Mandy Gavin

Harper Lee,

I had finally finished my list of books, and I was kind of tired of reading that genre. Lots of people recommended your book, To Kill A Mockingbird and a quote on the cover said that it was refreshing so I thought I'd try it. It sucked me in the minute I started.

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-until you climb into his skin an walk around in it." I got a lot from that single quote. If you only read the book directly on the lines, all you think is that Atticus was telling Scout that she needed to be understanding of the teacher's reasoning. Really, he was trying to teach her an important lesson- and he taught me too.

You see, because of that, I try to be more understanding with people, and therefore, help them any way I can, if necessary. So now I am more patient with my fourth grade sister, and try to be more helpful around the house. There are also bigger things that lesson can do for me. When I am older, I will have to make big decisions that may affect other people, and vice versa, but sometimes you can't help that. So because I've learned this, if someone makes their decision, and it affects me in some way, I will make sure to understand them.

When Atticus chose to defend Tom Robinson, he taught me to do the right thing, no matter how difficult. He knew he would lose, but he chose to be at his side anyway, and to carry out his job to the best of his ability. Moreover, if he didn't, he would be a hypocrite: he could not tell his kids to do the right thing, because he would not be doing that himself. So the fact that he does do the right thing shows a lot of class, and that he is respectable, trustworthy, and honorable. It is a great feat to be able to do that, one that isn't accomplished by most, but I will accomplish it, because I know it's the right thing to do!

This book's title is themed around the phrase "to kill a mockingbird". I think that is a great motto to live by, because to kill a mockingbird is to hurt something that doesn't do anything to anyone else. It is to tear something down that only helps you. That is not right, and as I have learned already, do what is right

I now realize why everyone thought this was such a great book, and why it's a classic. Harper Lee, you have done an amazing job, and I thank you for a book that not only refreshed my interest in reading, but my interest in life.

Sincerely,
Mandy Gavin