Do You Think One Can Be Influenced By What They Read?

So the other day at work, during downtime if I may add, I was reading the CATCHER in the RYE a novel by J.D Salinger. One of my client approached me with a surprise look on his face, in his own words,

“One of my friends finished this novel and tried to assassinate  Ronald Reagan.” My response not to worry I’m not your friend and I don’t intend murdering anyone after reading this novel. In addition, I will say he’s crazy because I’m at page 148 and no crime of such has been portrayed in the novel to motivate someone to want to commit murder. I might be wrong but I will let you know when I finished the last Chapter of the novel.

Now back to my question, do you think one can be influenced by what they read? In my opinion, only a deranged human will use what they read as an excuse to commit heinous act. That’s me though, but if you think otherwise, you are welcome to say your what’s on your mind.