From the archives: J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye"

On July 16, 1951, J.D. Salinger's landmark novel "The Catcher in the Rye," about cynical teenager Holden Caulfield, was published. In this "Sunday Morning" report that aired September 1, 2013, correspondent Anthony Mason looked back at the author who famously shunned the spotlight. He also talked with filmmaker Shane Salerno (director of the documentary "Salinger"), who explored the Salinger myth; and with Jean Miller, who broke decades of silence to discuss the relationship she had with the reclusive writer beginning when she was 14 (and he, 30).
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[@billyjoejones3596]

Never really a fan of "Catcher" but his "9 Stories" are in my opinion some of the best short stories ever written.

[@zachhaywood1564]

Yeah, I think CITR kinda putters out as it goes on, but I love his short stories.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

Yes, ironically the other three books he wrote are better than _Catcher in the Rye._

[@j.dunlop8295]

Salinger served as a Counterintelligence Agent in the 4th Infantry Division. He had proficient language skills in both French and German that he used for communications and interrogating prisoners of war. How'd this effect his writing, PTSD?

[@christopherpaul7588]

Agreed. I liked Catcher but his 9 Stories are absolutely brilliant.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

I'm reminded of a comment I read by Neil Postman that adulthood had to look better than it really was so young people would want to grow up and become adults. Because adult life was full of disappointment for most people. _Catcher in the Rye_ focuses on this and many of us remember thinking and feeling the way Holden Caufield did when we were teens.

[@j.dunlop8295]

Salinger served as a Counterintelligence Agent in the 4th Infantry Division. He had proficient language skills in both French and German that he used for communications and interrogating prisoners of war. How'd this effect his writing, PTSD?

[@jerryrichardson2799]

My reply was removed.

[@erikpeterson25]

Masterpiece....Catcher in the Rye ❤...thank you

[@user-ck5sn5hd9o]

Worst book I was forced to read in college. The only book I gleefully tossed in the trash. I always wondered if this book would have been a best seller had they not forced college students to read this back in the 1970's.

[@erikpeterson25]

@@user-ck5sn5hd9o I read it in High School ( graduated 1971) so it resonated w me.....hope you survived other readings in college in the seventies. Cheers and best ✌

[@rr7firefly]

The mention of his history during WW2 brings some insights into his curious personality. Any one of us experiencing that horror would have become cynical to the point of becoming stunted in our normal functions. Certainly, in his case, his social skills went out the window. // The emphasis on this one book completely misrepresents the literary contribution that Salinger made. Many adults know the book "Franny and Zooey" (there are others about the Glass family) and they would dismiss the facile evaluation of Salinger based on this one book.

[@ChiefRxcka]

Catcher was my favorite book in high school. I had undiagnosed bipolar depression, anxiety, etc. So I definitely related to the angst of Caufield.

[@candide1065]

Books and characters aren't there for you to project your problems/diseases into them and I'm sure that the main character doesn't have bipolar depression and that there is much more to the book that you miss because you rather want to project than understand.

[@saulchapnick1566]

@@candide1065your response was insensitive and totally uncalled for.

[@michaeltrower741]

Holden Caulfield suffered from PTSD. Nobody ever gets that, or they dont want to get it.

[@paulhotrum4231]

No. Salinger suffered from PTSD from WW2. Think about it a little before you add a comment Freud!

[@deathofamailman]

@@paulhotrum4231 Salinger shows us Holden's trauma over and over again. He found out his brother was dead and smashed out the windows of a garage. He walked around town thinking he was going to step off a sidewalk and disappear.

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

Salinger had "survivors guilt", not uncommon among combat veterans. I think the character of Holden does, too, over his brother, Allie.

[@candide1065]

"Modern" people with historical/psychological illiteracy should stop projecting their own feelings into literature/fictional characters by pathologizing them and speculate about mental problems when they know nothing about it.

[@writerconsidered]

Its sad people won't respect his privacy.

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

Such is fame.

[@j.dunlop8295]

Salinger served as a Counterintelligence Agent in the 4th Infantry Division. He had proficient language skills in both French and German that he used for communications and interrogating prisoners of war. How'd this effect his writing, PTSD?

