I never expected any sort of success with 'Mockingbird'... I sort of hoped someone would like it enough to give me encouragement.

Any writer worth his salt writes to please himself.

As you grow up, always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don't think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, 'I'm probably no better than you, but I'm certainly your equal.

There's just some kind of men you have to shoot before you can say hidy to 'em. Even then, they ain't worth the bullet it takes to shoot 'em.

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 think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.

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