Holden Exists Beyond ‘Catcher’

Both Mary McNamara’s and Susan Lukas’ “Catcher in the Rye” stories (“The Little Red Book of Adolescence” and “Generations Have Met Holden Caulfield, but How Many Really Understand Him?” July 1) missed a golden opportunity to expand your readers’ knowledge of Holden Caulfield. Caulfield turns up missing--dead--in the Korean War, according to Salinger’s story “This Sandwich Has No Mayonnaise.”

Caulfield’s end would give classroom discussions an edgy perspective that students should find engrossing, leading them to think about actions and events beyond the plot--and in their own lives--only a few years after the last page. Please urge your writers to dig deeper.

MICHAEL SEDANO

Pasadena

*

Letters should be brief and must include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Internet writers must also include name, street address and telephone number. No pseudonyms may be used. Letters are subject to editing and condensation. Mention date of publication when referring to a specific article. Mail to Letters in Southern California Living, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, or e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com. Letters also may be faxed: (213) 237-7630.