Michael-- Your original post stated that we may be reading too much into Salinger's stories, rather than just enjoying them. I think you're having the problem most people have when they walk into the middle of a conversation--some of the things being said don't completely make sense. Scottie was someone who voiced similar sentiments earlier (and much more eloquently). I don't think anyone is worshipping Salinger here. I wrote that he's not necessarily that nice a guy in person--not a demon or something. The sensibilities conveyed through his fiction are those of a compassionate man who lives on a level above most of those around him morally and spiritually, but can't deal with it. Jim ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]