Salinger

As many of you know by now, J.D. Salinger, most famous for writing Catcher in the Rye, passed away at age 91. He was a well known recluse who lived just over the river from the folks in Windsor in Cornish, NH.

I remember reading Catcher in the Rye when I was a freshman in high school. Unlike a tremendous amount of American youth from 1951 on, I didn't relate to the angst of Holden Caufield, and for that I was grateful. Reading this work made me appreciate the love and encouragement I had in my own life from my parents, teachers and church leaders. I was so grateful to not feel the pain he felt as he began his journey to adulthood. I did however relate with the feelings of not wanting to accept the responsibility that came with growing up. As the oldest of five, I often thought it might be more fun to be the youngest (Chris will have to post about that to let me know if youngest children have more fun). Overall, I was glad to have had the experience of reading what has become an American standard for rite of passage novels.

It's interesting to me that so many artists sought refuge of one kind or another in New England. Perhaps it's the lush and inviting natural surroundings that calm the soul. Or maybe it's the fact that you can tuck yourself away in those natural surroundings and leave the world behind, just as J.D. Salinger chose to do.

Here's a link or two of interest on J.D. Salinger:
N.Y. Times
London Evening Standard
The Australian