January 28th, 2010 / 2:20 pm
Author News
Nick Antosca
Author News
SALINGER DEAD
portrait of the artist in the rye
Sad news. J.D. Salinger has died. Feel free to speculate on the obvious (and I don’t mean cause of death)…
Tags: J.D. Salinger
When’s his next book coming out?
When’s his next book coming out?
zzzzzzzzzzoooon. he wrote lotzzzz, apparently
zzzalinger ezzztate iz going to cazzzsh inzzz
zzzzzzzzzzoooon. he wrote lotzzzz, apparently
zzzalinger ezzztate iz going to cazzzsh inzzz
He’s supposedly been writing all these years. I wonder if anything will come out? This is truly sad news.
He’s supposedly been writing all these years. I wonder if anything will come out? This is truly sad news.
now that he’s dead can we start obsessing over him?
or is it too soon.
now that he’s dead can we start obsessing over him?
or is it too soon.
they been salivating over his near-corpse for years…
they been salivating over his near-corpse for years…
it’s too late! move along. he’s dead, he doesn’t need it. i have to torch part of my library tonight
it’s too late! move along. he’s dead, he doesn’t need it. i have to torch part of my library tonight
They already sell Catcher in the Rye t-shirts at Urban Outfitters.
They already sell Catcher in the Rye t-shirts at Urban Outfitters.
we should azzzume they killed him
And somewhere Wes Anderson weeps.
we should azzzume they killed him
And somewhere Wes Anderson weeps.
or maybe he stumbled on the secret formula for anti-matter
you never know
the papacy has to keep things close
or maybe he stumbled on the secret formula for anti-matter
you never know
the papacy has to keep things close
Be careful comin’ through the rye, we’re on our own now.
Be careful comin’ through the rye, we’re on our own now.
i don’t think there is a more annoying character than you
well done
i don’t think there is a more annoying character than you
well done
thankzzz
thankzzz
i deserve this, really i do
as a kid, my brother somehow managed twice in one day to drop two cartons of eggs. we were visiting my grandparents at the time, and my grandma was furious. for the rest of the trip, we all said things like “eggscellent” and “eggstraordinary” (well, almost except Grandma who was too annoyed to see the humor and except for my mom who thought we were being cruel).
i deserve this, really i do
as a kid, my brother somehow managed twice in one day to drop two cartons of eggs. we were visiting my grandparents at the time, and my grandma was furious. for the rest of the trip, we all said things like “eggscellent” and “eggstraordinary” (well, almost except Grandma who was too annoyed to see the humor and except for my mom who thought we were being cruel).
15 novels locked in a safe… hmmm
15 novels locked in a safe… hmmm
Can Geraldo be far behind?
Can Geraldo be far behind?
htmlgiant readers: If you’ve made it this far in the comment thread, I just wanted to say I’m ashamed and embarrassed by the above thread. It is one thing to be callous, glib, cynical, and attention-seeking; but to do so under a post announcing the death of a great author is simply stunning. It, honestly, makes htmlgiant look bad. I thought we were assholes, not diarrhea. These half-clever comments are so predictable and boring. It may be just as boring to say, as I’m about to, that J.D. Salinger is one of the greatest authors in the history of letters, that he infected, and continues to, generations of “young adults” with love and truth and honesty, during a time in life when that is most paramount and crucial. Put simply, his work is a godsend. I’m glad he lived a long life, and I cherish him. I know that was boring to say; I just needed to, so that our readers don’t all think we are all fools. This comment will probably be followed by defensive and/or angry comments, and I will remain reticent because I’ve said what I needed to say.
htmlgiant readers: If you’ve made it this far in the comment thread, I just wanted to say I’m ashamed and embarrassed by the above thread. It is one thing to be callous, glib, cynical, and attention-seeking; but to do so under a post announcing the death of a great author is simply stunning. It, honestly, makes htmlgiant look bad. I thought we were assholes, not diarrhea. These half-clever comments are so predictable and boring. It may be just as boring to say, as I’m about to, that J.D. Salinger is one of the greatest authors in the history of letters, that he infected, and continues to, generations of “young adults” with love and truth and honesty, during a time in life when that is most paramount and crucial. Put simply, his work is a godsend. I’m glad he lived a long life, and I cherish him. I know that was boring to say; I just needed to, so that our readers don’t all think we are all fools. This comment will probably be followed by defensive and/or angry comments, and I will remain reticent because I’ve said what I needed to say.
