28
January
2010
J.D. Salinger
Jan. 1, 1919- Jan. 27, 2010
The feelings I have for The Catcher in the Rye are so cliche that I almost don’t want to share them – too bad I’m too big of a sap to keep them in.
I know that countless people have insisted that the Catcher in the Rye changed their life. Again, it’s so cliche that it’s sickening. But seriously, how could it not? I read it when I was a sophomore in high school, and yes, it changed my life. I always loved to read, but after I read The Catcher in the Rye, I felt like reading was cool. I felt like such a bad ass after reading that book. It was really the first book that blew me away – it was such an amazing feeling. Finally, I thought, someone understands me. Holden Caulfield understands me. J.D. Salinger understands me. It was cool to be different, and coming to that understanding played a pivotal role in my development.
I read the book several times throughout high school, but I haven’t read it since. I know that the book will not mean the same thing anymore. I know the angst dripping off of the page will probably irritate my maturer sensibility. I have a feeling that reading it as an adult will tarnish my almost romantic view of the book. I read a couple of Salinger’s other novels and some of his short stories, but none of them compare to The Catcher in the Rye. There is just something special about Holden Caulfield. There is a certain magic in that character, and that is what makes the book so wonderful. Salinger knew this, which is why he never sold the film rights of the book. He knew that Holden is alive only in his readers’ minds, and that Holden’s interiority could not be effectively portrayed on screen.
Anyway, Salinger was one hard-core bad ass, and whenever I think of him I can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy.
Posted: Life
14
January
2010
The other day when I was feeling down about how much I suck (the details of said feelings of suckage will stay off the Interwebs), Jenn imparted these words of wisdom:
“Milton would say that you shouldn’t be depressed when comparing yourself to God; it should be exhilarating knowing that you have the seed of divinity within you and exciting knowing that you have so much room to grow and learn.”
Good ole Milton. I loved what she said so much that I wrote it down in my little journal. That way, when I start to have feelings of inadequacy I can turn to that page for a quick pick-me-up. So anyway, when Kyle got home from work that day, I told him the back story, and then I read the quote to him. His response? “Oh-ho-ho! So you have the SEED of divinity in you, huh?” Yes, Kyle effectively turned Jenn/Milton’s inspirational message into a dirty one. Does this mean I’m preggo with God’s baby? Don’t answer that Jenn!
Posted: Life
16
September
2009
“If I lose the light of the sun, I will write by candlelight, moonlight, no light. If I lose paper and ink, I will write in blood on forgotten walls. I will write always. I will capture nights all over the world and bring them to you.” -Henry Rollins
Okay, so, confession. I had a weird fascination with Henry Rollins when I was in high school. I thought he was such a badass. I read all of his books. Seriously. Who reads Henry Rollins? Ha! I loved them though! I probably shouldn’t have been reading them actually. They were far too dark for a young, impressionable, and somewhat troubled teenager like me. But I loved them. Especially because they were filled with profanity and naughtiness. I also watched his spoken word special that was on Comedy Central. I LOVED it, and watched it over and over. In my junior year of English we had to read a biography or autobiography, and then dress up as the person and act like him/her while being interviewed by the class. So, yeah, I was Henry Rollins! I’m certain my English teacher had no clue who he was! I basically just dressed up like a boy. But I totally channeled him while I was being questioned. I remember doing a way better job on that project than I did on others.
Oddly enough, I never really got into Black Flag or the Rollins Band. But I adored his writing, passion, and overall badassness. Oh, and I have proof that he is universally known as a badass. Kyle’s work has a motto: “Get things the fuck done.” And for no apparent reason whatsoever, that motto is accompanied by a picture of Henry Rollins. It’s as if having Henry associated with the motto imbues it with more authority.
Anyway, I really think reading him write so passionately about writing itself probably got me more interested in reading and writing. And look at me today, the little English grad student I am. I guess I owe it all to Henry!
In all honesty, once I got out of high school I stopped following his career. Sorry Henry! Don’t punch me! It wasn’t that I didn’t like his work anymore – I just started getting interested in other writers. No offense! God Henry, I love you, but I’m afraid of you too!
So, um, why am I talking about Henry again? Oh yeah, HE’S SPEAKING AT SAC STATE TOMORROW FOR FREE! Oh my god. SO. EXCITED. Who knows, I may go and think, “why did I ever like this guy?” But who cares. It’s Henry Bleeping Rollins!
Posted: Entertainment, Life