About the Maynard book...
Erin McLaughlin (erinseyes@hotmail.com)
Fri, 13 Nov 1998 09:03:35 -0800 (PST)
I don't think I share this feeling of wanting to know everything about
the author when I am affected by a literary work. I mean, I guess I'm
curious about some things, but I don't know how much they matter (to me
or to my interpretation of the work). Especially in the case of
Salinger, I think it's more fun to guess what his life was like. I mean,
if his life was that interesting in and of itself, well, he probably
would've just written a straight autobiography or something, like Frank
McCourt. But I think Salinger writes to write. I don't doubt that he
puts himself and his experiences into his writing--I mean, he MUST, his
writings are HIM--but I don't think it's the him he wants to focus on,
but the possible meanings or interpretations of what it is to live in a
world he has created for himself.
At least that's what I get out of it. But another reason I have no
interest in Maynard's book is because I saw her on the Today show, and
I'm telling you, I wouldn't have an interest in reading her obituary. I
mean, not that I wish her ill, but I just think that even she has
trouble justifying her reasons for writing that book. I don't know. It
just seems like such a disservice.
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