Catcher in the Rye

In my classic book phase, I've been rereading some books from the past.  While I read this one, I didn't recall much to it.  On second reading, it's very advanced.

"I suppose the first thing you want to hear about it my stupid life" starts the famous first line.  This is a cue that he is talking to a psychiatrist and the book continues in this first person,  "I did this, then that" rhythm.  Holden Caulfield has been kicked out of yet another prep school and in a manic fit, leaves to head home before his parents find out about the dismissal.  He's unhappy at the school but generally liked, despite a few peculiarities.  He seems smart so we are not quite sure why he is flunking out.

For a long weekend, he goes to New York City to kill time.  He fills up the time at bars and walking around, generally getting in tiffs with everyone he meets.  He's not so much as unhappy as unwilling to get along with those he contacts.  He's got money to burn so he is strong willed and thinks he can get want he wants by money and charm.  Sometimes he does but often not.

When the money runs out as it always does, he goes home not to see his parents but to see his younger sister Phoebe, who is someone who loves him unconditionally.  Holden knows that and uses it to his advantage.  It provides him with a glimpse of happiness.

Interesting, the Catcher in the Rye relates to a Robert Burns poem.  Children are playing in the rye fields, unaware of the looming cliff of death nearby.  Holden pictures himself catching these children before they fall.

Holden has his demons which are exposed and for which we can sympathize.  There's hope for him but navigating this teenage stages is difficult for anyone.  Published in the 1950s it was and still is very advanced in descriptions of maniac depression, suicide, sexual assault and a general ignorance/willful blindness toward mental illness.

****  - deserving of classic status

Summer 2014 - so far

I was recalling that it has been a really nice summer so far.  Starting it off in Maui was a great thing and there have been other cool places.  We've been to Las Vegas and we are in Austin now.  This trip has been nice in that it has been somewhat relaxing.  Our friend Larry got the Pioneer Award from the Texas Association of Broadcasters and we had a good group here to celebrate.

Then on Friday, I had arranged to play golf.  He couldn't make it so I carried on with a round of golf at the UT Golf Club.  I played with Oscar and he liked it a lot.  We had a forecaddy who was named Andrew.  He was a good guide for us.  Oscar had to leave after 9 holes but Andrew and I carried on and the second nine was even better.

The trip last week to Dallas and then Shreveport was a good one as well.  It was nice to see Jeff and Brittany as well as Joe and Sandy and Richard  and Lisa.  We had a lot of fun with the River Cities Triathlon, enjoyed spending time together.  I also got to see my friends Erich and Karola and  their new house in Celina, TX

Dallas 2014

In what has become an annual trip, I was in Dallas this past Friday - Monday visiting my friend Jeff.  We've known each other since age 14 but it's been these trips where we spend a few days together that really cement things.  I stay at his home, he takes a little time off work and other responsibilities - it's a special time.

We did the River Cities Triathlon in Shreveport, actually in the Cypress Black Bayou Park. If that sounds very Louisiana, then you're right, it is.  I finished this year in 2:00 which was good on a borrowed bike.  Sure beat the driving up from last year.  Flying was a good way to go.

We stayed at our friend Joe's house.  He had a full house - his family (3) plus Jeff, Greg, Heidi, Richard and Lisa.  Plus 2 dogs, Shakey and Findley.  We had a nice cookout after the race - eating at home is always a good way to go.  We had to stop for pie - Richards' choice and it was very Southern Living.  Ed would have like it a lot.

Dinner Sunday night was at the Outback.  I lived large with steak, shrimp, mac & cheese, chopped salad and topped it off with cake at home from the bridal shower that Brittany gave while we were gone.

Today Jeff and I had lunch with his mom. Always fun to see her and him.  Great 4 days.  Now, back home for a bit and then we go to Austin for Larry's award banquet.  Should be great.