[@darlenemitchell114]

Reading the comments I have to shake my head...get off the surface people. This man suffered from who knows what, PtSD for sure, and had a heartbreaking voice in this crazy world. It's always worth going below the surface. That's where the true stories are. Thanks for this. I was a child of the time and could feel everything that Salerno was seeing. It's a shame that he had to spend $2million to tell Salinger's story that he really didn't want to be told.

[@thomasceneri867]

People need to judge - it’s sad.

[@lynnturman8157]

The vast majority of people are products of their environment. The same people in 2024 who think he was a predator would be pro-slavery in 1860.

[@sportssciotaku7149]

In college I had an idea something was off or he had some sort of mental issue that resulted in his exile. But being alone in that house or bunker so so long is really amazing in terms of what humans can do or are forced to do. I've accepted we may never know who he was during that time. We can be thankful for the books and stroies he left behind.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

This report reminded me of Salinger's short story _For Esme-with Love and Squalor._

[@j.dunlop8295]

Salinger served as a Counterintelligence Agent in the 4th Infantry Division. He had proficient language skills in both French and German that he used for communications and interrogating prisoners of war. How'd this effect his writing, PTSD?

[@cak813]

I can remember when he lived with Joyce Maynard who was also many years younger than he. Joyce had written a fantastic article that appeared in the Sunday New York Times Magazine section in the late 60s. The article is what drew Salinger’s attention to her. I think they lived together for less than a year. He sounds like he was a very toxic character.

[@GrantTarredus]

I can’t wait to see this and to read the companion book. Exciting news, indeed!

[@BookwormtoBookworm]

loved this report.

[@m00njaguar]

I read "The Catcher in the Rye" in 1981, age 13, because it was the book carried by John Hinckley when he shot Reagan. At first, it was confusing, yet it really spoke to me. I read it many more times as a teenager & appreciated it much more. It is a foundational book for me, a factor in my attitudes as I became a Bohemian who rejected mainstream culture

[@jeffmccaskill9227]

Mark David Chapman too

[@gmuro-js7so]

Great report, now off to watch the Documentary!

[@zackamania6534]

I need to take him to a BASEBALL GAME

[@JRAFF145]

Strange there is no mention about "the offender"/(Lennon Assasination). That's what many refer to. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm sure 10 minutes on the internet can educate you. Someone actually has the copy he left behind at the scene. This book was one on the "Summer reading list" that I actually read, and liked, when I was 13.

[@gns423]

That’s probably something Salinger’s estate would rather we forget.

[@JRAFF145]

@@gns423 12-08-80 - not forgotten 423

[@yvonnecooper5004]

Did sunday morning even air on July 14th. Why wasn't there the almanac or passages segment?❤😢

[@iron_lion940]

It did not air. c b s news special coverage of the assassination attempt aftermath did

[@itcu185]

CBS Sunday Morning is great ! It is just one of the things that remind me how great America is.Right F*CKING ON USA

[@calvinsaxon5822]

"What did your mother think of this?" "Well, exactly." They laugh hysterically. So, in some contexts (this is also how Bill Maher discusses David Bowie's or Mick Jagger's dalliances with adolescents), it's innocent and part of life, but in others (TCAP, for example), it's deadly serious? I'm not taking one side or the other, but is anybody surprised that there might be people who get mixed messages about relationships between older men and teenagers?

[@Squeegees123]

This is a great point. But this audience is usually ppl of a certain generation where things like this were swept under the rug or even supported -Elvis Presley being one. This is a great point nonetheless

[@Squeegees123]

It’s not a coincidence he slept with her and never spoke to her again.

[@AnnieCappuccino]

Eerily similar to Joyce Maynard's experience with him.

[@robertlevinson9188]

I’m a dope because I don’t understand why this book is considered as spectacular as the world sees it.

[@ebriggs3498]

Nope. I read it, and thought, “whats the big deal ?”

[@rr7firefly]

You perhaps are not seeing that there is an underlying disillusionment with humanity in the tale. People are often the cause of major disappointments in life. At some point in life many of us come to grips with how imperfect the world is. Holden was a person who expected much more and had to face how shabby everything was. This is a real coming of age story, which is a good reason why it was often introduced into a middle school English curriculum.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

​@@rr7fireflyHmm... I can see why this might have ended up on a banned book list for kids in some schools in the past then from the sound of that

[@joiisler3012]

The “rest of the world” doesn’t see Anything exactly the same way. Literature is Art. By definition it is Inherently Subjective. (Suppose that’s why there is so much of it?) To each his/her own.