Or, Wes Anderson is tracked laterally, in slow motion, walking down a busy the street while The Yardbirds play on the soundtrack.
Or, Wes Anderson is tracked laterally, in slow motion, walking down a busy the street while The Yardbirds play on the soundtrack.
At last, a use for his color-coded filing system: “A red mark meant, if I die before I finish my work, publish this ‘as is,’ blue meant publish but edit first, and so on.” Someone’s getting busy.
At last, a use for his color-coded filing system: “A red mark meant, if I die before I finish my work, publish this ‘as is,’ blue meant publish but edit first, and so on.” Someone’s getting busy.
this comment wins
this comment wins
oh jimmy.
sure. we are being silly and glib.
but this outrage is bullshit.
nick specifically crafts the god damn post to open up the flood gates and you are saying we are shameful for making dumb jokes.
who devalued Salinger’s work above?
no one.
i’m sorry you miss him jimmy.
don’t be sad.
oh jimmy.
sure. we are being silly and glib.
but this outrage is bullshit.
nick specifically crafts the god damn post to open up the flood gates and you are saying we are shameful for making dumb jokes.
who devalued Salinger’s work above?
no one.
i’m sorry you miss him jimmy.
don’t be sad.
Yeah. A lot of bad jokes occurred to me because, frankly, bad jokes have been occurring to me about Salinger for years. I’m not sad and I won’t miss him. But his farewell ought to be observed intelligently, if not respectfully or graciously. Thanks for saying this, Jimmy.
Yeah. A lot of bad jokes occurred to me because, frankly, bad jokes have been occurring to me about Salinger for years. I’m not sad and I won’t miss him. But his farewell ought to be observed intelligently, if not respectfully or graciously. Thanks for saying this, Jimmy.
A necessary statement, Jimmy, one which I agree with and am glad you made.
At the same time, though, can you really be surprised? The way this post is framed and the way, in general, commenting goes around here, I don’t think it’s surprising at all. And the bigger the actual news, the more material people have to throw at it.
Just the way it goes, unfortunately.
But glad you spoke up.
A necessary statement, Jimmy, one which I agree with and am glad you made.
At the same time, though, can you really be surprised? The way this post is framed and the way, in general, commenting goes around here, I don’t think it’s surprising at all. And the bigger the actual news, the more material people have to throw at it.
Just the way it goes, unfortunately.
But glad you spoke up.
For the record, I was not being glib–at all. Salinger has always been and will remain one of my favorites. I desperately hope there’s new work to be read. I’m really sad at the loss…
For the record, I was not being glib–at all. Salinger has always been and will remain one of my favorites. I desperately hope there’s new work to be read. I’m really sad at the loss…
salinger has been dead for years.
it just took him actually dying for anyone to notice.
salinger has been dead for years.
it just took him actually dying for anyone to notice.
New Yorker just put up all his stories that have been published in the magazine over the years:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/backissues/2010/01/postscript-j-d-salinger.html
RIP
New Yorker just put up all his stories that have been published in the magazine over the years:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/backissues/2010/01/postscript-j-d-salinger.html
RIP
This is quite sad. Nine Stories is still one of my favorite books.
This is quite sad. Nine Stories is still one of my favorite books.
Dude, you’re ALWAYS glib and sarcastic. Always. You’ve got no right. No right!
Dude, you’re ALWAYS glib and sarcastic. Always. You’ve got no right. No right!
amen! ditto
amen! ditto
It’s a news post (featuring an acknowledgment of the feeding/speculation frenzy that’s likely about to kick off regarding his unpublished works), not an appreciation, and I think the outrage is silly too. And ironic, considering Kate’s response to this post: http://htmlgiant.com/author-spotlight/the-legend-of-zelda/
The appreciation posts are, I am sure, forthcoming.
