8littlebookshelves

Some might know the novel from school, as a set book, some, being a book worm, might know it simply because they love reading: Either way, To Kill a Mockingbird is a world-famous work of literature. But what makes it so special?   The Story The book was published in 1960 – that’s 64 years from today. And yet, it is still as popular and well-read as ever. One reason for this is that addresses universal topics. So, what is To Kill a Mockingbird about? The story is set in a town in Alabama in the early-mid 1930s, amidst the difficult times of the Great Depression. Jean Lousie Finch is the main character, through whose eyes we experience the unfolding of events. She is six years old and lives with her father, a lawyer, and her older brother. Jean hears of a new client her father is appointed to defend: Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a young white woman, a man, who’s left arm is left useless and crippled after an accident. It becomes apparent that, through th...

  It's supposed to be a book series for youngsters/ young adults, yet  – like the Harry Potter books  – has gained popularity in older readers as well: His Dark Materials is a fantasy-sci-fi-trilogy by Philip Pullman, which touches upon a wide scope of topics. It has even been made into a movie. But: You need to read the novels! Here is why (no spoilers!) ...   What's it about The first volume, sometimes called Northern Lights , sometimes The Golden Compass , starts with the main character Lyra, a mischievous 12-year-old girl, growing up without parents, who picks up on some secrets. Then her friend goes missing and she sets out to search for him. In Lyra's world every person has a 'demon', a manifestation of soul, coming in the form of an animal, that can change its shape until a person reaches adulthood. Her demon is called Pantalaimon. He, of course, accompanies her on her quest, where she encounters all kinds of creatures, like armoured polar bears, magical t...