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Readers Line Up At Greenwich Library To Read Harper Lee's New Book

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Harper Lee's new novel, "Go Set A Watchman," is flying off the shelves at Greenwich Library as eager patrons race to read the long-awaited novel from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "To Kill A Mockingbird."

Maria Higbie, a clerk at Greenwich Library, shows off Harper Lee's new book, "Go Set a Watchman."

Maria Higbie, a clerk at Greenwich Library, shows off Harper Lee's new book, "Go Set a Watchman."

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern
Maria Higbie, a clerk at Greenwich Library, shows off Harper Lee's new book, "Go Set a Watchman."

Maria Higbie, a clerk at Greenwich Library, shows off Harper Lee's new book, "Go Set a Watchman."

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern

Kate Petrov, the library's public relations officer, said the library's 78 copies have been checked out with 86 readers on a waiting list - what the library calls holds - for their turn. She said "Mockingbird" fans are eager to see the companion book.

"I think people really enjoyed ("To Kill A Mockingbird")... and they want to see what the new one is like," she said.

The numbers are astounding at the library. In addition to the 78 hardcover books, there are eight compact disc audiobooks on order with 22 holds. There are also 10 large print books currently out with 28 holds. Also, 34 electronic books are out on loan with 54 holds. There are also 12 electronic audiobooks out, with 25 holds on them. 

The best bet for readers would be the Spanish version: The library has three Spanish-language books — all out — but no holds.

Lee, now 89, leapt to fame in 1960 with "To Kill A Mockingbird" but hadn't published a novel since that massive success. "Go Set A Watchman" was actually written before "To Kill A Mockingbird," but the manuscript had been locked away and was only rediscovered last year by Lee's lawyer.

But Lee hadn't written another book and also declined to speak publicly over the years, adding to the interest in "Mockingbird" and "Watchman," Petrov said.

She said that "Mockingbird" had become "mythical" through the decades, moreso after the movie starring Gregory Peck, also adding to Lee's mystique.

Petrov, who has read "Mockingbird" a number of times, first as as a Western Middle School student, said she plans on reading Watchman soon.

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