2010-01 – The Catcher In The Rye
The Catcher In The Rye – J.D. Salinger
Host: Clint
Whisky: Caol Ila 12 y.o., Highland Park 12 y.o.
Rum: English Harbour 5 y.o.
There is something deeply and darkly humorous about both of the evenings Clint hosted being among the best, while his book selections generally considered among the worst. I say ‘generally’. We all know the hazing he received after ‘Blood Meridian’ (though some of us loved it). I would venture to say that he has not redeemed himself in the eyes of a few with ‘The Catcher In The Rye’. Clint…you’re still aces in my book, buddy.
A brilliant night really. Cozy setting around the living room…fireplace on…nice and dim (lighting, not the participants). Clint’s culinary skills are still unparalleled. Bacon wrapped bacon, anyone? Phenomenal selection of beverages. Interesting to note, the rum was the first bottle finished. I wish I could attest to its quality, however before I could sample…poof! Gone. Alas…no tears, as I was cuddled up with the Caol Ila 12. Stunning dram.
And the book? Well…a general animosity. Think the highest opinion was perhaps a 7 out of 10, and even that was generous. We struggled to justify the profound impact this book has had on so many people, but truly only came up with theories. A moment of insight regarding the negative impact (think Chapman – Lennon) that ‘The Catcher In The Rye’ has had was rather nifty though. Topic conversation about two hours, and a few follow-up bits.
Few other notes…cameras in full force this eve…discussed the site (as this was our first meet since it came online)…Robert’s next selection revealed (hang tight for details)…raised a glass to the late Howard Zinn and J.D. Salinger who both passed this week.
Another very enjoyable evening in the books (pun fully intended).
A photo below from Lance: he was testing out his new wide angle lens. From left to right: Ruminsky, Pat, Clint, Bob, Bauer, the Last Hippie and Scott
Clint, I’m not sure how you’re ever going to redeem yourself in Robert’s eyes. First “Blood Meridian”…then the screen door…then this?
Can’t wait for Friday! seems like it’s been months since we gathered! looking forward to it!
@Curt -> I know! Honestly, how deep do I want this hole?
one more day!!!!
Sadly…it was let out that J.D. Salinger died yesterday at 91. The timing on this is eerie to say the least, but there is something oddly discomforting about the fact that you were just reading the words of a man who was alive days ago, and…well.
RIP Mr. Salinger.
To quote my reverent email to Clint, “He was obviously crushed that he hadn’t been invited to Friday’s get together, went into a chronic depression, declined sharply after we posted the rum lists, and died from sheer envy.
I’ll hoist a glass in his honour. Maybe two.”
Clint, in a masterfully tongue in cheek way, responded: “Either that, or he got a sneak preview of Bob Watson’s ‘Catcher in the Rye’ book review.”
As you can tell…we are suitably solemn.
@Lance -> we’re putting together quite a eulogy, aren’t we…
I’d have to suggest that the English Harbour was good enough to make people seriously consider switching their allegiance to the Team of Rum and coming over to the Light at last. Now there’s absolutely no way that Curt can ever be turned, but who knows…maybe there’s still hope of saving the others
Bah!
Pat…Lance..either of you get a good pic to sum up the eve? Something to drop in at the top of this page?
That was a fun night, guys. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I have pushed in the pic with us all in it at the bottom of the post. This leads to a question: henceforth, do we place book covers on the book review page and gathering photos on the gathering page?
You are right: a throroughly enjoyable and suitably acerbic evening, with opinions and assessments thrown around left right and centre. A good start to the year. Funnier’n hell to see everyone snapping away. Even funnierr to see how fast the rum got totalled. My review is up, if anyone wants to read it. I’ll do the book blurb over the next few days.
Damn…those are some handsome fellas.
@Curt -> is it just me, or does Bauer look…wee…in this photo? Must just be the angle. If I’m Jack Bunyon & Scott is the Friendly Giant, then Boo is the weird little chicken that lives in the knapsack.
yikes, that doesn’t read the way it should…went straight past “whimsical observation” and landed somewhere near “online application to mental home”
all said…had a great time with this guys. already looking forward to the next!
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