I didn't expect the book to sell in the first place. I was hoping for a quick and merciful death at the hands of reviewers but at the same time I sort of hoped that maybe someone would like it enough to give me encouragement. Public encouragement. I hoped for a little, as I said, but I got rather a whole lot, and in some ways this was just about as frightening as the quick, merciful death I'd expected.

That boy is your company. And if he wants to eat up that tablecloth, you let him, you hear?

People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.

Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.

Everybody’s gotta learn, nobody’s born knowing.

Long ago, in a burst of friendliness, Aunty and Uncle Jimmy produced a son named Henry.

Scout, I´m telling you for the last time, shut your trap or go home - I declare to the Lord you´re gettin´ more like a girl every day!” With that, I had no option but to join them.