He seemed unaware of the messiness of the arrangement.

— J.D. Salinger

I always pick a gorgeous time to fall over a suitcase or something.

— J.D. Salinger

I am a dash man and not a miler, and it is probable that I will never write a novel. So far the novels of this war have had too much of the strength, maturity and craftsmanship critics are looking for, and too little of the glorious imperfections which teeter and fall off the best minds. The men who have been in this war deserve some sort of trembling melody rendered without embarrassment or regret. I’ll watch for that book.

— J.D. Salinger

I am a kind of paranoid in reverse. I suspect people of trying to make me happy

— J.D. Salinger

I am always saying "Glad to've met you" to somebody I'm not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.

— J.D. Salinger

I can be quite sarcastic when I'm in the mood.

— J.D. Salinger

I didn't want any degrees if all the ill-read literates and radio announcers and pedagogical dummies I knew had them by the peck.

— J.D. Salinger

I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be. Furthermore, I know it's crazy.

— J.D. Salinger

I don't know what good it is to know so much and be smart as whips and all if it doesn't make you happy.

— J.D. Salinger

I don't like it when it stings,' he said. 'Nobody does.

— J.D. Salinger