The atmosphere in To Kill a Mockingbird

I'm re-reading this book and only just now really appreciating how Lee creates the atmosphere in TKAM. I've never been to America before in my life but the way she describes the summer nights, the familiar faces of Maycomb, the way Jem and Scout spend their days exploring the town and kind of using it as their playground, makes me nostalgic for a time that I've never experienced. I also like how the characters feel like they have come to life through their dialogue - I'm of course thinking of Atticus but also the children in the classroom and the neighbours we are introduced to, who all have their own personalities and quirks. Picking up this book feels like a different, familiar and warm life I can step into whenever I want.