…than JD’s got Salinger.” (1000 blog points to anyone who can name the random source of that quote.)
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks in my life (more to come on that later), so I took a brief hiatus from blogging. But I’m back and ready to share.
In the midst of the chaos, I have managed to down a couple of books lately, one of them being The Catcher in the Rye, which I read in high school but hardly remembered. I love Salinger’s short story series centered around the Glass family and consider it to be his best work. (Check out Franny and Zoe if you’re inclined.) Catcher is undeniably a classic and Salinger shows his writing chops throughout, but it’s a cynical, gritty story. I did, however, find one gem within it I’d like to share. Enjoy.
“Once you get past all the Mr. Vinsons, you’re going to start getting closer and closer—that is, if you want to, and if you look for it and wait for it—to the kind of information that will be very, very dear to your heart. Among other things, you’ll find that you’re not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You’re by no means alone on that score, you’ll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You’ll learn from them—if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It’s a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn’t education. It’s history. It’s poetry.”
absolutely freaky…i picked up Catcher in the Rye over Christmas break too. I haven’t read it in years, but was in the mood for a “cynical, gritty story” and i knew it wouldn’t fail me. i haven’t cracked it yet though…
btw…quote: “Shadrach”, Beastie Boys, Paul’s Boutique. I’m going to put it in right now….
ray
left by alotliketimothy on 01.03.2007 at 5:01 pm