“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing
but make music for us to enjoy.
They don’t eat up people’s gardens,
don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do
one thing but sing their hearts out for us.
That is why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Miss Maudie, “To Kill A Mockingbird”, Harper Lee
Courtesy of Colin Hogg:
“Clarinet Trio in A Minor, Op. 114: II. Adagio” by Johannes Brahms, performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Richard Stoltzman and Emanuel Ax:
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read.
One does not love breathing.”
Scout, “To Kill A Mockingbird”, Harper Lee
In this series, I wanted to continue to present books that will make a positive and uplifting impact on my readers’ outlook on life. Today’s post is about a book that has influenced many generations of readers and can be enjoyed from the age of 5 to 100, and beyond.
Main Title from “To Kill A Mockingbird” (1962) by Elmer Bernstein, performed by Royal Scottish National Orchestra:
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
1926 – 2016
Courtesy of PBS NewsHour:
To Kill a Mockingbird is near the top of the list of most-beloved American novels. Set in Alabama, during the time of the Depression, it is the story of six-year-old Jean Louise Finch, better known as Scout, her older brother Jeremy, nicknamed Jem, and their father, Atticus Finch, a middle-aged lawyer whose brave defence of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, provides the centre of the plot. Told through Scout’s eyes, the narrative renders a small-town experience through the hues of wonder and worry that colour every childhood, and through the lenses of illusions; they are about ideas of justice, the confidence that the wheels of the world might turn things to be right in the end, no matter what obstacles are thrown under it.
The famous film made with Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch (shown above) is largely faithful to the book, especially the nail-gripping trial of Tom Robinson. What the film doesn’t quite capture is the warmth and humour that pervades Scout’s telling, which is enlivened with a streak of satire that belies her age. Racial prejudice and violence in the community she inhabits are addressed eloquently. This widening sense of context enables her and the readers to recognise Atticus’s nobility and courage.
The novel was both a popular and critical success when it was first published, becoming an immediate bestseller and winning the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The Oscar-winning movie, realised the following year, added to its fame and reputation as a contemporary American classic. The movie adaptation looms as large in filmdom, as the book does in publishing.
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 No. 7 Träumerei by Robert Schumann, performed by Lang Lang:
Courtesy of Bruce Derby:
Here is an extract from To Kill a Mockingbird:
“Mrs. Dubose was a morphine addict,” said Atticus. “She took it as a pain-killer for years. The doctor put her on it. She’d have spent the rest of her life on it and died without so much agony, but she was too contrary.”
“Sir?” said Jem.
Atticus said, “Just before your escapade she called me to make her will. Dr Reynolds told her she had only a few months left. Her business affairs were in perfect order but she said, “There’s still one thing out of order.”
“What was that?” Jem was perplexed.
“She said she was going to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody. Jem, when you are sick as she was, it’s all right to take anything to make it easier, but it wasn’t all right for her. She said she meant to break herself of it before she died, and that’s what she did.”
Jem said, “You mean that’s what her fits were?”
“Yes, that’s what they were. Most of the time you were reading to her I doubt if she heard a word you said. Her whole mind and body were concentrated on that alarm clock. If you hadn’t fallen into her hands, I would have made you go read to her anyway. It may have been some distraction. There was another reason -”
“Did she die free?” asked Jem.
“As the mountain air,” said Atticus. “She was conscious to the last almost. Conscious,” he smiled, “and cantankerous. She still disapproved heartily of my doings and said I’d probably spend the rest of my life bailing you out of jail. She made Jessie fix you this box -”
Atticus reached down and picked up the candy box. He handed it to Jem.
Jem opened the box. Inside, surrounded by wads of damp cotton, was a white, waxy, perfect camellia. It was a Snow-on-the-mountain.
Jem’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. … In a flash, Atticus was up and standing over him. Jem buried his face in Atticus’s shirt front. “Sh-h,” he said. ” I think that was her way of telling you – everything’s all right now, Jem, everything’s all right. You know she was a great lady.”
“A lady?” Jem raised his head. His face was scarlet. “After all those things she said about you, a lady?”
“She was. She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe… I told you that if you hadn’t lost your head I’d have made you go read to her. I wanted you to see something about her – I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Mrs. Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew.”
Jem picked up the candy box and threw it in the fire. He picked up the camellia, and when I went to bed I saw him fingering the wide petals. Atticus was reading the paper.”
End Title from “To Kill A Mockingbird” (1962) by Elmer Bernstein (courtesy of Flicks and Music):
naturetails 
I regret to say I have never read the book, but did see the movie. Thanks for expounding on this great novel. Happy Thursday Joanna. Allan
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Allan, for your wonderful comments, which I greatly appreciate! Could you, Allan, send me your post, as I have even subscribed, but I’m not getting.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
A well written book review, Joanna! The accompanying pictures made it very interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here is today’s post link Joanna https://picturethis203532735.wordpress.com/2025/10/09/the-water-tower/. Do you have WordPress Reader installed? If so, all posts from blogs which you have subscribed to can be found there as they are posted. That is where I get most of my access. The other option is to click the link to “their blog” that appears any any likes for your posts. Cheers.
LikeLike
Thank you, Allan, I will do my best!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Indira, for the wonderful comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Joanna, I must confess once again that I have no words to express the fascination your wonderful articles inspire in me.
This rich post on “To Kill a Mockingbird” has captivated me.
