I was born good but had grown progressively worse every year. Scout

She seemed glad to see me when I appeared in the kitchen, and by watching her I began to think there was some skill involved in being a girl.

I know now what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work.

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

As a reader I loathe introductions...Introductions inhibit pleasure, they kill the joy of anticipation, they frustrate curiosity.

I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told. I hadn't realized it (the original book) had survived, so was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. After much thought and hesitation, I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication. I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years.

...but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself.