A letter to Mr. Herbert

I read The Catcher in the Rye in 12th grade, and became a little obsessed with J.D. Salinger (just like almost everyone else). Sadly, I think Salinger became more famous for being a recluse in his later years than for the genius of his book.

He passed away just a little over a week ago. I came across this letter (posted on dream everyday) Salinger wrote to a producer who had expressed interest in turning Catcher into a movie, and as you can see, Salinger was adamantly opposed to the idea.

Most people would have either ignored the letter or written a perfunctory letter of refusal, but not Salinger. Reading his reply reminded me of just how much I loved The Catcher in the Rye. I think it's because Salinger writes the way that people actually speak. You can hear the sarcasm dripping off the page, but yet he closes with a "hope I haven't offended you" goodbye.

It's such a shame we won't get to read more of his work.

And I agree with his comment about child actresses. Sometimes they don't look quite right. Sort of like the twins in "The Shining."