A Word About Reading

Last week we lost an American writer. J. D. Salinger was known for, among other things, his aversion to publicity. His most famous novel "Catcher In The Rye" was required reading when I was in college. Actually I think I read it when I was in high school. I have a distinct impression of reading Catcher In The Rye while sitting in detention... which seemed most appropriate at the time. It was the ultimate rebellion bible of the youth of the day. As I went off to college I read his other books, and found I liked them better. His book "Nine Short Stories" was my favorite. But now that I think about it, I don't remember why. I hesitate to go back and re-read them now. I have a feeling they will not be as good as I thought, or at least not seem the same.

My taste in reading material has usually tended to be non fiction. Mostly historical novels or biography's. I have always been interested in the revolutionary war. My dad gave me a book called "Rabble In Arms" by Kenneth Roberts when I was 13 or 14 and that started it. It's a historical novel about the beginning of the revolution and details General Arnold's brilliant maneuvers on Lake Champlain. I grew up not far from there, and was fascinated with the history. Then about a year ago, I picked up a Vince Flynn novel, and got hooked on fiction. I've been like a kid in a candy store. I've blown through Flynn, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, and of course the other local authors, John Sanford, William Kent Krueger & Steve Thayer. I've decided this year to get back to history and while browsing at B&N found "The Real George Washington". For anyone interested in a great start in reading up on the the founders, this is a great book. A real easy read, and informative, even for those who are fans. So many books...so little time. Happy reading!!!