I believe I saw the movie first but really cannot remember with certainty. However, I do remember that I first read To Kill a Mockingbird in 1972 as a 12 year old, seventh grader. I had moved to Nebraska the year before and longed for my old home as well as the camaraderie of the children in my previous neighborhood. I identified with Scout, her relationship to Jem and Dill, and the adults who watched out for their well-being. In my early 20’s I reread Ms. Lee’s only novel and found myself drawn to Atticus Finch. As a mother of young children I felt responsible for my children’s physical and mental well-being, I wanted them to learn compassion and a sense of right and wrong, as Atticus did. Last year I chose the book as my selection for my book club. Reading it thirty-six years after the first time, I paid more attention to Calpurnia and Miss Maudie, like my Grandmere, they were strong women and role models.
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