The Mockingbird Parables

I have to admit- the first thing I noticed about this book was the cover; I really like the art and color scheme.  Then I read the title and the description: "In The Mockingbird Parables, Matt Litton journeys through Harper Lee's beloved 1960 literary masterpiece, introducing each character through the lens of faith."  Of course I was hooked on the idea and couldn't wait to receive the book so I could review it for Tyndale House.

The author is an English teacher who has taught To Kill a Mockingbird to his high school students for several years.  I would venture to say that by the time most American students (and indeed students from all over the world) have graduated from high school, they've read Harper Lee's classic (and if you haven't read it, go.read.it.now).  I think I first read the book sometime in middle school and I remember falling in love with the characters and story on a deeper level than I had previously understood with things literary.  One statement on the back cover resonates with me (and probably millions of others as well): "For many of us, To Kill A Mockingbird was the first book to evoke a moral and spiritual stirring."

Litton works his way through several of the main players and key events of To Kill a Mockingbird and draws a parable from the individuals' character, beliefs, and experiences.  Each chapter is titled appropriately; for example, some of the chapter titles are: "The Parable of House Fires and Church Collections: Our Responsibility to Care for the Neighborhood", The Parable of Atticus Finch: The Model of Christian Courage", "The Parable of Miss Maudie's Azaleas: Our Responsibility to Care for Creation", and "The Parable of Tom Robinson: How Compassion Can Overcome Our Differences."

I very much enjoyed being reintroduced to some of the characters from Lee's novel, and for the most part I agreed with the parables and teachings Litton explained.  There were definitely some moments where I didn't agree with his theology, but overall the book was well written and very engaging.  Litton's strongest arguments dealt with our responsibility to care for the earth and for others, as well as that teaching our children a global understanding of the world is of utmost importance.  As the book description states, "The Mockingbird Parables compels us to ask these often-ignored questions: Do we truly love our neighbors?  Are we building community?  Are we influencing society for the better?"

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”