Taylor,Heidi,Martina,Alyssa+catcher+letter

Dear Holden,

I know that life has been hard on you and woe is you and all but im writing this to tell you that youneed to start living life instead of making living so damn hard. The way you look at others around you as phonys is going to kill you... it really will. I also think that if you move on from your brother Allie's death, you will feel alot better and won't end up sleeping out in central park (again). What I'm basically saying is, be happy for christssake.(Martina)

Now Holden, this first thing I think you gotta do is accept Allies death and remember the good times with him. I know how strongly you feel for him. You think that he was the most intelligent and innocent member of your family so just think of that in his honor. Share your memories of him with the people who love you like your parents or your sister Phoebe, instead of people like Stradlater. I understand why you wrote about Allie's baseball glove when you were doing Stradlater's english composition, but he was not the person to share that with. Death is a terrible thing Holden, it really is. But it is a part of life so we all must experience it.(Taylor)

Speaking of Stradlater, I think the situation where he punched you could have been avoided. I think you should have said no when he told you to write his english composition. You think of Stradlater as someone who uses his looks to make himself look tough. If he's not tough and all, why were you pressured into writing his paper? You put yourself into these situations with phonys that you hate and all, and they affect you negatively. Like with the prostitiute, Sunny. Holden you are a person who will love a woman for the way she is and not for the physical stuff. If this is true, why do you pay a prostitute five dollars just so you can talk to her about your problems with women? Talk to those who love you for christssake.(Heidi)

Having said that, I think you should try to spend more time with Jane and Phoebe. They have both made a positive impact on your life in the past and they can help you. Phoebe your sister has always been the person that you think about when are going thru a proble...she really is. Your always saying how she was the one that listened to and understood what you said.You should have called her or went home to see her before you got plastered and slept out in the cold of Central Park while you planned your own funeral. When you saw Phoebe she asked you what brings you joy and you couldnt think of a thing besides Allie. You also talked about being in a rye catching kids before they fall. I guess you forgot about Jane and Phoebe who was right under your nose. They both bring you joy they really do. All the times you played checkers with Jane and had your moments where you almost kissed her are things you cant forget. You shouldve called Jane instead of using the excuse of "not being in the mood". (Alyssa)

Holden you are still young and you can change your behavior and be happy if you just listen to what I have been saying. You let the negative parts of life take over your mind and that prevented you from finding a light in your darkened world. Your light is your sister. I believe you can change. Stay away from phonys but also realize that we are all phonys once in a while. (Taylor)

Signed, Holden