Ever get that feeling that you simply have to get your hands on a particular book TODAY, so you can read it today itself? No? Really? Ah well. I do, so sue me.
Having failed to find it in our local library (which is my usual remedy for such days), I realized that the only way I could get “The Catcher in the Rye” (classic, circa 1945) today, was by actually buying it.
I looked in 2 places.
I
Location: Inside Landmark, SGS Mall,
Met: An old forty-something mustached guy sitting at the desk with an extremely tight tie. We’re gonna call him ‘Guy’.
Me: “There’s this book I’m looking for – The Catcher in the
Guy: “Catcher of rice?”
Me: “Catcher IN THE
Guy: “Um. Okay. Just one sec.”
*types in his comp*
“Hmm. Yes. Uh, Sallyngur?”
Me: “Yes, J.D.Sallinger”
Guy: “Yes, please come with me”
We walk over to the Literary Fiction/Classic section, where he spends 10 mins looking for it. He finally finds it thanks to the fact that it happens to be on the exact shelf, at the exact position his computer told him it would be.
I check the price.
Rs. 299 – Paperback.
I run away.
II
Location: Opposite Landmark, at the book stall outside Coffee House.
Met: Young 20-something chap with simple clothes, and who looks like he doesn’t speak a word of English. We’re gonna call him ‘Chap’
Me: “Ek kitab hai, kafi purani – Catcher in the
Chap: “Arre haan! Catcher-Rye! Ek minute”
*Eyes still on me, he reaches into a pile of books at the back, and pulls out the right copy*
“Ye lo. Ek dum mast kitab hai. Ladka hai. Bahut khhunnas hai usme. Mast hai.”
Me: “Thank you. Kitne ki hai?”
Chap: “80 rupees me le jao. Aur kuchh dikhaoon? Tuesday-Morrie? War-Peace?.....”
