Search - The Catcher in the Rye

I read this book simply because it is considered a 20th-century classic. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started it. I was not at all impressed. I kept waiting for something major to happen to Holden, for a story, but I realized toward the end that nothing really was going to happen, no story here! It was very memoir-like in that respect, almost pointless. At times I was a bit annoyed with the narrative, perhaps due to its adolescent voice. This book was only mildly entertaining. I may have appreciated this book more if I had read it back in high school. I'm glad I finally read it, but I can't say that I'd recommend it!

This summer I decided to start reading the books I was supposed to read when I was in high school but never did. I wish I had skipped this one. It is so bad I just can't believe teachers force it on their students. If I had actually read this in high school, I probably would have given up ever reading another assigned book again. The conversational writing style started of as very fun to read but got extremely boring and irritating about half way through. I stopped caring about Holden at right about this time. He is always whining about something and I just wanted to smack him out of it a'la Cher in Moonstruck. I also couldn't help but think he had a pretty perverse facination with his sister, Phoebe. I think if this book had been written in 2006, Holden would be escaping from a mental institution and not just being kicked out of a "boys school".

Although this is a classic, and the familiar title tends to turn people away.. I still love it.

If you read for entertainment, this might not appeal to you. But if you love to get more than skin deep into a book, this one has ALL of the elements for you!

The adolescent hyppocrasy of the main character throughout the book is something to look for. The symbolism of crossing roads, leaving behind the innocence of childhood-- all battles this rebellious, troubled, multiple attempt at private-school student battles. An easy read for anyone above the age of 15... Truly worth it. A must read.

And finding out why this book is told through the eyes of the main character towards the end is worth finishing the book for. It's a thinker.

I'll give any book a fair try.. but this one was horrible. I've never wanted to punch a fictional character before--until Holden. If I ever read another sentence about phonies it will be TOO SOON. I had to read this in highschool and I hated the entire experience. I have no idea why this is considered to be a literary gem.

I can see why this book is so controversial. It is the type of book you either have to love or hate. I personally love it. This book I have noticed tends to appeal more to teens than adults probably because teens can empathize with Holden more. I certainly can see were he is coming from and think on the inside he is good. To all you people who hate the book Holden is not being selfish in his constant complaining about the world, he is seeing it as it truly is an ugly, miserable place. He realizes this and he actually wants to do something about it (be the Catcher in the Rye which symbolizes saving the innocent). So in the heart of this book is the desire to do the right thing for the greater good. It is not just a teenage boy whining about life.

Plot and Characters (my thoughts): One of the most interesting things about this book is it doesn’t have a plot. Yes and the fact it is badly written on purpose. It pretty much follows the exploits of the main character over a few days. Since it is written in first person you really get to know Holden by the time the book is over, the good and the bad. It is like stepping into his head and hearing all his thoughts, a very interesting experience. I found him a typical slightly scarred teenager, Salinger did a very good job overall.

This is a book everyone should read above the age of 15 whether they like it or not it is a great piece of literature.

Overall Quality 5/5

Violence 2/5

Language 5/5

Drugs 4/5

Sex 3/5

Age 15+

I can see why this book is so controversial. It is the type of book you either have to love or hate. I personally love it. This book I have noticed tends to appeal more to teens than adults probably because teens can empathize with Holden more. I certainly can see were he is coming from and think on the inside he is good. To all you people who hate the book Holden is not being selfish in his constant complaining about the world, he is seeing it as it truly is an ugly, miserable place. He realizes this and he actually wants to do something about it (be the Catcher in the Rye which symbolizes saving the innocent). So in the heart of this book is the desire to do the right thing for the greater good. It is not just a teenage boy whining about life.

Plot and Characters (my thoughts): One of the most interesting things about this book is it doesn’t have a plot. Yes and the fact it is badly written on purpose. It pretty much follows the exploits of the main character over a few days. Since it is written in first person you really get to know Holden by the time the book is over, the good and the bad. It is like stepping into his head and hearing all his thoughts, a very interesting experience. I found him a typical slightly scarred teenager, Salinger did a very good job overall.

This is a book everyone should read above the age of 15 whether they like it or not it is a great piece of literature.

Overall Quality 5/5

Violence 2/5

Language 5/5

Drugs 4/5

Sex 3/5

Age 15+