Comments on: J.D. Salinger

By: J Williams

J Williams — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:41:41 +0000

Loved your observations about Holden. Funny thing is I stumbled upon this site after I read a Dove dark chocolate wrapper (!) which read “Blessings only come to those who notice.” and searched it on the web in hopes of finding its origins. May wonders never cease !

By: Jan

Jan — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:04:48 +0000

On an October day in 1956, at the age of 18, I got on a bus in Los Angeles and headed off to New York to become a great novelist. On that bus ride, I read Catcher in the Rye and was overcome with so many emotions. The thrill of reading such writing, the experience of connecting to the character to the point of feeling actually bonded to someone who does not exist, the exerience of Holden which preceded my experience in New York and actually heightened it even more as I recalled certain parts of the book as I made my way around Manhattan. Catcher and New York were my ‘awakening’ to — everything. Life, literature, poetry. New York was a life changing experience and Catcher was the prelude.

By: Jan Schulman

Jan Schulman — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:59:38 +0000

I read this book on a bus going from L.A. to New York, when i was 18 years old! It knocked me for a loop! Not only did i identify with Holden, but I loved and appreciated the writing to the point where it influenced me to this day (some 50+ years later!). Salinger’s 9 Stories are the standard by which I judge every short story I read — and write. I loved this article and the comments made by readers. I like joining them.

By: Allison Welch

Allison Welch — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:56:32 +0000

This post reminded me of an email I got recently about a world class musician who took his ridiculously expensive instrument to the streets and played for people on the sidewalk. The free street performance, which followed a sold out concert with a hefty ticket prices, was barely noticed by anyone. Most likely to stop and listen? Little kids, who were promptly dragged away by parents in a hurry!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:50:40 +0000

I loved reading your article! I just recently read Catcher in the Rye (for the first time) and loved it. Thank you for your observations!

By: Maggie Key

Maggie Key — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:35:07 +0000

Ginny, This took me back to my junior year of high school 45 years ago. Loved Holden then and now – thank you for the moment of grace in a chaotic day.

By: peggy schultz

peggy schultz — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:41:59 +0000

On even the cloudiest day there is something to make me feel the happinees God must feel for his creation. A smile from a child or a passing stranger, A whistle in the wind, new spring grass, an early morning birdsong. We just have to look.

By: Marcia Olson

Marcia Olson — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:00:42 +0000

Ginny, I, too, am among the “4 college friends.” Must re-read “Catcher” — it’s been at least 50 years. Yesterday my 3-yr-old grandson was heard singing from across the kitchen “Gloooooria, in Ex-chell-sis Day-o” — happily recalling music from Christmas season. Caused me to stop my cooking and just enjoy! Thanks.

By: Karen Cheeld

Karen Cheeld — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:47:41 +0000

Hi Ginny, I am one of Karen Madsen Myer’s “4 college friends”. You marvelous article reminds me, among other things, of a quote I recently found in a Dove dark chocolate wrapper (!): “Blessings only come to those who notice.”

By: Carolyn J. Martone

Carolyn J. Martone — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:40:33 +0000

I loved your article, Ginny. I think Holden Caulfield would have too.

By: Tarn Wilson

Tarn Wilson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:41:35 +0000

Makes me feel more still and more alive. Such a gracious, joyful piece of writing. Thank you!

By: Karen Madsen Myers

Karen Madsen Myers — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:14:08 +0000

Oh Ginny, you have touched me deeply with your words and the spirit that shines through my lap top screen.
I have forwarded your email to 4 friends, college friends who graduated from a Methodist-affiliated Liberal Arts school in l961. In a recent reunion we shared a lot about our own journeys of seeking and
finding grace in our sometimes strange and meandering lives. Thank you. Thank you. Love Karen