Remembering J.D. Salinger: Share your .02

Cover of The Catcher in the Rye

Just how influential was J.D. Salinger, who died yesterday? The almost instant response online is pretty telling:

NPR’s Linda Holmes recalls some of the pop culture allusions to Salinger’s novel Catcher in the Rye, including references in Annie Hall, the Wedding Crashers, Family Guy, and songs by Guns ‘N Roses and Billy Joel.

And on Twitter and Facebook, fans have comes out in droves to share favorite quotes and remember the author’s influence on their lives:

• One Story contributing editor Elliott Holt tweeted: “J.D. Salinger died? His Nine Stories made me want to write short stories.”

• DohBoyJunkie tweeted, “RIP JD Salinger. It’s because of you I that I didn’t fail American Lit. last year. Thank you.”

• A young fan wrote on Salinger’s Facebook Fan page: “You were my first love. I will love you for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

• Another fan wrote, “ love catcher in the rye, named my son jd”

• And on the Catcher in the Rye Facebook Fan Page, one fan perhaps summed up Salinger’s influence best: “what a book! rest in peace mr.salinger.there is a bit of holden in us all”

How has Salinger influenced you? Please share your favorite quotes, memories, or general responses to Salinger’s death in the comments section below.