Tag Archives: reading

The Internet and J.D. Salinger

This morning I awoke to news that three J.D Salinger stories were leaked online.  Within three minutes I was able to find a torrent link and download a copy for myself.  Surely, Mr. Salinger never anticipated the power of the Internet to undermine his publishing wishes.  I felt strangely at odds with myself over the download.  On one hand I wanted to respect the wishes of the revered author.  Despite myself, I also wanted to read something new from the man whose writing had considerable influence over my teenage years.  With Black Friday being the ultimate impulse shopping day, I relented and secured a copy.

J.D. Salinger's Ocean Full of Bowling Balls Screen shot

I look forward to reading the works once my baby-boy settles down for a nap.  I am a bit weary, however, given the fact that so little is published by Salinger.   For this reason, the reading does risk disappointment.  I had a very similar feeling when Nirvana released “You Know You’re Right.”  Fortunately, the posthumously released single did not disappoint.

Too often the Internet’s commenting class ruin these type of releases because they overly criticize, judge and rehash the past.  Check out the YouTube comments that go with the Nirvana link above for proof of this trend.   In actuality, it’s just a song.   It’s just a story.  I think J.D. Salinger’s Buddhist sensibilities would appreciate this approach.  For this reason I will let you all decide if the works are worth reading.  There is, however, reason for intrigue.  According to the Guardian Newspaper:

The stories include An Ocean Full of Bowling Balls, which has only been available under lock and key to scholars at Princeton library.

The tale is an early version, originally written for Harper’s Bazaar magazine but withdrawn before publication, of The Catcher in the Rye. The narrator is the older brother of Holden Caulfield, the teenage narrator of the later book.

The other stories, entitled Paula, and Birthday Boy, were held by the University of Texas under similar conditions.

Enjoy.

Best Block:  JD Salinger’s unpublished stories leaked online (Maev Kennedy)

John F. Kennedy 11/22/63

There is a lot being written and posted today about the Kennedy assassination.   The ramifications of the tragic event can still be felt today.

Kennedy’s  famous “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You” speech has been widely read and debated.  Many interpret the famous quote in that speech as a call to arms to the American citizenry to volunteer and get involved.  Today, however, I find myself reflecting on the quote from a different angle.  So few politicians today are willing to make sacrifices for the nation’s common good.  Kennedy, and many of his peers, would be appalled when viewing today’s political  landscape.   Political posturing and grandstanding has become common practice among the nation’s elites.  It’s as if their win at all cost mentality will make sure that the nation ultimately loses in the end.  Say what you will about the Kennedys, four of their sons volunteered and worked tirelessly for this nation.  Three of them ultimately gave their lives to the cause.  How many politicians would do the same today?

Stephen King 11-22-63 cover

By the way if you have not read Stephen King’s 11/22/63, you should.  It’s a great read and really works as three novels in one.  The interplay of the characters, the Kennedy myth and the Stephen King style is well worth the investment.

Best Block: Stephen King Goes to the Rescue of JFK (Errol Morris)