Hating the phony's today

JD Salinger died today. When I read that I was a little sad. Catcher in the Rye is on my list of top books. I loved it. I remember the reason I read it in high school was because I had this crazy crush on a guy named Holden Chemers. Standing 6 ft 2, he was a senior when I was a sophomore and was just amazing. From afar. Golden brown hair that he would toss and run his hands though while he strolled by my locker everyday with his tennis racket. I learned that he was named after the character in this book, so I did what any red blooded American delusional girl would do, I ran out and bought a copy, to read all about my beloveds name sake. Funny huh?

But you know what. I loved the book. I mean I loved Holden Caufield. As the primary character of the story, he intrigued me with his dysfunctional view of the world and all the "phony's" in it. Yes, Holden, the character that is, was obsessed with 'phony's' and labeled you one if you basically conformed to what everyone else was doing. As a teenager, I related to Holden. I hated phony's too. But I was conflicted because I was one. I definietly conformed. Did what people told me. Got the good grades. Played along with what people, albeit teachers or church members or parents, thought I should be.

That is until I didn't.

But now looking back. What is wrong with conforming? Doing the right thing? Obeying the rules.

I guess its just the disgruntled teenager in you sometimes that makes you want to buck the system huh? (Note to self...commit this to memory, for my own children!)


Anyhow, just as Holden did, I noticed when people were fake and disliked it so. Still do. And like Holden, I felt frustrated with life as teenager and acted out. I didn't get kicked out of four prep schools but I sure did ditch so much my junior year that my school counselor couldn't even fathom that my attendance record could possibly be correct.

Holden, in the book, had the love of Phoebe his sister. She saw through his grumpiness with the world and saw a kid (although he was six years older than her) who needed forgiveness and love and firm kick in the pants sometimes. Don't we all need someone like that on our side sometimes? To forgive us and to shine the light on what's good? And to help us realize we need to be forgiving and merciful to the all the "phony's" out there too? In my life, it was Jesus Christ, who was my Phoebe. Thank God, for His mercy. He sees through my grumpiness and shortcomings and is always willing to forgive me and be one my side. Tender mercies.

Anyhow...loved the book. If you haven't read it, you should.
So, in remembrance of JD Salinger and in solidarity with Holden, I will stand united today and hate the phonys. *wink* And I think I will grab a cup of coffee and read this again. For old times sake.