[@rr7firefly]

@@BigBadJerryRogers Too much reality? I think there are lots of young people who look at the world around them and see how inadequate it is. Unless someone grows up in a terrible family situation (with discord and other problems) the young years are ones of some happiness and a sense of wonder. Then, things start to fall apart. The ideal time for darkness and rebellion to set in. That period would be reflected in Holden's experiences and his complains.

[@booradley0x0]

PTSD and a recluse writer, I get it. Amazing writer.

[@christophermotyka5384]

What a great book 😊

[@rickintexas1584]

I read Catcher while in high school in the late 70s. It was required reading. Honestly, I don’t remember anything about the book.

[@joiisler3012]

So you came here to Brag about your literary retention skills?

[@rickintexas1584]

@@joiisler3012 no. I’ve read LOTS of books in my life. This one, for whatever reason, did not resonate with me.

[@joiisler3012]

@@rickintexas1584 Then just say you did not Like it. You really came here to passive-aggressive insult the Author.

[@candide1065]

@@rickintexas1584 Dude, you're so cool for not remembering a book that you read 50 years ago. What a hero, you should get the Joe Biden award for proud dementia.

[@n.tire-lee9193]

I always preferred Pitcher In The Wheat, but that's a personal thing. Also, I highly recommend 2nd Baseman in the Oats. You're welcome. 😮😅😅😅

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

Your comment is the cream of the crop, oooh yeah.....

[@johncarter6519]

I wonder if he suffered from Arrested Development along with PTSD.

[@lindajohnson4204]

Exactly why do you guys hate Salinger so much?

[@rumblefish9]

When I was in HS, this book was so hyped and then I read it and was like "wtf... this is about a whiny coward who never took accountability for his own failures" and I still feel that way towards Caulfield. So Salinger was a predator. Now I don't feel bad about hating the book anymore.

[@thomasceneri867]

@@rumblefish9 you’re ridiculous. Your simplification of the book and the author are ridiculous, also. Stick to Jackie Collins.

[@michaeltrower741]

Wow. You clearly didn't read the book.

[@Bun800]

No I agree, I positively HATED this book. Too much swearing, a character I didn't jive with, rude, and here we find out JD was grooming this woman and then dips after they have sex. Positively atrocious

[@maggamoosie801]

The victim mindset turned me off the book before I finished it. Perhaps if the character had some nuance to him..even if it was a side darker..but it stopped at annoying.

[@rr7firefly]

@@maggamoosie801 It is far short of being a novel, so that relative brevity of length comes into play. It is in fact less than half as long as many books out there.

[@DavidBrown-nz7pn]

2015??!!!

[@paulpappas6345]

I read his daughters book Dream Catcher. It is a true horror story. This was a sick man.

[@zachhaywood1564]

Can you give a summary so I can decide if I really want to explore further by reading it?

[@paulpappas6345]

@@zachhaywood1564 The book gives details of his sordid life . Chasing young girls, horrible parent etc I liked it because it gave me the truth about someone I once admired. Example: he took his two young children on a trip to Europe so he could meet a certain YOUNG lady.

[@koleyw932]

@@paulpappas6345Some men do crap like this with impunity.

[@Tulku]

Yeah, the things that have come out about him are at minimum, disappointing. A good artist, does not mean a good person.

[@joiisler3012]

@@Tulku That is why we have to learn to appreciate the Art. Not the Artist. (Why do you think most of them Hide from Fame?)😂

[@quanfa88]

“CITR” was required reading for me in 9th grade. Unlike apparently many teenagers, I couldn’t relate to it at all. Not trying to trash it. It just didn’t “speak” to me, I suppose. I couldn’t figure out why it was considered great literature.

[@Eyeballman24]

I never understood the hype around Catcher in the Rye, there are much better books out there and after learning he was "hanging out" with 14 year old girls when he was 30, I understand why he was so private. He would have been labeled as a pedophile.

