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J.D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield, Aging Gracelessly
Washington Post ^
| October 19, 2004
| JONATHAN YARDLEY
Posted on 10/23/2004 6:55:30 AM PDT by jalisco555
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To: durasell
I think the problem with Moby Dick is that some people can come up with great story ideas, and some can write well. Those who can do both are rare, and, in my opinion, Melville wasn't one of them.
As they said in the movie Taps, "It's the wrong execution of the right idea."
81
posted on
10/23/2004 8:59:51 AM PDT
by
sharktrager
(The masses will trade liberty for a more quiet life.)
To: NYS_Eric
Thank You! I've not read any of those, so looks like I'm in for a treat.
82
posted on
10/23/2004 9:00:22 AM PDT
by
elli1
To: sharktrager
I think Moby Dick is not only an abuse of the English languageI tried to get through that book several times, because I felt I should like it. I never made it.
83
posted on
10/23/2004 9:02:08 AM PDT
by
Friend of thunder
(No sane person wants war, but oppressors want oppression.)
To: sharktrager
The guy had a 19th century sensibility. Plus, he was a very odd guy. I can't hold him to 21st century standards of "get to the poiint, already." I read the thing after being "at sea" over an extended period and loved it. I haven't re-read, but do go back and dip into it every once in awhile.
84
posted on
10/23/2004 9:02:58 AM PDT
by
durasell
(Friends are so alarming, My lover's never charming...)
To: durasell
85
posted on
10/23/2004 9:05:51 AM PDT
by
GoLightly
(If it doesn't kill ya, it makes ya stronger.)
To: durasell
I believe that great writing stands the test of time. Shakespeare, while not an easy read for most in this age, still can be seen as not only great in idea but in execution.
But for any book their is an audience. I think my main complaint with Moby Dick is like that the author of this article. I think it is held up to be more than it truly is. I like the story very much, but the writing leaves me cold.
86
posted on
10/23/2004 9:11:59 AM PDT
by
sharktrager
(The masses will trade liberty for a more quiet life.)
To: LadyDoc
"...I just couldn't feel sorry for a rich kid slobbering over himself in a rich boarding school...I mean, get a break. I had to work part-time and study hard."
Amen. b.
87
posted on
10/23/2004 9:12:41 AM PDT
by
Barset
To: IronJack
As for Salinger, I suspect his opinion of himself is higher than merited by a single work, regardless of how relevant it was to an angst-ridden generation in 1951. Worse than Catcher in the Rye were his books Franny and zooy and Raise High the Roofbeams Carpenter, all of which I read and reread because I kept searching for the reasons others thought they were great books. Never have found the reasons.
88
posted on
10/23/2004 9:19:29 AM PDT
by
rock58seg
(I will vote as kerry directs, when he says, "vote for Bush.")
To: sharktrager
I had to laugh when I read your post. I forced myself to read it a few years ago, because it was supposed to be one of the best novels ever written.
Just when the story started to get good, Melville would start waxing poetic about a species of whale.
To: NYS_Eric
I'm off to the library to check out "All the Kings Men".
If it stinks, I coming looking for you. :-)
To: durasell
John Cheever wrote great short stories, as well.
91
posted on
10/23/2004 9:48:38 AM PDT
by
annyokie
("I have a plan" ™)
To: sharktrager
Can't believe i said their instead of there...
man, I am losing it.
92
posted on
10/23/2004 9:52:05 AM PDT
by
sharktrager
(The masses will trade liberty for a more quiet life.)
To: durasell
Ah yes, the Beat Generation produced such giants as Allen Ginsberg, Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. More akin to trolls than giants.
93
posted on
10/23/2004 9:55:23 AM PDT
by
O.C. - Old Cracker
(When the cracker gets old, you wind up with Old Cracker. - O.C.)
To: jalisco555
I'd toss 'Catcher in the Rye' on to the same bonfire with such modern entertainment as 'South Park'. Same genre of garbage.
94
posted on
10/23/2004 9:57:45 AM PDT
by
O.C. - Old Cracker
(When the cracker gets old, you wind up with Old Cracker. - O.C.)
To: Diva Betsy Ross
Ok I'm not the only one who's crazy. I loved Catcher In the Rye and Franny and Zooey. I think there is a statement to be made for conservatives to like this book. It's about disillusionment with establishment. Remember, even Holden's liberal teacher makes a homosexual pass at him. The author is a pervert, but I still like both of these books, and I'm an English teacher.
95
posted on
10/23/2004 10:03:12 AM PDT
by
ruthles
To: jalisco555
I've never read "The Catcher in the Rye," and, now that I've read the brief excerpts in this review, you may be sure this won't be one of the "neglected classics" I pick off the library shelf! YUCK!
96
posted on
10/23/2004 10:48:29 AM PDT
by
Tax-chick
(Don't underestimate the power of a muffin and a prayer card.)
To: Rummyfan
I enjoyed his short story collections too. I forgot about "Big Two-Hearted River."
Just a short story, but my favorite of all.
97
posted on
10/23/2004 10:55:27 AM PDT
by
E. Pluribus Unum
(I actually did vote for John Kerry, before I voted against him.)
To: jalisco555
Jeesh, I loved "Catcher in the Rye". I've read it 4 or 5 times and have gotten something new out of it with every reading. Sure, Salinger is no William Faulkner, but then again, who is?
98
posted on
10/23/2004 11:17:43 AM PDT
by
Elephino
To: jalisco555
I guess I don't get it. I loved those books.
99
posted on
10/23/2004 11:24:08 AM PDT
by
Melas
To: IronJack
Apples and oranges. Old Mand and the Sea is a character work and cannot be compared to For Whom the Bell Tolls which despite the strong lead of the protagonist of Jordan, is still an epic with it's subplots within subplots. OMS stands the test of time as one of the best character works of any author, ever.
100
posted on
10/23/2004 11:27:14 AM PDT
by
Melas
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