Letters: On the heels of Holden Caulfield

On the heels of Holden Caulfield

You did it! Bested the New York Times for the most interesting article of the weekend. I take both papers and am usually drawn to the N.Y. Times, but not this time. Ulin’s retracing of Holden’s inner and outer journey led to me retracing mine. What better job can a writer do?

-- Ashby Jones, Tustin

Walking in Holden Caulfield’s footsteps through Manhattan is an inspired piece of writing. I also am from New York. Although I never lived in Manhattan, reading Ulin’s narrative made me acutely homesick for Midtown in the ‘50s, but most of all for the soul of Manhattan. He touched upon an aspect of Salinger’s book that I have never seen before and which I took for granted upon first reading the book 60 years ago.

Ulin’s essay has the same ethereal quality as Roger Kahn’s “The Boys of Summer.” And yet, we both know there is only one Manhattan, and there will never be another Brooklyn Dodgers.

-- Sandy Maroney, Concord, Calif.

Thank you for the kindest gift in Sunday’s L.A. Times. As a Brooklyn-born son of the city, I love New York and its streets and parks better than anywhere. I am so glad I waited until this time in my life — I am about to celebrate my 73rd birthday — to read J.D. I can fully empathize and comprehend Holden and his emotions and attitudes now more easily and honestly than when I was in my teens. It seems to me that Holden is much wiser in so many ways than his age suggests. This wonderful article came into my life at exactly the right moment.

-- Arthur Auerbach, Newport Beach

Cancellation insurance

Regarding “Left Behind,” On the Spot, April 25: I have been a professional travel consultant for more than 30 years, specializing in cruises. I strongly advise all of my clients to take cancellation insurance. Most insurance will not cover natural disasters, but many cruise lines have an additional premium that allows canceling for any reason.

If the cancellation is not for a covered reason, the bulk of the fare paid is given as a credit on a future cruise. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and unforeseen emergencies.

Having said that, it would have been great public relations for Princess to make an accommodation of some kind to those who literally missed the boat.

-- Diane Magedman, Altour, Los Angeles

Regarding a cruise line refusing to give a credit for a missed trip: The cost of fuel to propel a ship is about the same regardless of the number of passengers. A vacant stateroom means no linen changes, no food costs, yet the passenger has already paid in full. On the downside, no tips to staff and no additional revenue from on-board expenditures.

The key objective cruise lines should adopt is “How do we get the passenger on another cruise at minimal cost to them?” Not, “Sorry, we have your money and it won’t cost us a thing.” That mind-set is worth millions of dollars of advertising. They need to start thinking out of the box.

-- Dennis Arntz, Laguna Niguel

Editor’s note: Many readers responded to the request for their opinions on this matter. To see more, go to latimes.com/onthespot.

Policing what kids see

Regarding “G for Gee Whiz,” On the Spot [April 11]: The next time you find yourself in a situation where your children are being exposed to adult or inappropriate material, fight back!

Bursting into a loud, lively chorus of “Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round” is sure to draw the attention of the cabin crew as well as other parents and kids on board. You can agree to quiet yourself and your children when the other passenger agrees to change the channel.

-- Chloe Reid, Lakewood