[@av-ls5df]

yikes

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

It's sad that it needs to be pointed out that Catcher in the Rye was written at a time when many Americans, especially young people, were emotionally struggling with the loss of fathers, brothers, uncles, and cousins during WWII. Holden's struggle with his denial of his brother's death was something many could identify with at that time, and, unfortunately, many more would identify with given the Korean and Vietnam wars. But as America has known nothing but peace and tranquility since the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, this book has evidently lost any and all meaning.

[@anthonypanneton923]

Its meaning now is only as a literary snapshot of a certain historical period in America - namely, 1951 thru maybe 1975. basically the years from the start of the Korean war thru the end of the Vietnam war.

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

@@anthonypanneton923 Great literature is timeless. Reread what I said.

[@anthonypanneton923]

@@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry You're right, great literature is timeless. But meaning is subjective, and will change over time, and depends on who is reading it. I read what you wrote once. I don't need to read it again. What you wrote is not timeless literature.

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

@@anthonypanneton923 Your highly subjective interpretation that Catcher in the Rye's, "meaning now is only as a literary snapshot of a certain historical period in America" is objectively wrong. To continue on with the point of my first comment, from 1980 to 2022, nearly 61,000 US military personnel died on active duty, more than in the Vietnam war. That means that there are currently, as with Salinger's generation and successive generations, many Americans, particularly young Americans, dealing with the seamingly senseless loss of loved ones. And that's "just" military deaths. Salinger's treatment of the theme of bereavement and the denial of grief, despite some dated references, remains as relevant in 2024 as it was when first published in 1951.

[@joiisler3012]

@@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry Thank you!!! I don’t know why people are in denial about our military men Still coming home in body bags and body parts. Like REAGAN saved us from all military conflict. Don’t get me Started on the casualties of US “in house” warfare. People still dying in Droves from conflict with Law Enforcement and Each Other. smh

[@stevecolbert9518]

Dang so he hit it and quit it. Niiiiice.

[@squidmeta]

Drake if he was a best-selling author

[@rillest75]

A-Minnooooorrrr

[@williamrussell174]

😂 complete nonsense.

[@squidmeta]

@@williamrussell174 you’re definitely pushing 60 bro

[@LMNevada]

I tried to read this book several times and couldn’t finish it. 😢

[@yvonnecooper5004]

I read it in high school and college. Holden Caufield is not likeable character. We were always forced to write about the symbolism in the book. Same with Great Gatsby. Very difficult 😮😢❤

[@TylerD288]

I finished it, but thought it boring. I think the people who love it so are, or were, intensely cynical themselves and have no hope for their future. These folks totally identify with Holden and seem to love the story immensely. I was cynical, so I understood the character, but I had/have hope and I never thought things were as bleak for Holden as he believed. It's been over 20 years, maybe I should read it again though.

[@writerconsidered]

Is there any reason you couldn't finish? I read it in high school. And again within the last 20 yrs. I wanted to read it again because I could no longer remember it. And there were enough references to it in my life in short amount of time.

[@Sapp440]

It's just some angry kid who says crumby too much. You're not missing anything earth shattering.

[@uwcb1]

I’ve read it several times, and still can’t stand Holden or the book. I was trying to get what other people loved about the story, but eventually gave up.😂😅

[@bissum4227]

dude looks like Adam Driver

[@bradhorowitz2765]

This interview..is not really good. I mean introducing Miller raises so many questions She was 14, he was 30. He ended the relationship according to her when they had sex for the first time...five years later. Even if she was 21 this seems more like grooming. And it appears salinger regularly did this to other girls. Reminds me of bojack horseman and sarah lynn. So remember fans of jd slainger, he was most likely a groomer of teenage girls.

[@mark19441944]

Can’t understand why we think we have a right to invade his privacy? Or do investigative documentaries?

[@gxsphoto]

I was required to read his book in high school. That is the only reason I purchased it. That is the only reason I read it. I respect other peoples views, but I do not think his novel is great literature.

[@rr7firefly]

This is way short of being a novel. Only 277 pages in paperback format.

[@angelinamclaughlin-heil]

So he was a predator. Now we know.

[@nexttsar]

Exactly how? She didn't think so. He didn't do anything other than befriend her, until she was much older. Not a predator at all.

[@rumblefish9]

@@nexttsar Did you not watch the video? She was groomed and realized that after she was taken advantage of.