It’s a news post (featuring an acknowledgment of the feeding/speculation frenzy that’s likely about to kick off regarding his unpublished works), not an appreciation, and I think the outrage is silly too. And ironic, considering Kate’s response to this post: http://htmlgiant.com/author-spotlight/the-legend-of-zelda/
The appreciation posts are, I am sure, forthcoming.
i love j.d. salinger’s work. i highly recommend that everyone check out “franny and zooey,” “raise high the roof beam, carpenters,” and “seymour: an introduction” if you haven’t already. “seymour: an introduction” would, i think, be particularly interesting for “experimental”-ish writers to read.
i love j.d. salinger’s work. i highly recommend that everyone check out “franny and zooey,” “raise high the roof beam, carpenters,” and “seymour: an introduction” if you haven’t already. “seymour: an introduction” would, i think, be particularly interesting for “experimental”-ish writers to read.
HTML Giant Readers: You’re all a bunch of phonies! I await further moralizing from Jimmy Chen about how all of you are terrible people!
HTML Giant Readers: You’re all a bunch of phonies! I await further moralizing from Jimmy Chen about how all of you are terrible people!
RIP, good sir.
Dude did make it to age 91 though, so I don’t think this is terribly tragic or shocking. A good time to revisit his work though.
RIP, good sir.
Dude did make it to age 91 though, so I don’t think this is terribly tragic or shocking. A good time to revisit his work though.
oh sheet Zelda’s involved. you HAD to go there? while my man sulks, who will clip my toenails?
oh sheet Zelda’s involved. you HAD to go there? while my man sulks, who will clip my toenails?
Only in Fucking America could somebody be dissed for NOT being a fame whore!
Only in Fucking America could somebody be dissed for NOT being a fame whore!
Anyone that talks shit about Salinger is a fucking fool. I believe this so strongly that I am taking away the right to say, “Everyone has their own opinion.” If your opinion is that of dislike for Salinger, you are wrong about that. And if you’re wrong about that, then chances are you are wrong about many other things as well.
Anyone that talks shit about Salinger is a fucking fool. I believe this so strongly that I am taking away the right to say, “Everyone has their own opinion.” If your opinion is that of dislike for Salinger, you are wrong about that. And if you’re wrong about that, then chances are you are wrong about many other things as well.
for the record, I *liked* the zelda post
It’s not boring to say. It’s the fucking truth. No one did what Salinger did and no one ever will again. I want to go out to bars tonight and get drunk and the first person I hear that says one bad thing about him, I want punch him in the nose. I seriously feel violent about any disrespect right now and I hate violence.
for the record, I *liked* the zelda post
It’s not boring to say. It’s the fucking truth. No one did what Salinger did and no one ever will again. I want to go out to bars tonight and get drunk and the first person I hear that says one bad thing about him, I want punch him in the nose. I seriously feel violent about any disrespect right now and I hate violence.
Can I be your back up? I’ll gladly punch some fools.
Can I be your back up? I’ll gladly punch some fools.
Let’s do it
Let’s do it
You are ranting like a bastard, pardon the pun
You are ranting like a bastard, pardon the pun
That is aimed at Gian. This site is effing up like a bastard.
That is aimed at Gian. This site is effing up like a bastard.
This is very sad.
I just hope the powers that be do not do to Salinger what has been done to Nirvana.
This is very sad.
I just hope the powers that be do not do to Salinger what has been done to Nirvana.
the inverted forest ( http://www.freeweb.hu/tchl/salinger/forest.html ) is great.
i am sure salinger was aware that his death would mean the publication of all the works he had left behind. he did preserve them for a reason. i don’t think it’s mean-spirited or ‘wrong’ to talk or be excited about new manuscripts.
the inverted forest ( http://www.freeweb.hu/tchl/salinger/forest.html ) is great.
i am sure salinger was aware that his death would mean the publication of all the works he had left behind. he did preserve them for a reason. i don’t think it’s mean-spirited or ‘wrong’ to talk or be excited about new manuscripts.
I think the reactions in this post echo the public perceptions of Salinger as a whole. Some idolise him because he published so little – including one book that became something of a standard-bearer for ‘disillusioned youth’ – before disappearing. Others don’t care for him for exactly the same reasons, because he published so little before disappearing from public consciousness and staying disappeared – that gives them little to hold on to, particularly in this age where ‘famous people’, even often reclusive authors, have to be seen everywhere and in everything.
