the buzz log

Unlike most novels forced upon high school students, "The Catcher in the Rye" is one most teens tend to enjoy. Written by reclusive author JD Salinger in 1951, the novel set off a firestorm of controversy when it was first published. Nearly 60 years later, the book and its author are still making news.

Mr. Salinger, the most famous recluse since Howard Hughes, has filed a lawsuit against another man for attempting to publish a pseudo-sequel to "The Catcher in the Rye." The news inspired a flurry of searches on the famed book (+200%) and the author (+343%).

So, what's the so-called sequel book about? According to articles and blogs within the Buzz, "60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye" focuses on Holden Caulfield (the protagonist in "Rye") as an old man. He escapes from a retirement home and, we presume, roams around town like he did in "Rye."

The author's name is John David California, but CNN writes that that moniker is likely made up (duh). When reached for comment, the writer remarked that "To me, this (his book) is a story about an old man. It's a love story, a story about an author and his character." Salinger even shows up as a character in California's novel.

A sign of flattery? Maybe, but Salinger clearly isn't impressed, and he's got the lawyers to prove it. Will the unauthorized sequel ever see the light of day or will Salinger's legal team squash it? According to CNN, the publishers behind the new book "plan to defend it."