J. D. Salinger Quietly Turns 90

The author behind such still well-known books as Catcher in the Rye turned 90 years old this week. Perhaps known equally as well for his quiet and ability to stay OUT of the news, as for his masterpiece, Catcher, J. D. Salinger is still a force to be reckoned with, despite the fact that he has not published new material in many years.

The Catcher in the Rye, published nearly 58 years ago, stars a discontented and rebellious teen named Holden Caulfield. Some believe the message to be affirmative, while others wonder whether it is a skewed one, possibly written only to make the reader wonder. Salinger's Catcher is commonly read in high school English classrooms, though interestingly enough, no one exactly knows with what intent or message Salinger wrote it. It has been cited as a positive influence, and negative influence over the years. The 1980s assassin, Mark David Chapman, cited the book as the reason he shot and killed former Beatle John Lennon. (Though at the time, it was also reported that Chapman was or had been a substance abuser.) John Hinckley, Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Reagan, also reportedly had the book and may have been a fan of it.

The Catcher in the Rye was published over 50 years ago, in 1951. Many films, television shows and musical bands have cited the book as a driving inspiration, with bands such as Guns N' Roses, Green Day and the Offspring paying homage to the book in their lyrics.

Happy birthday, Mr. Salinger - you certainly have left your mark.