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Robin Yaklin's avatar

Ah, Holden. He was a triumph when the novel was published. Yes, I am of the age to know that. And, yes, the book was banned in my high school after we read it in English Lit. Do I remember right that, later in his life, Salinger was a recluse? Wonder if mental illness was working its bad ways.

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

Robin, I’m so jealous. You reading forbidden fruit. 😅

Salinger was a recluse, at least from publishing and the press. And from his memoir-writing daughter. You might have hit on something about mental illness.

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Kirsten Garrison's avatar

Youre so real for this. I HATED this book the only time I read it, because his problems felt so self inflicted. But I like the lens you brought to it. To make a comparison, there are some old horror films I adore, not because they're particularly good, but they were the first to pilot a new concept in the genre. Obnoxious teen might have been fresh ground, that we've since seen done better and with more sincerity.

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

Thanks, Kirsten. Being first has a way of capturing the limelight.

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John Butler's avatar

I like the "first of its kind" theory. Nothing like it. Absolutely nothing! x3

I too had this book as an assignment one week in Freshman English. It seems pedestrian compared to the options today. What an age we live in where practically anyone can "publish" without a large financial risk. Maybe out of the wash some gems occasionally appear.

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

There are many gems worth digging into.

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Ellen Y. Mueller's avatar

Thank you for posting about J.D.Salinger and shedding light on his private life. I always find the details about famous writers interesting. And thank you for recommending my book, Run Girl Run. You made my day!

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

Salinger’s life seems salaciously interesting. Run Girl Run definitely worth a look.

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Ellen Y. Mueller's avatar

I agree. Thanks. I’m looking forward to reading more of your newsletters.

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

Thanks for subscribing Ellen.

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Ellen Y. Mueller's avatar

I’m looking forward to the next post.

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