem's were only fake.  However, To Kill A Mockingbird is a true story about Harper Lee's actual childhood.  Her father defended two black men accused of murdering a white store owner.  Also, Scout's childhood friend, Dill is based on the person of Truman Capote, who Lee was best friends with all through her childhood.  This is one a will read again and again.

Content Advisory:  Intense thematic and sexually themed plots, including the trial of a man who is accused of rape.  Some language and profanities.