Alabama hometown of Harper Lee abuzz over release of “Mockingbird” sequel

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This July 8, 2015, photo shows a historical marker in Monroeville, Ala., the hometown of "To Kill a Mockingbird" author Harper Lee. Town organizers and businesses have planned a full day of events to coincide with the release of her second book "Go Set a Watchman," on July 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)

MONROEVILLE, Ala. – The Alabama hometown of author Harper Lee is getting ready for the release of her second book 55 years after her novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” became a sensation worldwide.

A small bookstore in Monroeville, Alabama, has sold more than 7,000 copies of the book — so many the owner had to purchase an additional building just for storage.

Volunteers will gather for public readings of Lee’s new book “Go Set a Watchman” after it’s officially released Tuesday. Organizers also are planning walking tours around Monroeville, which serves as the model for the fictional town of Maycomb in both books.

One person who’s not expected to attend any of the events is Lee.

The 89-year-old Lee still lives in Monroeville, but she’s in declining health and guards her privacy closely.

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