As for me, I read Catcher in the Rye as a ‘disillusioned youth’, and it certainly stuck with me for a while. So I devoured his other work soon after. To be honest, those stories didn’t stick with me so much. For all the modern resonances for a contemporary reader – especially in Catcher – I found his work a little dated: not necessarily in a bad way, but rather as if it had been set in aspic when he vanished from the public’s gaze, so that it became something to be appreciated for the skill and craft, without necessarily touching my emotions deeply.
But hey, he lived his life as a recluse, was noted for relationships with younger women, had his work stashed away in a cellar, and only raised his head above the parapet to lash out in a bad temper at anyone who tried to destroy his privacy. No wonder he made it all the way to 91. Sounds like a hell of a way to live, if you ask me.
I think the reactions in this post echo the public perceptions of Salinger as a whole. Some idolise him because he published so little – including one book that became something of a standard-bearer for ‘disillusioned youth’ – before disappearing. Others don’t care for him for exactly the same reasons, because he published so little before disappearing from public consciousness and staying disappeared – that gives them little to hold on to, particularly in this age where ‘famous people’, even often reclusive authors, have to be seen everywhere and in everything.
As for me, I read Catcher in the Rye as a ‘disillusioned youth’, and it certainly stuck with me for a while. So I devoured his other work soon after. To be honest, those stories didn’t stick with me so much. For all the modern resonances for a contemporary reader – especially in Catcher – I found his work a little dated: not necessarily in a bad way, but rather as if it had been set in aspic when he vanished from the public’s gaze, so that it became something to be appreciated for the skill and craft, without necessarily touching my emotions deeply.
But hey, he lived his life as a recluse, was noted for relationships with younger women, had his work stashed away in a cellar, and only raised his head above the parapet to lash out in a bad temper at anyone who tried to destroy his privacy. No wonder he made it all the way to 91. Sounds like a hell of a way to live, if you ask me.
Seriously. Between Salinger and Zinn, two gigantic heroes to me, this day is so fucking depressing I can’t even deal. And I don’t care what you think about Salinger, Jesus Christ have a little fucking respect for the man. So he lived like a weirdo, so? So he didn’t publish anything for ever and ever. So? What obligation did he ever have to produce a damn thing more than the fucking fantastic works he did produce? Write what he wrote, live to be a old man, and then come back and fucking make jokes about his death. Grrr.
Seriously. Between Salinger and Zinn, two gigantic heroes to me, this day is so fucking depressing I can’t even deal. And I don’t care what you think about Salinger, Jesus Christ have a little fucking respect for the man. So he lived like a weirdo, so? So he didn’t publish anything for ever and ever. So? What obligation did he ever have to produce a damn thing more than the fucking fantastic works he did produce? Write what he wrote, live to be a old man, and then come back and fucking make jokes about his death. Grrr.
i am sorry you miss him gian.
don’t be sad and/or angry.
still. i found out and tried to summon some sense of loss or mourning but nothing. its hard to miss the utterly reclusive.
i am sorry you miss him gian.
don’t be sad and/or angry.
still. i found out and tried to summon some sense of loss or mourning but nothing. its hard to miss the utterly reclusive.
I wasn’t being disrespectful. I love Nine Stories and Catcher in the Rye.
I wasn’t being disrespectful. I love Nine Stories and Catcher in the Rye.
He had 15 bonus years.
Nine Stories should be read. Like, dislike, but read it.
The day of the death I would back off the glibness and jokes. He died today. But I guess in Net a day is a decade, etc.
Quality outs. People–yes, usually 16-24 whatever–have had Rye mean something since its publication. It’s not the first book of its type, but it has sustained. If you read it after age 25, you are a wrench or a ball peen, but so?
give the man a day, OK.
He had 15 bonus years.
Nine Stories should be read. Like, dislike, but read it.
The day of the death I would back off the glibness and jokes. He died today. But I guess in Net a day is a decade, etc.
Quality outs. People–yes, usually 16-24 whatever–have had Rye mean something since its publication. It’s not the first book of its type, but it has sustained. If you read it after age 25, you are a wrench or a ball peen, but so?
give the man a day, OK.
