"In Maycomb, if one went for a walk with no definite purpose in mind, it was correct to believe one's mind incapable of definite purpose" (149).

I first met this wonderful book my sophmore year in high school, and every few years I find my way back to it. Back then, I had no idea this piece of literature held bits of wisdom which would aid me in maneuvering my late teens and early adulthood. I don't believe I've ever met a character as dignified as Atticus or one as enigmatic as Boo. Ms. Cal reminds me of the comforts of my home whenever I come across her and her words; and I frequently recall relating to Jem and his transition in my own young adult years. But there is no one, no character, no person, like my girl Scout! I love everything about her-- her rambunctious demeanor, her self-awareness, her childlike vulnerability, and her comedic chops. When she tells Uncle Jack to "pass the damn ham, please," I cackle like a hyena every time! A few lines down, Uncle Jack asks, "You want to grow up to be a lady, don't you?" Scout replies "not particularly" (79). I laugh aloud every. single. time. By the end of the book, I find Scout to be an oracle. She asks Jem, "How can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right at home?" (247). What a phenomenal question for a nine year old to ask! And whenever she recognizes the likes of her mysterious neighbor standing in the corner of Jem's bedroom and says, "Hey, Boo," I cry.

Oh, how I adore this book, yesterday, today, and tomorrow!