To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee.

This is a beautifully written book set during the Depression in the southern states of America. It tells the story of the Finch family, and this is narrated by Scout the youngest of the two children of Atticus Finch, who is a lawyer.

The main story in the book is that of the trial of a negro for raping a white woman. Atticus defends him but of course, he is up against a lot of prejudice and the scales of justice are heavily laden against the negro.

As well, the book recounts the adventures of Scout and her brother, Jem, and particularly of their friendship with the recluse, Boo Radley.

Atticus is portrayed as a very wise man, who teaches his children about the ways of the world and of human nature. He is the sort of person one would want to turn to for advice as he always seems to know the right thing to do.

This is surely one of the best books I have ever read.