From The New Yorker’s website:
‘From 1946 to 1965, Salinger published thirteen stories in The New Yorker, including such classics as “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” and “Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters.” There will be much more to come online and in next week’s magazine, but for now, read Salinger’s stories, available to subscribers through our digital edition.’
Any thoughts on what that means?
From The New Yorker’s website:
‘From 1946 to 1965, Salinger published thirteen stories in The New Yorker, including such classics as “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” and “Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters.” There will be much more to come online and in next week’s magazine, but for now, read Salinger’s stories, available to subscribers through our digital edition.’
Any thoughts on what that means?
Jimmy, respect for taking a stand. JDS has passed; his prose won’t.
Jimmy, respect for taking a stand. JDS has passed; his prose won’t.
In his intro to SLOW LEARNER, Pynchon says something about how a young writer should be judged on how seriously he or she confronts the subject of death. I think that several commenters here have, in the words of Thomas Middleton, “been tried, and found to be base metal.” Death hurts, and a lot of people are hurting right now. If you think being a clown at the expense of other’s pain is cute, you need to grow up.*** If nothing else, Salinger exerted a very positive influence on several generations of young people. CATCHER says it’s okay to be sensitive, that being yourself is more important than fitting in, and that you have to be willing to walk the razor’s edge to find truth and meaning.
In his intro to SLOW LEARNER, Pynchon says something about how a young writer should be judged on how seriously he or she confronts the subject of death. I think that several commenters here have, in the words of Thomas Middleton, “been tried, and found to be base metal.” Death hurts, and a lot of people are hurting right now. If you think being a clown at the expense of other’s pain is cute, you need to grow up.*** If nothing else, Salinger exerted a very positive influence on several generations of young people. CATCHER says it’s okay to be sensitive, that being yourself is more important than fitting in, and that you have to be willing to walk the razor’s edge to find truth and meaning.
: (
: (
STFU. NOBODY cares what you think.
STFU. NOBODY cares what you think.
Dibs.
Dibs.
He was 91. He died of old age. It’s okay. People die. He spent his time well. This should make you happy, not sad. The purpose of life is to live well and die with dignity. He did it. He won the game. Maybe he even got a high score.
He was 91. He died of old age. It’s okay. People die. He spent his time well. This should make you happy, not sad. The purpose of life is to live well and die with dignity. He did it. He won the game. Maybe he even got a high score.
Can you explain what you mean? How has he been dead for years?
Can you explain what you mean? How has he been dead for years?
I cant help it. I’m freaked out. What is the pun?
I cant help it. I’m freaked out. What is the pun?
well, maybe pun is the wrong word. i’m a fighter, forgive me. catcher in the rye, while greatness, had about 20 references to it raining like a bastard. don’t hit me, please, i have a fight saturday.
well, maybe pun is the wrong word. i’m a fighter, forgive me. catcher in the rye, while greatness, had about 20 references to it raining like a bastard. don’t hit me, please, i have a fight saturday.
even zzzipp gets tired of the “z’s”
it’s a really stupid line you have to walk, being an annoying gimmicky commenter
even zzzipp gets tired of the “z’s”
it’s a really stupid line you have to walk, being an annoying gimmicky commenter
None of the posts on this thread got me worked up one way or another, but this is a really young response here. First, you can confront death very seriously with humor. Second, a 91 year old man died, according to reports, painlessly. Ninety-one years and a peaceful death sounds like a gift, the kind of thing grown-ups could celebrate. Finally, and I say this as a huge admirer of Salinger’s work, no one over 16 should be taking lessons from Catcher in the Rye. It’s a moving book and a stylistic triumph and a comfort to people at a certain point in life (and maybe a reminder afterward), but as romantic as he is, Holden Caulfield acts mostly like a spoiled child.
None of the posts on this thread got me worked up one way or another, but this is a really young response here. First, you can confront death very seriously with humor. Second, a 91 year old man died, according to reports, painlessly. Ninety-one years and a peaceful death sounds like a gift, the kind of thing grown-ups could celebrate. Finally, and I say this as a huge admirer of Salinger’s work, no one over 16 should be taking lessons from Catcher in the Rye. It’s a moving book and a stylistic triumph and a comfort to people at a certain point in life (and maybe a reminder afterward), but as romantic as he is, Holden Caulfield acts mostly like a spoiled child.
