Jen and I were accustomed to our father's last-will-and-testament diction, and were at times free to interrupt Atticus for a translation when it was beyond our understanding.

I shall never marry, Atticus." "Why?" "I might have children.

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.

Turtles don't feel, stupid," said Jem. "Were you ever a turtle, huh?

To be a serious writer requires discipline that is iron fisted. It's sitting down and doing it whether you think you have it in you or not. Everyday. Alone. Without interruption. Contrary to what most people think, there is no glamour to writing. In fact, it's heartbreak most of the time.

Miss Caroline seemed unaware that the ragged, denim-shirted and floursack-skirted first grade, most of whom had chopped cotton and fed hogs from the time they were able to walk, were immune to imaginative literature.

The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.