This is not what you're used to see on this blog. I never review nor rate classic for a simple reason and it's they've been discussed and rated by so many people that my say in all that is irrelevant. But I've made a mistake and put this book into one of my challenges, and I hate leaving things unfinished, so I had to write a review. Make no mistake this is not a review as I won't talk much about this book but I'll talk about my lit classes instead.
In case that you don't know I'm a student at faculty (something similar to college) of Philology at English language and literature department. Even though after finishing the studies we more or less become English teachers (as hopefully I will one day) or translators that doesn't stop us from enjoying lit classes. At least it doesn't stop me. I love them for a simple reason and it's that they make me read books that I would never pick my myself nor would I even finish them. But then after discussing them I see the real beauty in them. The same happened with To Kill a Mockingbird. Let's face it, this is by far the most mentioned book in history of American lit and I've tried to read it few years ago and to see what's that all fuss about. I've never finished it as I couldn't understand lots of things. Things, of course, changed after I learnt about American history and discovered everything that happened during that period so now I could easily go through the book. Of course non of that would be possible without my teachers who always try to make them more interesting to us and help us to see real picture. And for that I'm really grateful.
Did I enjoy/love/hate this book would be hard to say, but I do see the reason why this is called a classic and why it's so important and that I know how to appreciate.
Until the next time,
I hate leaving things unfinished as well and this book has been on my TBR since like forever. Your review is beautiful, Tanja. I loved reading a slight glimpse into your life in this one. I'll remember to do some background reading on American history before getting to TKAM though, since I just know a few things here and there, nothing much. But you've left me a little confused with that last line! Nonetheless, beautiful review!
OdgovoriIzbrišiSarika @ The Readdicts
Yeah and I was an idiot when I created that list. But I'll know from now on. Thanks Sarika :)
IzbrišiOh I mean I'll never post a review of any other classic. It goes together with the first line ;)
I'm glad you finally finished this one - it's such a beautiful story and one of the best American classics, right nex to The Great Gatsby IMO. Lovely review, Tanja!
OdgovoriIzbrišiI actually managed to read The Great Gatsby way before I started faculty. But yes it's a great classic for a reason :)
IzbrišiThis is one my favorite books of all time, I connected to the characters, loved the writing style, the town dynamics etc. I am glad you finished it and would enjoy attending the classes you are in!
OdgovoriIzbrišiYou can come to our classes, nobody would mind ;) We need more people to discuss :D Thanks.
IzbrišiI read this in school in grade 10. I love classics that stay with you, and this is one of those books. There is such a strong message behind this story, plus I really enjoyed all the characters and living in a strongly biased community. It was a new perspective. Glad you got around to this, Tanja! (You have to read other classics!..Jane Eyre!)
OdgovoriIzbriši~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
Oh honey I've read plenty of classics and I have much more to read. I have read Jane Eyre few years ago and it was a really great book. Thanks girl ;)
IzbrišiLike yourself, I appreciated this book, though I don't think I can say I loved/hated it the same way I do with other books either. It was actually my history teacher in school who first gave me a copy of this, so it was easy to read when I was learning about it all. I'm glad you got through it, Tanja!
OdgovoriIzbrišiYes this book has a lot to do with history so I think it should be read same as The Great Gatsby if you really want to understand it. Thanks Sam :)
IzbrišiCan you believe I've never read this book, Tanja? I live in the US so you'd think I would've by now. I don't enjoy classics for the most part and reading is my entertainment. I'm glad you enjoyed (is that the right word? not sure) or at least this had an impact on you after learning more about US history. And it's wonderful to hear your career aspirations! I'm sure you'll be an excellent teacher. I'm stunned at your proficient use of the English language when it's not your native language!! Very impressed, Tanja. :)
OdgovoriIzbrišiReally? WOW I must say that I'm really surprised. Okay now I'm blushing. Thanks Rachel because that really means a lot. I have a lot to learn but I know that I'm getting better with every passed exam. And yeah enjoyed is a right word :)
IzbrišiThis classic has been getting a lot of hype, up to now
OdgovoriIzbrišiAnd there's no one who has not heard of it
But I have not read it yet
I really want to, though
Your reader,
Soma
http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/
I hope you'll because it really is classic for a reason. I hope you'll enjoy it. Thanks Soma :)
IzbrišiIt's never too late to reread a classic :) Thanks Heidi and I really hope that I will :)
OdgovoriIzbrišiBut that's the thing. I don't like reading those that I can't discuss with anyone. The Great Expectations is actually a great book when you think of time it's written and the style :)
OdgovoriIzbrišiThis is still one of my favorite "required reading list" books from school, and I think it's because it's such an eye opening look at American social injustice, and it really is just as relevant and hard hitting in a contemporary context as it was when it was written. I'm so glad you were able to read it and get more out of it when you went back to it. Sometimes it does take a good teacher to open up the value of a book like this, it certainly took my teacher to make me read this one, and I"m so glad she did! Lovely review :-)
OdgovoriIzbrišiIt definitely takes a good teacher for some classics, not only lit teacher but history one too! Thanks :)
Izbriši