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Author Harper Lee's 'Go Set A Watchman' Novel Now On Sale

STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) — Harper Lee's second novel to her classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" was released for sale on Tuesday.

Barnes & Noble stores across Southern California opened early in anticipation for large crowds who wished to purchase "Go Set a Watchman."

However, employees found only two customers waiting in line to purchase the novel.

It turns out many customers secured their copies of "Go Set a Watchman" early, which broke the publisher's pre-order record, and gave added convenience to not rush to the store.

In fact, Amazon reported pre-order sales for the novel are the biggest ever since the final release in the "Harry Potter" series.

Lee's second novel is set 20 years later. Scout Finch discovers her 72-year-old father, Atticus Finch, has attended Klu Klux Klan meetings and advocates for segregation.

Thus, the novel has already caused controversy for its different view of Atticus Finch.

Lee wrote "Go Set a Watchman" in the 1950s, years before "To Kill a Mockingbird," which won a Pulitzer Prize and sold more than 40 million copies.

At 12 a.m., "Go Set a Watchman" went on sale to the public.

From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., customers received a free tall coffee with the purchase of Lee's new novel at Barnes & Noble locations across Southern California.

The first 20 customers who bought the book also received an exclusive "To Kill a Mockingbird" reusable tote bag.

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