Friday, January 29, 2010

Goodbye, Mr. Salinger


The iconic writer J.D. Salinger died yesterday. He was 91 or 92, depending on what media outlet you read. Given his reclusive lifestyle, it’s understandable that there may be differing reports on that front. I read The Catcher in the Rye many years ago and recall being somewhat frustrated with Holden Caulfield. Perhaps I just didn’t have the patience for his male adolescent angst. And, if I revisit it at age 36, I may have even less patience for it. But, you never know. It could surprise me a second time around. I know it resonated much differently with my husband.

In other literary news, I finished Audrey Niffenegger’s Her Fearful Symmetry last night. If anyone else has read that, please let me know and perhaps we can talk “off-blog.” I don’t want to give anything away for those who haven’t read it. But, I would like to discuss it, book-group style. Let’s just say I have some questions and a few opinions to share. I’ll leave it at that.

For all that is good and holy, it’s finally Friday!! I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long, tiring week. Maybe it’s the cold, gray days, but everyone I know is dragging. Even my kids who are usually up early in the mornings have had to be pried from their warm environs. Spring, if you can hear me, could you plan an early appearance this year and stay around for a while? I’d really appreciate it.

At least I have my little get-away to help soothe the winter blues: a UK basketball game tomorrow. Yay! Rupp Arena will certainly be a warm spot on a winter’s day. Hey, it’s the little things that make me happy!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Image courtesy of Amazon.com

11 comments:

LM said...

I finished "Her Fearful Symmetry" a few weeks ago and it's still stuck in my head! All my friends at work heard my rant the day after I finished it. I just don't know how I feel! I was thinking of you and wondering if you had finished it, yet. I'd love to hear your thoughts...I definitely had some very strong feelings with that book! I've now moved on to "The Prince of Tides" by Pat Conroy...I just loved "South of Broad" and wanted to read more of his writing!

Emily said...

That was the first book I read in English! How sad that he passed, legendary writer. Thanks for commemorating him xxx LZ

Jessica Ryan said...

I was roughly the same age as Holden when I read The Catcher in the Rye. I fell in love with it immediately and have re-read it several times since then. Perhaps I am due for a refresher...

So, do you recommend A Fearful Symmetry or not?

I am nearing the end of The Help. I adore it! It's a fabulous read and I recommend it to all!

Henley on the Horn said...

I , too, am so ready for the weekend! I will have to read "Her Fearful Symmetry". It sounds interesting.

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

ready for this january to finally come to an end....good bye and good riddance....what a LONG month..

january is such a loser.....

i'll look for the book....i need a lift too...and more rain is on the way.....really?

Anonymous said...

inspirational!

Tish Jett said...

Yes, we've all read and probably studied Salinger. I wonder what they'll find in the locked safe. Fascinating.

Yes, everyone seems to have had it with the dreary weather all over the world. Here is drizzly, miserable rain. I'll take snow any day, but My-Reason-For-Living-In-France pointed out to me the garden needs it. He pointed this out while one of our dogs was shaking her wet body all over me.

It brightens my days to see you chez moi and to visit chez toi.

Tishx

myletterstoemily said...

i can understand you impatience with holden, but i
loved his vulnerability wrapped in obstinance. i really
loved how he was sort of saved by his little sister.

will look forward to reading "her fearful symmetry"

bevy said...

I have to giggle at your comment that you probably would have "even less patience for" Holden's adolescent angst. It reminds me of a few weeks ago when my husband and I were watching what used to be my FAVORITE movie of all times: The Breakfast Club. I was 16 when it came out.

As we were watching it, I had the most horrifying realization that I was relating more and feeling more compassion towards the vice principal than the kids! I wanted to just smack Judd Nelson's character, Bender! It was a sad night...

Haven and Home said...

I have not read it yet, do you recommend it? I am sooo ready for spring!

蘭蘭的 said...
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