Harper Lee Set to Release To Kill a Mockingbird Sequel This Summer, 55 Years After It Was Written

Author said she didn't publish the piece at the advice of her publisher

It looks like To Kill a Mockingbird won't be the only book that Harper Lee publishes after all.

Harper, the beloved author's publisher, announced on Tuesday that they will be releasing a recently discovered second novel this summer.

Go Set a Watchman was written in the mid-1950's and focuses on To Kill a Mockingbird's Scout Finch as an adult reminiscing about her childhood.

The sequel will feature many of the same characters from the classic book, which has sold more than 40 million copies around the world.

Lee, 88, released a statement regarding the exciting literary news and explained why she didn't release the follow-up sooner.

"My editor, who was taken by the flashbacks to Scout's childhood, persuaded me to write a novel (what became To Kill a Mockingbird) from the point of view of the young Scout," she said.

"I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told. I hadn't realized it (the original book) had survived, so I was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. After much thought and hesitation, I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication."

Lee continued, "I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years."

Harper plans on printing two million copies of Go Set a Watchman, which is slated for a July 14 release.