To me, JD Salinger’s life/work would be the closest thing to religion.
It’s something out of scope to understand or to follow, but it is an unexplainable, enigmatic inspiration.
It’s funny how I sort of ‘saw’ this book thrice in less than a month, I mean this month Jan 2010, no kidding. First time, it’s the favorite book of the protagonist in the movie played on the plane. Second time, the woman sat next to me on the airbus was reading the red-cover Catcher in the rye. Third time, the day he died and before knowing he’s dead, I spotted this book in my friend’s bookshelf and we even talked about it and all. Boy ,was it scary. It’s sort of depressing , though, when you really think about it.
- 媽媽，他是《麥田捕手》的作者。
- In his 91-year-old life, there are only a few rare photos of him officially published.
- Only one long novel is published in his life.
- Though controversial, it is a required reading for every Eng dept in US high schools.
- He has lived in complete seclusion and silence for half a century–to protect himself and his privacy from the entire world.
- Even death, to protect his privacy, there will be no service or funeral wtsoever.
- He had not received interview since 1980. His few rare interviews are — one with a local high school newspaper in 1953, one with the Times to express his anger on unauthorized publishing of his work, by phone in 1974.
- He has 15 unpublished manuscripts in his safe. He considered publishing as a “terrible invasion” of his privacy.
- And has its own labeling system, red– publish after his death, blue — with some editing.
- His book is lethal /brainwashing— several assassination attempts are associated with this ‘bible’ in the murder’s pockets or hotel room, which they connect themselves with Caulfield’s feeling of alienation.
- His love life was captivating. Joyce Maynard got a letter from Salinger (when he was 53 years old) at the age of 18 after publishing a story on the New York Sunday Magazine. They then lived together for 8 months after exchanging 25 letters. Then Salinger asked her to leave.
- Joyce M. then wrote a memoir on their relationship after keeping secret for N years.
- Joyce M.later even sold the letters through Sotheby’s auction house! =O= but good that the winner decided to return the letters to JDS.
- What’s interesting is that, Salinger has actually sent almost-identical letters to several young female writers and started relationship with, including his wife, his nurse, etc.
- Such a legendary man.
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For quotes of Mr. Salinger, go search “salinger” or “rye” in this blog or even my xanga. Or some random ones below:
- “It was that kind of a crazy afternoon, terrifically cold, and no sun out or anything, and you felt like you were disappearing every time you crossed a road”
- “Boy, when you’re dead, they really fix you up. I hope to hell when I do die somebody has sense enough to just dump me in the river or something. Anything except sticking me in a goddam cemetery. People coming and putting a bunch of flowers on your stomach on Sunday, and all that crap. Who wants flowers when you’re dead? Nobody.”
- “Don’t ever tell anybody anything.”
- “I’m sick of just liking people. I wish to God I could meet somebody I could respect.”
- “It’s funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they’ll do practically anything you want them to.”
- “That’s the whole trouble. You can’t ever find a place that’s nice and peaceful, because there isn’t any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you’re not looking, somebody’ll sneak up and write “F*** you” right under your nose.”
impromptuz 