Harper Lee passed today, at the age of 89. A woman of many accomplishments I’m sure we’ll never know about, she is most honored for writing To Kill a Mockingbird.

I’m one of those who considers it among the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Among the books I can read often, gleaning something new each time. Among the books with film adaptations nearly as lovely as their texts. Among the books that inspire me to keep writing.

To Kill a Mockingbird is the kind of story that reminds us of our essential humanity, while it makes us cry and laugh (who could forget Scout in her ham costume), and want our time in the world of Boo Radley and Jem and Scout and Atticus never to come to an end.

Fortunately for us, we can visit that world any time. Thank you, Miss Lee, for sharing it with us.