Comments on: TSS: Books That Change With You

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:50:51 +0000

That is so interesting. I wrote my tribute a few days ago but it was a comment that led me to remember that I had read it in high school shortly after my dad had passed away. I had forgotten how angry I was. I remember loving the book and totally getting what Holden was going through. My father and I were really close and he had struggled on and off with cancer for almost ten years before we lost him. So while I wan't angry at God or the world or anyone in particular, I still had this rage. And I got Holden. And I still do. Thank you for your honesty and insightful post. .-= Amanda´s last blog ..Duel Review Coming Soon =-.

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:44:28 +0000

Oh, one more thing–did you see Colbert’s tribute to Salinger the other night? http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/263254/february-02-2010/bananafish-tale—henry-allen
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Who Is the YA Audience? =-.

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:40:22 +0000

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. {{{hugs!}}} I've never read Catcher In the Rye, but considering what I know about modern teenagers (and I do live with one), I find it deliciously ironic they would accuse any character of being too whiny. Pot, meet kettle. My view of books always changes whenever I reread them. I think that's why I tend to shy away from reading books that I seriously love, like Jane Eyre--I'm always afraid that I'll ruin the book for myself. .-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Who Is the YA Audience? =-.

By: Jodie

Jodie — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:27:27 +0000

It's weird how often you find just the right book at the right time. Most likely we all notice the elements that apply to our situation much more if we read a book like this after a big life event. I think that's kind of wonderful because it makes an extra special connection between your life and the book, in kind of the same way we all have pieces of music that reconnect us with things in life and make more sense once we've experienced those things. It can be really comforting to find someone who has been through what you have and I think that extends to fictional characters. .-= Jodie´s last blog ..The Mariposa Club - Rigoberto Gonzalez =-.

By: zibilee

zibilee — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:45:59 +0000

I am not sure if I have an answer to your question, but I wanted to say that your post was just beautiful and very heartfelt. I can appreciate why you had such a visceral reaction to Holden, and I think it makes perfect sense. .-= zibilee´s last blog ..Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran - 448 pgs =-.

By: Nish

Nish — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:09:39 +0000

Thank you for such a personal post about your reactions to the book. When I read the book, I just felt he was whiny...probably did not view him from the angle you describe. Isn't it strange how intensely personal our reactions to books are? So much more than movies somehow! .-= Nish´s last blog ..Snubnose is Starting Young! =-.

By: Jen - Devourer of Books

Jen - Devourer of Books — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:50:06 +0000

I had a really hard time with CATCHER IN THE RYE and ultimately didn't end up enjoying the book at ALL because I just didn't enjoy spending the time with Holden, even if he did have a good reason to act as he did. However, I'm glad that this book was there for you in multiple circumstances and I really appreciate you sharing your experience with CATCHER IN THE RYE with us. .-= Jen - Devourer of Books´s last blog ..O, Juliet – Book Review =-.

By: Andi

Andi — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:25:59 +0000

In light of your post, I think I may have enjoyed Catcher for much the same reason. I didn't lose a sibling, but I lost a couple of integral family members around that time, and it did make me very cynical and generally just sad and moody. I could relate to Holden "after the fact" when many others my age (early 20s) could not relate anymore. Great post! Thanks for sharing. .-= Andi´s last blog ..Article: "The Man in the Glass House" =-.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:08:36 +0000

I read Catcher in the Rye in high school and remember really enjoying it. I am probably due for a re-read though. One of my favorite books is At Home in the World, by Joyce Maynard. It is a memoir of the time she lived with Salinger as his girlfriend and is very captivating. If you haven't read it, you should! .-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Book Review: New Orleans Cemeteries =-.

By: Literary Feline

Literary Feline — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:24:30 +0000

I was saddened by the news of Salinger's death too, Meghan. I remember how excited I was when I first read The Catcher in the Rye. I knew it was on a few banned book lists and that especially intrigued me, even in high school. I loved it when I read it. My husband has expressed an interest in reading it for the first time and I think I'll do a re-read. See how it's changed for me. I so rarely reread books and so can't really answer your question about a book that changed for me as I changed. I did like Pride and Prejudice much better the second time around, but I can't say it was because of a change in circumstance other than I think I was better able to appreciate Jane Austen's writing. Reading for me is such a personal experience. I internalize them and make them my own when I read. And I really do believe that our experiences and where we are in a moment impact our reading experience, just as you described with The Catcher in the Rye. .-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: What I Plan to Read Next =-.