This quotation comes from Salinger's most famous book The Catcher in the Rye. In this classic, the main character, Holden Caulfield, is desperately lonely but unable to connect with anyone he meets. The story follows Holden through a series of encounters over a period of about three days. Every time Holden has a chance to make a real connection he either draws back or says something hurtful to the person he's with. It's a brilliantly depressing novel, but worth the time and energy it takes to be read. I've read it three or four times and find new amazements every time.
I've not read all of Salinger's works, but I have read Catcher and Franny and Zooey. I may try and read the rest of his books this summer to memorialize him and (possibly) understand him him a more accurate way. He was a bit of an enigma in real life, just as his characters were in books. What I love about the above quote is that it's sadly true. It would be easier (ultimately) to not make deep connections with anyone so that it wouldn't hurt when they either go away, die, or disappoint you in some way. Holden was right in his sentiment, but nonetheless, we're going to keep connecting and hurting and moving on. That's just how it's gonna be.
So, rest in peace J.D. Salinger and thanks for sharing all of your greatness with us. Perhaps, if we had not read your work and shared your thoughts, this wouldn't hurt a bit. But it does. You are and will continue to be missed.
