Journal 20

 HOLDEN'S LETTER:

Dear Abby,

  I can't seem to find what I want in life. School was not my forte, seeing as I transferred from various prep schools and eventually dropped out. My family life isn't as pleasant as it used to be now that my brother Allie has passed away and I barley see my older brother D.B who is always away in California for book signings. I do still however have my younger sister, Phoebe who I adore. Anyways, what I'm trying to ask you is if you feel there is no purpose in life, whats there to live for?

Signed,

Lost in the world


RESPONSE:

Dear Lost in the world,

   Have you ever heard of the saying: when life hands you lemons make lemonade? When life gets tough just remember there's always someone out there who has it worse than you do. Sure, we all have bad days but it's nothing we cant overcome. My advice for you is to stay positive because life isn't as bad as it seems. Keep your chin up kid.

Abby

  

Journal 19

Holden seems to go back and forth with his inner struggles. One minute he's happy-go-lucky and the next he wants to kill himself. I believe the death of his favorite brother, Allie, started his psychotic behavior. I also believe that the pressures of his parents to want him to succeed in school has added to his behavior. I don't think he needs councilng but he does need someone to talk to in order to relive his stress. I forget he's sixteen because of his raunchy language and mature mind set. Yes, I do feel sorry for him. I think he's confused and needs some direction in his life. 

Journal 18

Holden tells numerous lies to people in the novel. On the train, he meets a woman who happens to have a son who goes to Pencey with Holden. He gives her the false name of Rudolf Schmidt. I think Holden likes to give false aliases because he thinks its fun to be someone he's not. This might give the impression to the reader that Holden is insecure about himself.

Journal 16

I loved my brother Allie so much, that's why I kept his baseball mitt. I couldn't stand thinking about that I'll never see him again. I guess because of that the mitt is so damn valuable to me. Well, and it really was a huge part of Allie, that's why it makes me feel good; because only I have it. Allie's baseball mitt is a left-handed baseball mitt. The whole mitt is a light brown color because it is very worn. Yeah, you can even smell the smell of old leather and the dirt. A long time ago Allie wrote poems in green ink on every finger and every pocket of the mitt. Since then the ink had faded down a bit. You can barely make out the words. I always thought it was so damn funny that Allie wrote the poems on the glove so he would have something to read when he was on the field and nobody was up the bat. But now it's just a funny little memory that makes me think of Allie even more.

Journal 17

     On my fourth birthday my grandma had gave me a bear that was almost as big as I was. I remember how his fur was snow white and his black marble eyes sparkled. I named him Mr. Snuggles because he reminded me of the bear on the "snuggle" laundry detergent soap my mom would use. I slept with him every night. If I ever had a bad dream or was sad I would hide my face into his big furry stomach for relief. Even to this day, Mr. Snuggles sits in the chair next to my bed where I can see him daily.  He now may be a creamy yellowish color but those marble eyes still shine. 

Journal 15

Q: Discuss how Holden copes with people around him, alienating, isolating, and pushing people away on purpose. Be specific.

A: Holden is shy. He copes with people and situations around him by running away from his problems. For example, he's been to more than one school because he didn't like the teachers or the material. I don't think this is a good idea because if you run away from your problems you won't ever face your fears and never succeed because you quit. 

Journal 13

Anticipation Guide Questions:

1.) Agree, because it tends to get annoying when someone doesn't act their age.
2.) Agree, because they all have the same thing in common. Sports, sports, sports.
3.) Disagree, anyone can make a difference in the world if they really put their heart and soul into it. We should not discriminate against lack of education one receives.
4.) Agree, depending on the situation.
5.) Disagree, I care TOO much when I lose something. Even if it's something as small as an article of clothing.
6.) Agree, money is a big issue in today's world. It's one of two things: we need alot of it or we want alot of it.
7.) Agree, you have to expierence somethings in order to learn from them.