First of all, I'd like thank Magan @ Rather Be Reading for reviewing this book. A positive review of hers is usually a guarantee that I'll like it as well, so I was excited when this one arrived at the library.The Mockingbirds are a completely unique brand of student group at Themis Academy, a boarding school for gifted students. Because the students are of an excellent caliber, the administration of the school doesn't really involve itself in discipline. Smart kids should NEED discipline, right? Wrong. And that's where the Mockingbirds come in.The book opens with an intense scene that immediately had me madly flipping pages, as Alex wakes up a strange boy's bed, with no recollection of what happened the night before. As she tries to collect herself, and her clothing, in order to make an exit, she realized that she and the boy had sex the night before -- and Alex can't remember a thing. She tries to push it out of her mind, but her friends intervene and insist that she have her case tried by the Mockingbirds.The book is filled with allusions to Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Reading this book has given me the desire to reread Lee's novel -- the last time that I read it was in Grade 10 and I think that, even though I was a mature reader at 16, I would probably get even more out of the novel as an adult.The Mockingbirds is an extremely heartfelt story and I found myself rooting for the main character. Alex goes through an incredibly difficult experience, but the book is told in such a way that it would be empowering to anyone who'd been in a similar situation. I was also amazed to read in the author's notes that the author was also date raped although, upon reflection, I can understand that her own personal experiences is what made the book even stronger. Although the book deals with some tough, emotional issues, it's definitely a book that makes you believe in the goodness of humanity. Review also posted at: http://writergrrlreads.blogspot.ca/2012/06/mockingbirds-daisy-whitney.html