I’ve read the book and seen the movie several times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Luisa, for the wonderful comments, which I love and greatly appreciate!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the probably unintended irony of posting this (sometimes) banned book on Freedom to Read Day. Delightful review of how Scout’s point of view in the story telling further boosts the irony of the narrative. Double bravos and huzzahs for today’s exquisite writing and timing, Joanna.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Pat, for your wonderful comments, which I love and greatly appreciate!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely my pleasure, Joanna. 💯👏💞
LikeLike
What a poetic reminder Joanna,
“mockingbirds sing their hearts out for us!”
What a lovely review of a classic novel my friend! 😊📚💖
LikeLike
Thank you again, Pat!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kym, for the lovely comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Joanna ji, 🙏
Reading your post brought me immense joy and inspiration. You have beautifully and effectively conveyed the essence and emotional depth of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The symbolic meaning of the mockingbird, Scout’s innocent perspective, and Atticus Finch’s courage all have been presented in a clear and accessible way for readers.
I particularly loved this passage:
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
These words reflect not just the story, but a profound understanding of life and experience. Your presentation reminds us how truth, justice, and courage remain steadfast even amid changing times.
The audio and music links you shared make the post even more vivid and immersive. Such curated works not only provide literary pleasure but also enrich readers’ perspective and sensitivity.
With heartfelt appreciation and gratitude! 🙏
-Vijay
LikeLike
Thank you so very much, dear Vijay, for your wonderfully analytical and thoughtful comments, which I love and deeply appreciate! Your kind words lifted my spirits!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
I confess I have not read the book though I can see from your extracts that I would enjoy it. I remember being inspired by the film as I always am by people who do the right thing in the face of adversity. They are the ones who carry us through dark times. Another lovely review, Joanna. I believe it is a sin to kill any bird.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments, which I love and greatly appreciate! You are right, killing any bird is a crime!
Joanna
LikeLike
You’re so very welcome, Joanna, and thanks again so much for sharing! 🩷
LikeLike
Thank you again, dear Luisa, for your kind words!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent essay, Joanna. Harper Lee’s novel quickly found its way into the hearts and minds of millions of people. That was an amazing feat.
LikeLike
I honestly can’t remember if I read the book. I am sure that it was probably required reading in school at some point, but who knows if I “actually” read it. But I do remember watching the movie and finding it to be powerful. If I think of it, the next time I am in the library I will check out the book. Thank you for such a wonderful post!
LikeLike
You’re so very welcome as always Joanna. 🙏🏼 My pleasure! 😊💖🤗
LikeLike
Thank you again, dear Kym!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Diana, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Neil, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Joanna, for this beautiful post dedicated to the classic book “To Kill a Mockingbird ” by Harper Lee.
I remember reading this novel during my two-month summer vacation after my intermediate board exams. I haven’t seen the movie, though, as you rightly mentioned it that film adaptations often differ from the original text.
The book is a treasure of human values, touching on themes of racial justice, prejudice, equality, dignity, courage, and moral conviction. You’ve beautifully highlighted how it teaches us to live in harmony, treating others with respect and kindness- truly embodying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”).
I was especially drawn to the characters of Atticus Finch and Scout for their courage and innocence, respectively. The story, told through young Scout’s eyes, centres around her father, Atticus, a lawyer who bravely defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
The quote you shared at the beginning of your post serves as a perfect introduction of the book. I understand that the novel was inspired by real events, which adds even more depth to its message. Your post has made the story even more engaging with the addition of audio, video clips, and well-chosen images.
Thank you once again, Joanna, for yet another insightful and heartwarming post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always my pleasure Joanna! 😍💖😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, dear Kaushal, for the wonderful and analytical comments, which I love and deeply appreciate! As always, you illuminate the most important aspects of the book that the writer is projecting. Thank you again for your kind words that I will cherish!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
So happy to hear that from you, Joanna! You’re always welcome! Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Thank you, Kaushal, for being kind!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Joanna for bringing ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ to our attention. The message of the book is timeless. I have seen the film, but have not read the book by Harper Lee. It is most definitely on my list. Thanks once again for the beautiful music and clips. With kindest regards, Sharon 💕
LikeLike
Thank you, Sharon, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome, Joanna!
LikeLike
Thank you, Sharon!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing this wonderful and important post and information and spectacular review, Joanna!
🩷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Cindy, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so very welcome, Joanna! 🩷
LikeLike
Very interesting, nice to see Gregory Peck too.
LikeLike
I so enjoyed this post, Joanna. This novel was very influential to me growing up. I loved that it was told from Scout’s perspective, a new experience for me as a female adolescent to see a female child as a narrator of a novel about such critical concepts. In fact, I suspect that the novel influenced my inclination to write. I was born a white child in Southern US in the mid 50s when racism was considered ‘normal’ for white people, it was the default. This novel really shook my world.
Thank you for this thoughtful review. I am going back to reread some of my favorites from way back and I will get my hands on a copy of this one and read it again. I also loved the movie. I think I had a crush on Gregory Peck. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much, LuAnne, for the wonderfully interesting comments, which I love and greatly appreciate!
Joanna
LikeLike
Fantastic as always. And well-thought out.
LikeLike
Thank you, Benjamin, for your kind comments, which are greatly appreciated.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome! Keep it up. Have a great rest of your week!
LikeLike
Thank you.
Joanna
LikeLike
Thank you for another brilliant book review, Joanna! 💙🩵
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Filipa, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Joanna, for your beautiful post on the classic book “To Kill a Mockingbird ” by Harper Lee.You’ve nicely highlighted how the book teaches us to live in harmony, treating others with due respect and great kindness!Thank you so much for your yet another lovely absorbing post ,Joanna.
LikeLike
Thank you, Dhirendra, for the wonderfully thoughtful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Joanna 🙏
LikeLike