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Morning News

Margaret Salinger Discusses 'Dream Catcher,' Memories of Her Father J.D.

Aired September 7, 2000 - 9:40 a.m. ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We are all well aware of the Salinger name, but now we're about to find out more about the family.

Margaret Salinger, daughter of the author J.D. Salinger, has written a book about the memories of her father. It's called "Dream Catcher." Margaret Salinger live this morning from New York to talk about it.

Margaret, good morning to you.

MARGARET SALINGER, AUTHOR, "DREAM CATCHER": Good morning, Bill.

HEMMER: There are some rather salacious issues in this book; not through the entire thing, but here and there, including charges that your father drank his own urine, other items such as that. Why is it important for you to tell people about the private details of your father's private life?

SALINGER: Well, to be honest, I think, really, I was as surprised as anyone that that was what was picked up on in the press. When I first saw the, you know, headlines -- "Salinger drinks urine," -- I didn't -- it speaks to my odd upbringing in that I really didn't think this was such an odd thing.

HEMMER: That didn't strike you as unusual, then.

SALINGER: No, not particularly; certainly not what people would dive on and find particularly bizarre, no.

HEMMER: You know, Margaret, the thing that a lot of people are picking up on, the imperfections of your father, imperfections that were well described in your book. And I know you say that, listen, all people, men and women, are flawed, and certainly your father was no exception. But through this book, what image do you want us to have of your father?

SALINGER: I really would like to have the image put forth which is the same thing I try and convey to my son, that you don't have to be perfect to be lovable, that you may not like some of the things someone does, but that doesn't mean you have to dismiss the person. And in my father's world, you're either perfect or you are an anathema. And I don't feel that way. I don't love him less for understanding him more. HEMMER: Do you love him today?

SALINGER: Oh, very much, very much.

HEMMER: You waited until you were an adult to read his book "Catcher in the Rye."

SALINGER: Yes I did.

HEMMER: Why wait until you were grown up. Why not read it like we all did in school at a young age?

SALINGER: Well, because my experience of being his daughter is not everyone's experience of being in high school. They skipped assigning the book the year that I was in high school, and there was also such interest. People would ask me what my opinion of the book was and I really felt as though I couldn't lie. And it was much easier for me to say, I've never read it quite honestly.

HEMMER: How much contact do you have with your father today?

SALINGER: Up until the news of the book hit the press, contact was normal for our family.

HEMMER: Is he ignoring you today? Is that the suggestion?

SALINGER: I'm sorry?

HEMMER: Is he ignoring you today?

SALINGER: I don't if ignoring me. I would put the responsibility more on me. I've chickened out. You know, if he calls I would certainly stand and face the music. But I did not, as I usually do, bring my family up to visit him this summer.

HEMMER: Wish we had more time. Margaret Salinger, live in New York. The book is "Dream Catcher." Best of luck to you.

SALINGER: Thank you very much.

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