Despite what many thought, Lee was not a recluse

The author didn't mind being with people, even though it's true that Lee enjoys a quiet existence away from the spotlight, her last significant interview was done in 1964. She would go to baseball games, the theater, and museums in New York City (she was a Mets fan). She went out to eat frequently (David's Catfish House was a favorite), went fishing with friends, and participated in gym classes at the Monroeville Community House while in Alabama.

Lee read very little modern fiction, but she did like the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling (according to Marja Mills, who wrote a memoir about her friendship with the author). Lee was also delighted to dine with Oprah Winfrey at the Four Seasons. Although Winfrey's desire for an interview was denied, the two still had fun together, as Winfrey noted, "We were like instant girlfriends. It was just wonderful, and I loved being with her."