> > > Brendan, you may be interested in an essay from Studies in Short Fiction > by Eberhard Alsen called "RHTRBC and the Amateur Reader." Alsen works from > the claim that RHTRBC is "the most story-like" of salinger's later, longer > fiction as well. will Thanks Will...unfortunately, I'm finished with the critics for awhile. I've spent many years away from them until last night, I decided to take a plunge and read the "Innocence Under Pressure" book by...oh, can't recall his name...and today I read a book examining the complete works of Sylvia Plath. The "Catcher" book was better than the Plath book, but only because I agreed with it more. The problem I have with the critics is that, when reading them, it only makes me want to go and read the text itself--which isn't bad, only I might as well skip the critic and go right to the text. I realize that your livelihood rests on these criticisms, and I understand the value of them to the literary community...but personally, I'd rather read criticism in a forum format (i.e. *here*) than have a critic tell me "this is this" without the ability to respond. Which is why, Will, I find you so valuable a contributor to this list. Brendan ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com