J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic author of The Catcher in the Rye passed away yesterday of natural causes at 91 years old. As a fan of Catcher in the Rye I was thrilled to discover an article written by David Levithan (author of Boy Meets Boy, Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, and The Realm of Possibility among others) about Catcher in the Rye's enduring impact on young adult literature. If you're at all a fan of Catcher in the Rye, Salinger, Levithan, or young adult literature it's a really great read. Check it out here at the Wall Street Online.Levithan writes:
Probably the most popular thing I’ve ever read during school visits is a piece from one of my novels called “My girlfriend is in love with Holden Caulfield.” No matter where I am in America, no matter if I’m talking to freshmen or seniors, guys or girls, every time I say the title, at least half the class knows exactly what I’m talking about. I often say that “The Catcher in the Rye” is the second most misread book in history – when you’re young, you don’t really see Holden’s pain, only his bravado. Then, when you get older, you see the sorrow and confusion underneath. And the book gets even stronger for it.
If you want to check out his short story, "My girlfriend is in love with Holden Caulfield" you can check it out here [it's a great read, and a nice introduction into David Levithan, if you've never had the pleasure of reading him before.]
Any Salinger fans out there? What did you guys think about Holden Caulfield? Catcher in the Rye?
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