To Kill a Mockingbird

“I remember when my daddy gave me that gun. He told me that I should never point it at anything in the house; and that he'd rather I'd shoot at tin cans in the backyard. But he said that sooner or later he supposed the temptation to go after birds would be too much, and that I could shoot all the blue jays I wanted - if I could hit 'em; but to remember it was a sin to kill a mockingbird.” This is a story I adore and have loved ever since I read it, 10 years ago. Told through the perspective of Scout as she grows up during The Great Depression and how she matures over the summers the book follows. You can’t find a better coming of age story.  Atticus Finch, the great character of all time, and was the reason why I learnt why it is so important to show sympathy to others. His closing argument for the defence of Tom Robinson is masterfully crafted. To Kill A Mockingbird is filled with such iconic and memorable lines that remain true and relevant to the modern day. Gregory Peck’s performance is ineffable. You must watch it - there is a clear reason he won an Oscar for it.  The film is such a perfect adaption of the book, gently shifting from the first half of the story following Scout, Jem and Dill messing around as children to the second half focusing on Tom Robinson’s trial.  On the whole it’s ten out of ten, it’s iconic for all the right reasons and should be watched by everyone at least once in their life.  [Also the reveal that Boo Radley is played by Robert fucking Duvall was incredible.]