Holden Says Don’t Burn Salinger’s Papers
When I pulled out my tattered copy of Catcher in the Rye, for some reason this was the only entire paragraph I underlined:
“Anyway, that’s what I wrote Stradlater’s composition about. Old Allie’s baseball mitt. I happened to have it with me, in my suitcase, so I got it out and copied down the poems that were written on it. All I had to do was change Allie’s name so that nobody would know it was my brother and not Stradlater’s. I wasn’t too crazy about doing it, but I couldn’t think of anything else descriptive. Besides, I sort of liked writing about it. It took me about an hour, because I had to use Stradlater’s lousy typewriter, and it kept jamming on me. The reason I didn’t use my own was because I’d lent it to a guy down the hall.”
— Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye
When I think of J.D. Salinger, I think of a self-exiled sardonic old recluse. He hated certain words, like “grand,” which I totally would argue with him about. This man would have never again bothered to take to his Remington or Underwood typewriter with keys that stick and let loose.
When I take a few minutes and imagine him though, I see something different. Isn’t that something you’d want to read?
Dear Sir or Madam in Charge of Salinger’s Estate:
Holden wants you to ignore J.D. if he said to burn his papers in his will. He was just kidding.
Regards,
Margo
Hi!
I am sorry to say I have never read any of Mr. Salinger’s books. Maybe I should! Great postcard! Have a great day!
Sherrie
A View of My Life
Thanks for this post. Catcher in the Rye remains one of the formative books of my youth, although when I read it again at 50, it seemed like a completely different book. It was interesting to think about my two different selves reading the book.
what a wonderful tribute post…i read catcher in the rye as a child too…maybe it’s time to dust it off and see it again, but through adult eyes.
I haven’t read it since my school days. Maybe it’s time to revisit those pages.
Rest in peace, JD.
It is interesting how Catcher in the Rye seemed to speak to me in high school, and now I see it from another angle. I think Franny and Zooey was my favorite, though.
Love your postcard selection and the tie to Salinger. Brava!
Hubby and I had a moment of non-silence this morning, remembering our first exposures to Salinger, and foisting them on our 14yo who had never heard of him.
I have a feeling Amazon is going to get a few hits today. A generation requires education.
I think when I read the book in high school I didn’t really understand what was so good about it. I never read it again, but maybe now I will.
I love the way you put this post together! Great postcard to use as a tribute to Salinger. I hope your little note wings its ways to the estate gang!
We read this in English in 8th grade. It’s strange but I don’t remember much of it. I recall that the boys in class LOVED it. No small wonder there.
We who read Catcher in our youth know what a remarkable truth it is. We appreciated every word. Now, I want to find my copy and see what I underlined.
I remember Catcher in the Rye and Bless the Beasts and the Children in high school. I did not like either book.
Though now as an adult I see Catcher in the Rye was well-written indeed. I still dislike Bless the Beasts and the children. It was an ugly book.
Happy PFF!
you underline in books!
I must say I never read this book but certainly have heard of it. I just heard the beginning paragraph – interesting start
Perfect nod to J.D. and Holden.
I just wonder why he became such a recluse.
Cool. I have never heard of this book. Is that bad?
No- it just says he was an American obsession.And it says something about how long it’s been since he wrote anything!
It didn’t form part of UK education and I think I’d be surprised if it did now. It means I’ve missed the youthful perspective which is probably a shame.
I read Catcher in the Rye in secret, it was a forbidden read at our school, can’t remember why? I can’t remember if I liked it. It sure was exciting to read something in secret. I’ve been looking for it again now in old book stores, I don’t think I want to read a recently reprinted one if there is such a thing. Thanks for a great post.
I think this book speaks to the alienation so many people feel around 13. I hope that Salinger rests in peace.
I would like to pull a copy of that book out again. You’ve reignited an interest in reading it!
I can’t imagine anyone would even consider the destruction of such GRAND history!
GRAND post, just GRAND!! I read Catcher in the Rye several times through the years and always really enjoyed it. I have been meaning to read some of his other works for a long time and should get around to it soon.
I wholeheartedly agree… very interesting thoughts.
I have a copy of the book, we picked it up more recent though about a year ago.
Burn his papers? Eeek! Your note is PERFECT! Short, concise and hilarious!