Update: Harper Lee passed away at the age of 89 on February 19, 2016. The New York Times reports that the author died in her sleep at an assisted living facility in Monroeville, AL. Lee's 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird left an indelible mark on American literature. Lee's words bear repeating to every generation.
This story was originally published on February 4, 2015.
On Tuesday, Harper Lee and her publisher announced the beloved author will be releasing a new book in July. The novel, Go Set A Watchman, was actually written before To Kill A Mockingbird, but the plot of the new book functions as more of a sequel, focusing on an adult-aged Scout who returns to Maycomb from New York.
Though fans of Lee's iconic story were delighted at the initial news of Go Set A Watchman, the announcement was met with controversy fairly quickly. Some point to the recent death of her sister, Alice Lee, and lawyer, Tonja Carter, noting the timing of the publisher's announcement is suspicious. There's also been some questions surrounding the veracity of statements attributed to Lee herself.
Regardless, it's impossible to ignore how To Kill A Mockingbird has remained an important part of our lives for more than 50 years. Ahead, five quotes from the timeless novel that are just as powerful today.
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but you sometimes do." — Atticus Finch
Photo: Illustrated by Mary Galloway.
"Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I'd have the facts." — Scout Finch
Photo: Illustrated by Mary Galloway.
“It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.” — Scout Finch
Photo: Illustrated by Mary Galloway.
"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." — Scout Finch
Photo: Illustrated by Mary Galloway.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” — Atticus Finch
Photo: Illustrated by Mary Galloway.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and cat videos on the Refinery29 Entertainment Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Afua Hirsch On Why It's Damaging When People Claim Not To See Race
Red Clocks Is Even Scarier Than The Handmaid's Tale — Here's Why
This New Book Prize Honours Novels Which Don't Feature Violence Against Women