Countless people read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school, or couldn’t read it because people fought to get it banned. In high school, for me, it was all about Le Petit Prince and The Catcher in the Rye.

I’ve had a huge hole in my literary field. But I was finally glad to fill it. Powerful, and poignant, this book needs to be read by everyone.

It’s a beautiful coming-of-age tale, and yes, the use of the N-word is upsetting and troubling. But that’s the point. And the context of its use is equally important. It’s a reflection of the time, and it always serves as commentary on the prejudices that existed (and exists).

The tale, for those who don’t know, is a coming-of-age story about Scout and her brother Jem growing up in 1930s Alabama. They live with their father, Atticus, and Calpurnia, the black woman who has raised them, as much as their father. Atticus is a lawyer, and he’s been asked to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, against the charges of rape and assault.

Mixed with daily adventures with her brother, and their pal Dill, they explore the neighbourhood, muse about the stranger, Boo Radley, who never comes out of his home, except after dark.

As the case progresses, it’s very clear that the charge of rape and assault are a lie. The Ewell family are poor, but they’re white. So no matter who they are, the community still sees them as more important than the black community that works for them.

Lee’s writing is powerful, seeing the world through Scout’s eyes. Mixing the wonders, joys and heartbreaks of youth with the horrible things we do to one another, it’s an amazing read. An important read, and this is one of those books that I couldn’t put down once I started it.

Books like this need to be read, discussed, and not hidden away behind a ban.

It’s a beautiful novel, with strong, powerful and fully realized characters. Lee doesn’t flinch from the rampant racism that proliferate(s/d) the South, and America in general. There is a commentary on society and justice, and it’s done so well.

Scout and Jem are relatable and recognizable in their youth. Their antics are familiar, their confrontation with the darker parts of society recall moments and revelations that jar one unhappily into adulthood. And if anyone is going to change the world, it’s not going to be the adults who have grown complacent in their racism and perceptions, it’s going to be the children who can see the wonder and the beauty around them.

I loved this book. I’m glad I came to it on my own, but I also think it’s a must for everyone to read. A fantastic piece.