J.D. Salinger, the American writer, died last week. He was 91 years old. Salinger was, perhaps, one of the most enigmatic of the American writers. He became famous while still young after writing “The Catcher in the Rye.” “Catcher” entered the canon for American fiction. Over 50 years later, “Catcher” is still being taught in American high schools. Salinger eventually became a recluse in the Garbo mold. Salinger influenced a number of major American writers including Philip Roth and John Updike.
I can’t remember precisely when I first read “Catcher”, but my guess is that it was during my Sophomore year of high school – my first great awakening and move into adulthood. That year, I discovered existentialism, transcendentalism, folk music, jazz and leftist politics. “Catcher” would have fit right into that period.
I’m waiting to see what will be revealed about the writing that Salinger was doing during those many decades of seclusion up in New Hampshire.
RIP
Yes it was a significant book from my late adolescence too. I liked Franny And Zooey and Raise High The Roof Beam, Carpenters as well. He was a handsome man!
OK, that surprises me. You are a dog though.