When I heard today about J.D. Salinger passing away, I recalled how his classic book The Catcher in the Rye, changed me as a person. So I decided from time to time I'll share how a book made me think differently about the world.
The character of Holden was so tortured. I saw myself in him when I met him at the age of 13. I also hated phonies and felt I was surrounded by them.
This moment in the story turned on the lightbulb in my head and made me realize certain realities about life:
“Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.”
“Yes, sir. I know it is. I know it.”
Game, my ass. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right—I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game.
Thank you J.D. Rest in peace.
3 comments:
Yes!
I connected with this book as well. I chose to do an intensive study on this book for one of my literature classes.
Wow Kyle! How cool. Perhaps you can do a post about your study on the book? I would love to read your thoughts on Catcher.
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