Literary festival features discussions on "Catcher in the Rye"

Richland's 28th annual Literary Arts Festival will feature a new and controversial topic this year – a discussion of one of the books banned by many American schools and libraries. It's "Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger, published in 1951.

While "Catcher" has been banned in some locations, it has been placed on required reading lists in others.

But, it's still considered an important part of American literary history.

It's relevant to other disciplines as well, such as composition, ESL, psychology, cultural studies and sociology.

English Professor Patrick Murphy said "Catcher" is required reading in his four English classes this semester, and some of the Richland Collegiate High School classes also.

"It's important for composition courses because there's such a unique voice in the story," Murphy said. "We try to teach our students to write with voice. ‘Catcher' is a great example of that. I think it's an excellent book for history classes and sociology classes."

"Catcher" was chosen by a literary festival committee made up of Richland employees.

Each of the Dallas County Community Colleges have a "common book" program, where faculty, students, staff and administrators read one chosen book, which culminates in a discussion of it.

It's also popular with other universities around the country.  

Murphy said when "Catcher" came out in 1951, it was an important time right after the war and a time when so many baby boomers were born.

It became the "very book" in the 1960s, with the counter-culture movement.

"The main character became a symbol of rebellion," Murphy said.

English Professor Jerry McElveen will oversee the campus-wide discussion of "Catcher," Murphy said, which will take place from 7:05 to 8:25 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28.

Faculty, students, staff and the public are invited to take part in the discussion, which will include sharing one's experiences, interpretations, opinions and favorite passages from this classic American novel.

"Catcher" discussions will continue from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m. and from 5:40 to 7 p.m. Tuesday,

March 1.

Other literary festival events will take place the rest of the week. All are free and will be held in the Richland library.

For a list of events go to the Office of Student Life in El Paso Hall, Room E-040 or call 972-238-6130.