The literary world lost one of its greats on Friday, as author Harper Lee died at 89 years old.
Her novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which tackled themes of racial inequality and injustice in the American South, remains one of the most influential books of all time more than 50 years after its original publishing.
Many took to social media to share the ways Lee’s story shaped their lives:
Rest in peace, Harper Lee. "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 19, 2016
It is hard to overstate the impact of Harper Lee. I thank you as a reader, as a Southerner, and as an American.
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) February 19, 2016
You know what... #TKAMB is a book that changed my life. Maybe i should write one. Harper Lee inspired me & hopefully I can pay it forward
— erin brockovich (@ErinBrockovich) February 19, 2016
Harper Lee's lessons of race and dignity inspired me to become a civil rights lawyer. Her work endures and will inspire generations to come
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) February 19, 2016
Growing up in the pre-internet South where the Civil War was taught by Gone With the Wind, Harper Lee gave me a window into the real world.
— Heather Hogan (@hhoagie) February 19, 2016
Thank you. Sincerely, a civil rights attorney. RIP #Harper Lee, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is dead at 89 https://t.co/qOKzEqU6dT
— Gazal Modhera (@gmodhera) February 19, 2016
RIP #HarperLee. What a magnificent writer she was. She taught us all so much about tolerance and love. Blessed were we to have read her.
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) February 19, 2016
To Kill A Mockingbird was the first book I remember reading over start to finish. It propelled me toward my love for lit. #HarperLee = icon
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 19, 2016
Harper Lee inspired millions with To Kill a Mockingbird and was one of America's great authors. She will be missed. pic.twitter.com/RV090mtXmD
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) February 19, 2016
