They come with cameras dangling on their wrists and dressed, respectfully, as if they were about to issue an insurance policy or anchor the news. An awards ceremony for an essay contest on the subject of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the occasion attracts no actor, politician or music figure. Instead, it draws someone to whom Alabamians collectively attach far more obsession: the author of the book itself, Harper Lee, who lives in the small town of Monroeville, Ala., one of the most reclusive writers in the history of American letters. —Ginia Bellafante —Harper Lee, Gregarious for a Day (NY Times (will expire))

This is Harper Lee’s first interview in about 40 years.

This quote caught my eye: “Her one stipulation for the contest was that children who were home-schooled be eligible to compete.”

Good for her.