To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Read by Sissy Spacek (Audio Book Review by Deb Smouse)
To Kill a Mockingbird - Audio Book
by Harper Lee, Read by Sissy Spacek
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It’s a classic many of us read as a requirement in high school: Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it my Junior Year of high school and re-read it in my early thirties when my oldest chose to read it for a book review.
For those of you unfamiliar with this Pulitzer Prize winning novel, the story of events in a small southern town are told through the eyes of a woman reflecting on her remembrance as a child. The themes presented - those of coming of age, innocence and the death of innocence as well as racial injustice – are still prevalent in today’s society, and are truly put into perspective when told through the eyes of Jean Louise “Scout” Finch.
I’ve always been a visual learner and an avid reader, but on occasion, I’ll pick up an audio book to keep me company on a long trip. My choice on audio books is usually a book I’m familiar with, which allows me to become engrossed in the story while still dividing my attention to things that matter (like driving safely). I’m the first to admit, though, that a poorly performed favorite book can turn you off of a story. And I’ll also tell you that a well read favorite book will turn into a classic that you want to listen to time and time again.
To Kill a Mockingbird definitely falls into the latter.
I bought the Audio Version (11 CD’s) of To Kill a Mockingbird last year in preparation for a drive from Texas to Illinois. I was truly entranced with Sissy Spacek’s performance as Scout Finch.
I consider the movie version to be truly priceless, however, movies can never convey the full range of subtleties found within the novel. For those who can’t recall the words that explain the novel’s title, its found about mid-way through the book during a conversation between Scout and their neighbor, Miss Maudie Atkinson. Scout asks why her father, after giving them air-rifles for Christmas, told them that though they can shoot all the bluejays they want, but they must remember that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”. When realizing her father had never said anything was a sin, her curiosity is peaked and she asks the trusted neighbor, who tells her that it’s because the mockingbirds do no harm, and only provide pleasure with their songs. This recurring motif symbolizes the innocence of the various victims throughout the novel, and the injustices that life sometimes brings.
About two months ago, I found this audio book lurking on my bookshelf and thought it would be the perfect companion for a now weekly 2-hour drive to one of my client’s job sites. I’ve allowed Sissy Spacek’s voice and the powerful story to keep me company, and will confess, that on nights when a hotel bed just isn’t comforting enough to allow sleep, I’ve allowed the flowing words and soft drawl to help me relax and drift into slumber, like the times I was read to as a child.
Allow yourself to enjoy a story you probably rushed through when you were a teenager and see where it takes you. Like me, I’m sure you will be glad that you did.
Deb Smouse is the Editor in Chief for All Things Girl. She’s is edging closer and closer to 40 and indulges in her love of books. She reads between 4 to 8 novels a month, depending on how much flight time she has…. Find out more about Deb on our about page
