In response to J.D. Salinger's recent passing, I thought I would recount my introduction to The Catcher in the Rye.
When I was in high school, probably a sophomore, Catcher in the Rye was required reading. I hated it. HATED it. In fact, I simply didn't read it. I have no idea how I passed the test--probably got the Cliff Notes from the library the night before. Years later, knowing I was a voracious reader, grandma gave me a box of old books she had. I stood in my bedroom with the box on one of my tall speakers pulling the books out, one by one. For the most part they were Harlequin Romances and I had no interest in them, so I tossed them into the garbage can right next to me. I saved maybe 2 or 3 of the books. The very last book I pulled out was Catcher. I remember thinking, "Ugh! This thing?" But it was a 1961 edition when they still had notes and reviews printed on the back cover (not like the pure red or white copies they sell now, when books stand the test of time). I read the first few pages of praising reviews and was just shocked by such amazing and stunning reviews from every respected publication! So, still standing there, I opened the first page and started to read. After a while, I found that I literally could not read anymore because my eyes couldn't see the pages. I looked up from the book to find that it was actually dark outside. I had been standing there reading, mesmerized for probably 2 hours. I turned on the light, sat on the bed, and finished the book right then and there. I was moved, possibly to the point of tears by that book.
Knowing how much my sister enjoyed reading, I immediately gave the book to her to read. It sat on her nightstand for days and I kept asking if she got to it yet, but she said you hadn't. Finally, probably bugged by my constant pestering, she finally said, "You know what? I've tried reading that book 10 times and I just can't get past the first 2 pages." I was shocked. When I asked why, she said, "because of the swearing." At that second, I had a epiphany. A gong went off in my head so loud I could almost hear it. That was probably the very reason I couldn't read it in high school. I didn't even realize it. I simply wasn't mature enough--too shocked or giddy every time I saw a swear word and I'd lose my concentration.
I don't know when she finally picked it up and got through it, but I'm glad she did. It really is one of the best books I've ever read. I must have read it at least 5 times. Yes, I have the original 1961 edition. It's so old and in such ragged condition, I keep it in my bookcase with a rubberband around it. I pulled it out last night and looked at it again. I have a newer, white covered copy that I read, but I'll never be able to toss that original edition I read that one afternoon.
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Now that Salinger is dead, my fear is that they're going to make a movie version of the book. Everyone for the past 40 years from Marlon Brando, Nicholson, DiCaprio, Toby Macguire, John Cusack, etc. had been trying to get a movie version of that book but after one of Salanger's other books was made into a movie and completely butchered and plot changed, he refused to have any other movies made. If they make a movie of it, people will only watch the movie and never read the book. Something will be lost in the translation. So few people read these days anyway. It scares me. (I could go on and on about this subject, but won't now.) I just fear that a movie will just assure that Catcher in the Rye becomes a moldy, dusty classic that people will just watch instead of read. Let's hope not.
Knowing how much my sister enjoyed reading, I immediately gave the book to her to read. It sat on her nightstand for days and I kept asking if she got to it yet, but she said you hadn't. Finally, probably bugged by my constant pestering, she finally said, "You know what? I've tried reading that book 10 times and I just can't get past the first 2 pages." I was shocked. When I asked why, she said, "because of the swearing." At that second, I had a epiphany. A gong went off in my head so loud I could almost hear it. That was probably the very reason I couldn't read it in high school. I didn't even realize it. I simply wasn't mature enough--too shocked or giddy every time I saw a swear word and I'd lose my concentration.
I don't know when she finally picked it up and got through it, but I'm glad she did. It really is one of the best books I've ever read. I must have read it at least 5 times. Yes, I have the original 1961 edition. It's so old and in such ragged condition, I keep it in my bookcase with a rubberband around it. I pulled it out last night and looked at it again. I have a newer, white covered copy that I read, but I'll never be able to toss that original edition I read that one afternoon.
------------------
Now that Salinger is dead, my fear is that they're going to make a movie version of the book. Everyone for the past 40 years from Marlon Brando, Nicholson, DiCaprio, Toby Macguire, John Cusack, etc. had been trying to get a movie version of that book but after one of Salanger's other books was made into a movie and completely butchered and plot changed, he refused to have any other movies made. If they make a movie of it, people will only watch the movie and never read the book. Something will be lost in the translation. So few people read these days anyway. It scares me. (I could go on and on about this subject, but won't now.) I just fear that a movie will just assure that Catcher in the Rye becomes a moldy, dusty classic that people will just watch instead of read. Let's hope not.
