Properties of Great American Literature: To Kill A Mockingbird

In case you don’t know me yet, I’m the newest member of The Nearby Future.

So I just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird and was asking myself why it is considered such great American Liturature. I mean, really, what makes a book award winning anyway? This book definitely had some suspenseful scenes (particularly the end)  and is spectacularly written. But why is it that it is such an amazing book? Why has it sold 31 million copies world wide? But then that leads me to wonder that if a book sells well, is it considered great American Liturature?  Look a Harry Potter. The series sold way more than that. And our own Twilight.

Or maybe its because of the perspective it is written in. Scout (the main character) is a 7 year old child. Growing up in a community so different from ours in a time where prejudice clouded people’s judgement. Is it the way she views things? The things she experiences?

Despite what many said I liked this book. Maybe it was the style or theme or just the overall feeling you got after reading this. Sort of simple, but diverse. I caught myself wondering how I thought when I was a child. I can relate to her adventurous side.

What draws me into books? Something mysterious almost, like it takes place in a different world but not fantasy. Drama and struggle for wealth, pride, and characters finding themselves.

Overall do you think this book deserves the praise its gets? If you haven’t read this book, what makes a book good to you? Is there something you look for or like about certain books? Is there a certain style?