I’m glad this writer took the time to revisit and re-read the Hardy Boys series I read and enjoyed so much, so I didn’t have my golden memories of these childhood books as badly tarnished.
I loved the The Hardy Boys books. I can even remember distinct details from some of the episodes, like The Secret Of The Caves
— although they all tend to blur into on long ‘episode’ now. My gut tells me they would probably be underwhelming to re-read now, so I’ve left them well enough alone.
That said, I was surprised by the antipathy that their Canadian (way to go, eh) ghost writer, Leslie McFarlane, showed towards the series.
He pretty much detested them. Wonder how Nancy Drew’s writer(s) felt about their writings…

J.D. Salinger’s writing had a huge impact on me, and today’s news that J.D. Salinger has died stopped me cold.

Hi books, Franny and Zooey
, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction, and, of course, The Catcher in the Rye, were so fantastic to read – think I’ll revisit them this year.

After being mind-blown by Catcher, I went on to F&Z; and then the 2 novellas (“…Carpenter/Seymore:…”).
You can feel Salinger’s writing getting more introspective, philosophical, and even cryptic as he writes each successive book — more and more like a zen koan. Then the final silence he retired into…

I remember reading years ago that he still writes; it would be amazing if his will bequeaths those writings to the world.

But if he doesn’t release those supposed unpublished works — I think I get that too (nice one, Salinger)

I believe Salinger, even with regards to his own death, understood and liked endings – he choose when to make his writing-ending, so I doubt we’ll see anymore…

So I’ll just say thanks Mr. Salinger, for the the undying spirit of your works: thanks for the light, the insight, your inward gaze, and the inspiration when I needed it very badly.

Posted via email from Lance’s miscelanny