(CNN)Harper Lee, whose debut novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," immortalized her name with its story of justice and race in a small Southern town and became a classic of American literature, has died. She was 89. Her death was confirmed Friday by the City Hall in Monroeville, Alabama, where she lived. (more) http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/19/entertainment/harper-lee-obit-feat/
That was my first thought too, Holly. May she RIP. Seems she died peacefully in her sleep and wasn't in ill health. Read where her family is shocked because it wasn't expected. If that's in your link, Arlene...sorry. I didn't click the link but read the story elsewhere earlier. I should also reread the book one day, I read it in either 8th or 9th grade.
I was just reading her obituary. I didn't realise that her full name was Nelle Harper Lee. She became fed up with people pronouncing her first name as Nellie and settled on using her middle name.
Interesting to note is that, less than a year ago, she published her continuation of of the story "To Kill a Mockingbird" called "Go Set a Watchman". That story was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird but was shelved because her editor was fascinated by all the flashbacks of Scout, the young girl, and wanted her to write it from the perspective of the young heroine.
I remember having to read "To Kill a Mockingbird" in Junior High for and English Class assignment. The story didn't really stay with me though until I saw the Movie of it starring Gregory Peck. Later on when I was older I read the book just because I wanted to...and found it much more meaningful.