I agree with you that TKAMB is a love story between friends and family. It is also a coming of age story for the kids, but also for everyone in that town, and all 1950’s Americans, for that matter. Another thing that I enjoyed immensely as a high schooler when reading the book was the beautiful picture of small town life as viewed by children just old enough to begin pondering life. I felt that I could visualize every scene, every building, and all of the characters. I grew up in a small town in New England which I totally adored and still do to this day, although I am now a city dweller in Southern California. While reading the book and all of the episodes contained therein, I wanted to be part of it. When the kids walked into town and into the courthouse and eventually up to the balcony, I was right there with them. When Scout finally met Boo Radley in his darkened house, it took my breath away. Scout’s words, “Hey Boo” captured my imagination perfectly. Those two words remain my favorite line from any book. This is why I have admired the book as much as I do. I don’t care about the Capote controversy and I don’t agree with the recent Wall Street Journal article.