I love/loved Salinger, Gian. I don’t think anyone here has said they don’t?
I love/loved Salinger, Gian. I don’t think anyone here has said they don’t?
I wasn’t speaking to anyone directly on here, I was just thinking out loud. Didn’t mean to come off weird.
I wasn’t speaking to anyone directly on here, I was just thinking out loud. Didn’t mean to come off weird.
Did you guys know that Holden’s middle name is Morrisey?
Did you guys know that Holden’s middle name is Morrisey?
hasn’t published anything, hasn’t done interviews, didn’t teach, wasn’t active within any community. he’s basically been dead as far as the lit community is concerned.
that being said, i didn’t follow his life/career, so i could have missed something.
hasn’t published anything, hasn’t done interviews, didn’t teach, wasn’t active within any community. he’s basically been dead as far as the lit community is concerned.
that being said, i didn’t follow his life/career, so i could have missed something.
didn’t he die yesterday?
didn’t he die yesterday?
Thank you.
Thank you.
I don’t get these negative reactions to the above comments… Salinger’s death is certainly not a tragedy–he was 91. Still sad that he’s gone, but I think when you get that old you kind of start to look forward to death (everyone I’ve talked to around that age has given me that impression, anyway).
I was his “friend” in the sense that I read and loved his books, but, if anything, my “friendship” with him is only going to get better in the coming months/years. It’s bittersweet, yes, but damn. What did we say up there? Salinger is “eternal”. He’ll outlast you and me. Since when does death mean this website ceases to be a forum on the internet? Do you know what I’ve read in the comments section of a major national newspaper regarding this story? Much, much, worse. At least no one here directly attacked him/his work.
You may have had a different relationship with Salinger, but considering no one here knew him, isn’t it a little bit weird to expect everyone else to react in the same way?
How many people here have lost real friends or relatives, people that they loved and who maybe cared for them, in the past few months–or will in the near future? I care more about that. Salinger was 91. He will be mourned. But damn! He was 91! He had a pretty killer life! What is there to be sad about?
I don’t get these negative reactions to the above comments… Salinger’s death is certainly not a tragedy–he was 91. Still sad that he’s gone, but I think when you get that old you kind of start to look forward to death (everyone I’ve talked to around that age has given me that impression, anyway).
I was his “friend” in the sense that I read and loved his books, but, if anything, my “friendship” with him is only going to get better in the coming months/years. It’s bittersweet, yes, but damn. What did we say up there? Salinger is “eternal”. He’ll outlast you and me. Since when does death mean this website ceases to be a forum on the internet? Do you know what I’ve read in the comments section of a major national newspaper regarding this story? Much, much, worse. At least no one here directly attacked him/his work.
You may have had a different relationship with Salinger, but considering no one here knew him, isn’t it a little bit weird to expect everyone else to react in the same way?
How many people here have lost real friends or relatives, people that they loved and who maybe cared for them, in the past few months–or will in the near future? I care more about that. Salinger was 91. He will be mourned. But damn! He was 91! He had a pretty killer life! What is there to be sad about?
so, to be any kind of “living author”, you have to be “active within the lit community”? i’m sorry, but that’s completely inane.
so, to be any kind of “living author”, you have to be “active within the lit community”? i’m sorry, but that’s completely inane.
amen
amen
no. that isn’t my point and i’m not elaborating.
no. that isn’t my point and i’m not elaborating.
well argued
well argued
requisite flood of obits, tributes and summing up appraisals of his work from any number of writers, critics and book reviewers. as well as a great new marketing angle for the nyer. so subscribe today, and catch post-salinger fever!
requisite flood of obits, tributes and summing up appraisals of his work from any number of writers, critics and book reviewers. as well as a great new marketing angle for the nyer. so subscribe today, and catch post-salinger fever!
i did not. nice. reading thru this thread wasn’t a whole dumb waste after all.
i did not. nice. reading thru this thread wasn’t a whole dumb waste after all.