The Catcher in the Rye

It was in Alan Bennett's 10th grade English class that I first encountered Holden Caufield. We have been reintroduced over the years many times, especially in October when the days grow shorter and the melancholy of Winter becomes all too apparent to me.

The New Yorker described it as "a brilliant, funny, and moving story." The Catcher In The Rye has sold more than 65 million copies since it ws first published in 1951, and annually sells 250,000 copies. I have bought a few over the years, but currently haven't a single copy on my bookshelf.

By the time I was 26 I had read all of J. D. Salinger's published works, not including the original stories published in The New Yorker. No Internet in those days so I relied on a couple of small town libraries. I continued to annually re-read The Catcher in the Rye until I was in my late thirties.

This remembrance of all things Catcher has been prompted by a new documentary entitled Salinger. Hope you have a chance to view it. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't considered Holden Caufield in a while. Though I will say my opinion of this work of fiction didn't change because of any revelations contained in the documentary and book. I like to try and separate the artist from their work, even when this is not possible or practical. J. D. Salinger was not perfect but I know of no crimes he committed. Please judge for yourself.