The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Review from Timely and Timeless Book Club meeting on March 26, 2013

We had a full group yesterday to discuss Catcher in the Rye. But, considering that our group is well past the teenage years, the issues of Holden Caulfield's teenage angst were a bit of a "jangle" to read for some, with a primer of foul language. If this was indeed some reflection of J. D. Salinger's actual experience of his youth, the story might bring some sympathy for Holden. One thread that we discussed was the seeming absentee parenting of a poorly adjusted kid who was not equipped to grow from childhood to adulthood. His appropriation of the title of a slave tune of the "catcher in the rye", which was actually about secret trysts in the fields between plantation slaves, became in Holden's mind an anthem for his fantasy of saving children, who were running through fields of rye, from going over the cliff into the doom of adulthood. This reflects Holden's own confusion and fear of going over that cliff. Holden was disillusioned by the adult world, but at the same time he wanted to seem urbane. The frequent reference to "phony" people showed his uncertainty and distrust of motives of those around him. He was let down by most of the adults from whom he wanted to feel protection. Holden could be seen as conflicted, insecure, immature, and grieving for the death of his brother.

But because we wanted to read the book, that didn't mean that we relished the experience. The nine of us voting yesterday managed only a 2.4/5 rating. That said, we still felt that as a cultural reference, it is still, these 60+ years later, something to have experienced.

April 23 - Far Pavilions by M. M. Kaye at Peabody Public Library at Noon

What an interesting follow-up to Catcher in the Rye. In this book set in India, the protagonist, Ashton "Ash" Hilary Akbar Pelham-Martyn, accepts the responsibilities of adulthood well before he is even into his teens. He is of English parentage, but starts the first 11 years of his life 100% as if he is of Indian parentage. Though his early experiences are harsh and life threatening, he has a few wise adult figures who serve to guide and protect him. Rather than trying to avoid the "cliff" that Holden Caulfield faced, Ash longs to be in the adult world. This epic set starting in the mid 1800's is also an historic look at India under British rule. M. M. Kaye is an accomplished storyteller. The novel is long but wholly engaging. I suspect that an hour is going to be insufficient to explore the folds and quirks of this book.

May 28 - Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt at Barbecue Barn at Noon

From Amazon.com:

Whether dueling with new forensics or the local old boys' network, irreverent defense attorney Andy Carpenter always leaves them awed with his biting wit and winning fourth-quarter game plan. But Andy prefers the company of his best friend, Tara, to the people he encounters in the courtroom. Tara, a golden retriever, is clearly smarter than half the lawyers who clog the courts of Passaic County. However, just as it seems Andy has everything figured out, his dad, New Jersey's legendary ex-D.A., drops dead in front of him at a game in Yankee Stadium. The shocks pile on as he discovers his dad left him with two unexpected legacies: a fortune of $22 million that Andy never knew existed . . . and a murder case with enough racial tinder to burn down City Hall. Struggling to serve justice and bring honor to his father, Andy must dig up some explosive political skeletons-and an astonishing family secret that can close his case (and his mouth) for good.

--Susan