"To answer your question of what was meant by 'This is my statement', the only way I can explain is this way: do you remember the young woman in Saigon during the Vietnam war that immolated herself? ... She believed so strongly in her purpose that she chose to end her life rather than to continue living in this phony world ...
"The Cather in the Rye is my statement. The book in incredible ...
"We were all part of something big, Steve. Something phenomenal. It is all going to come out."
March 10, 1983
"... You mentioned your family. Tell me about your children. How about a photo, too?
"Have you read The Catcher in the Rye yet? I know this will help you to further understand ...
"I will let you decide whether Mr. Lennon was a phony or not. His words shoot his life-purpose full of holes. If you dig deep -- and not idolize -- it is all there. Yes, Lennon was a phony of highest degree but there were others who could -- and would -- have served the same purpose. I believe the DA has these names."
May 31, 1983
"Read The Catcher in the Rye.
"Sincerely, Mark David Chapman."