[@mikeywestside8509]

There you go using your 21st century mind to evaluate previous generations. Can you please point to where it hurts?

[@rr7firefly]

@@rumblefish9 A facile thing to say, but you leave no room for him having any actual concern for Ms. Miller when she was young.

[@soup3097]

​@@mikeywestside8509 "it was a different time" is not the strong argument you think it is

[@Slappadatface]

So he gets what he wanted and then bounces…..like all guys 😂😂😂

[@nevincaulfield]

My thoughts exactly 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mikeywestside8509]

So what

[@TylerD288]

@@mikeywestside8509 do you care about a woman's feelings that you've manipulated then destroyed? I guess not.

[@rr7firefly]

Not knowing Salinger makes your comment pure speculation. Based on your own experiences. Had you lived at a time contemporaneous with Salinger you would likely have a different opinion.

[@candide1065]

@@TylerD288 Hope she sees this bro. You tried so hard, little buddy.

[@RoyPage1970]

The catcher in the rye has always been one of Donald Trump's favorite books how surprising

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

we were told some of the books he is supposed to have written but not published would begin appearing several years ago but so far NOTHING. At this point I'm beginning to suspect this whole thing is some sort of massive hoax being carried out for financial reasons by his children in collaboration with publishers and none of these secret manuscripts that have been talked about actually exist⚛t.

[@kaizma88]

Age old story... Men are all the same.

[@mikeywestside8509]

Point to where it hurts

[@TylerD288]

No, not all of us are the same. Just the one's you go for.

[@kamuelalee]

As long as the young ladies don't mind.

[@robertlevinson9188]

Absolutely FN correct

[@candide1065]

Hope she sees this bro or hope you heal someday (from yourself), Karen. Choose one.

[@reneurbaez2044]

Predator warning!!

[@nexttsar]

You say that, but Jean Miller didn't feel that way at all.

[@rillest75]

Kobe Bryant is the predator

[@TylerD288]

@@nexttsar thankfully the law doesn't simply absolve abuse based on what the victim might say about their abuser.

[@Grimenoughtomaketherobotcry]

This is the sort of thing that makes the rest of the world laugh hysterically at Americans.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

Well this sort of thing used to be no big deal in the country back then. Everyone who says that they want this America back again, what exactly are they referring to? Yeah think about that!

[@2godless]

I don’t see what the big deal is. It seems to me he groomed that young girl Michael Jackson style.

[@rillest75]

Teeeheeeee

[@user-ep1zu1is2l]

I prefer books over copies of books. If you're going to pay the cover price for a book you shouldn't settle for a copy.

[@Guminyourhair]

The favorite book of every psychopath and serial killer.

[@candide1065]

Harry Potter? 50 Shades of gray? Or any other book of the 3 you read in your life?

[@Guminyourhair]

@candide1065 Always somebody was sarcastic, idiot reply. I'm pretty sure you have a copy of catcher in the Rye..

[@candide1065]

@@Guminyourhair Yes I have, because it's a good book. And what's your point now? Besides showing that you can hardly write in english.

[@RoyPage1970]

The catcher in the rye is one of Trump's favorite books

[@Guminyourhair]

@@RoyPage1970 Prove it.

[@dianamoore2241]

I read that book and every other word is a cuss word.

[@peggooo]

thanks for the warning. I was considering reading it, but will no longer consider it.

[@dianamoore2241]

​@@peggooo..... hello & thanks for your comment. Frankly I was surprised at that., but I was a teenager at the time.

[@rr7firefly]

Like so many people today you tend to exaggerate. Wildly.

[@ricomajestic]

Oh my the horror! LOL!

[@lindajohnson4204]

I'm not crazy about cuss words, but it is a great, worthwhile book. A sincere, non-therapy-centered validation for traumatized people doesn't come that easily.. I kind of doubt the stories, although I realize that I don't know.

[@RobertoTorres-gi8vh]

So what’s the big deal ! Sounds to be like” Lolita “ affair !!

[@kamuelalee]

Different writer

[@mm7846]

Gross!

[@sayitwithhellhounds]

News flash: this 12-year-old documentary stinks.

[@MaxTovstyiMusic]

An affair with 14 yo, classic