J.D Salinger Dies at the Age of 91

The death of JD Salinger took me by surprise. Since his work has been considered classic since I began my schooling I assumed like many of those authors he had already passed. He had a long life dying at the age of 91.

Amazingly enough I have scathed through life without reading one of his books. At some point for some English class I was going to have to read “Catcher in the Rye” but somehow I got out of it. There was never a compulsion on my part to read the novel and so I still have not.

Why has Salinger had an effect on me, well it’s the concept of negative space. The absence of Salinger in my life has had the most effect. I realize in the moment now that I can’t relate to others reactions because I have not read his words. He impacted many of my dearest friends and almost all of my favorite artists. I now know there is something a bit amiss in my world. I feel that missing piece.

Salinger is one of those literary greats that effected generations of school kids. Mostly through book reports and written analysis that were thrust upon them. If you liked his work or hated it he helped bond generations of kids who went through the same experience. Gave people something to talk about and relate too.

Maybe it’s a little too late but my plans as they stand are to head to the library tomorrow. Check out a book of his, perhaps “A Perfect Day for Banannafish”  (what a great title) and have a good read. In that way I can honor a man who has impacted so many lives.

What is your favorite J.D Salinger Quote?