12 member(s) found this review helpful.
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!
12 member(s) found this review helpful.
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".
9 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
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.
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Perhaps I would have related more had I read this one in high school, but as a 30+ year old female, this book held little interest for me. I read it at the suggestion of my husband who thought it was brilliant, and I just found it to be okay. This is one of those books I would pick up and read if I had no other options. The mindset of a disenchanted cynical teen boy is hardly something I call interesting, and his actions throughtout the story were more disappointing and fruitless than interesting to me. And why anyone would consider this book for censorship is beyond me. A rather boring story about a rather boring outcast of a boy is hardly cause for concern.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I LOVED this book. Many say it's just a book about a complaining kid. It's not! It goes deeper. Find out for yourself.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
The most wonderful book in the whole world! Everyone should have to read this book at least 3 times. read it once, figure out what its about, then read it at least once more.. it has a whole different plot once you know whats going on. LOVED IT!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this in High School and then reread it again recently. It was still entertaining the second time around.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
While there were elements that did stand out as 'iffy,' I overall thoroughly enjoyed this book. At times, Holden, the main character is easily depressed...actually, he's somewhat depressed through out the book, but his mannerisms, and ways of thinking intrigued me in a relatable way. I'd read this again, for sure. It might be one of my favorites, perhaps. Recommended.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of my favorite books of all time. Whenever I am feeling glum or nastalgic, I take two hours and revisit my youth courtesy of Holden Caulfield.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Not sure why this book is so "classic". I couldn't stand the kid, or the way this story is written. As valuable as the now more "politically correct" MARK TWAIN.
Skip it.
Skip it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the most messed up books I have ever read. I read this a few years back but I am sure if I picked it up again today I would love it just the same. Although it has quite the stigma and history attached to the title it still gave me a completely different impression than most. This book shocked me and I found myself adopting the mentality of the character long after I had finished it. A little creepy!! Obv. a story I will never forget.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really, really wanted to like this book. This wasn't required reading for me in high school, so I decided to pick up a copy after hearing about Salinger's death and the constant references to this 'classic' work. After spending approximately 6 months half-heartedly trying to read this relatively short book and only making it halfway through, I finally gave up. I tried, but found it boring and extremely dated. I kept putting it aside, thinking I would read a different book and then go back and try 'Catcher' again. I did this about 8 times before I finally figured out that it simply wasn't going to become any more appealing to me no matter how many books I read between attempts to finish this one. :(
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I have heard for years and years that this is one of the greatest works ever written. I never had to read it in high school so I bought it as an adult and read it within a few hours. I personally don't know what all the hype is about. I found the main character annoying, vulgar and repetitive. Annoying and vulgar I can understand because of his age and he was acting like a typical teenager. But the repetitiveness was really annoying. The same exact description was used for two different (nightclub/bar) scenes (which was common throughout the book). Holden kept saying the same things over and over again when describing people. I kept thinking "OK. I know the girls at the club were ugly. How many times do you have to keep telling me that?" It just felt like Salinger didn't have much to say so the quick fix was to repeat himself to make the book longer.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
So, you're wondering whether this classic is worth reading. I think the answer is yes. When J.D. Salinger wrote Catcher in the Rye, readers were unaccustomed to hearing a character's internal monologue. Salinger lets us hear what Holden Caulfield, a teenager who smokes and drinks into yet another prep school expulsion. Salinger never strays from this edgy, stylistic choice, nor does he attempt to elicit sympathy for his character, but I think most readers will feel sympathy for Holden nonetheless. Your 10th grade English teacher was right to assign this book. Everyone should read at least the first few chapters to experience Salinger's incredible talent.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I found this book refreshing, funny, and really an excellent read. I highly recommend it! :)
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
It is such a wonderful book.... it changed my life and my mindset in so many ways. In my opinion, it's the greatest novel of it's era, and quite possibly of all time. It's just one of those books you have to read. And if you haven't, get to it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the greatest books I have ever read... I liked it so much, actually, that I've read it more than once!! :) If you haven't read this yet, you should ..really, what are you waiting for?
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I still don't understand why this book is a classic. There was absolutely no point or climax to the story and I am very glad I didn't have to read it back when i was in school!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I'm sorry. I just don't get this one. It's about a spoiled rich kid who leaves school three days before he would be done anyway, and spends the time doing nothing. Yawn. Supposedly he's smart, though I didn't see any evidence to support that, and has a bunch of angst. I would rather read something with a plot.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I hate this book. There. I've said it. I do not understand why it is so famous and widely read in the high school classrooms across America. I do not relate in any way, shape or form to JD Salinger and would be happy if this book was decanonized. It has a very dark, dirty auma about it that just drives me nuts.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The Catcher in the Rye is a character-driven story about Holden Caufield, a kid from New York who just can't seem to find his way in life. Excellent book for those who like complex characters. Throughout the book, I couldn't decide whether I liked Caufield, or just found him completely annoying. . .
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
strange book. neither loved it nor hated it...was interesting at least. I read it because it was on the banned book list- a scene with a hooker...no biggie...not graphic. I think it would be appreciated with a second read.
I thought the character was very well written. He was confused and lost in the world. I related.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Don't read this book if you're not willing to go deeper and figure out what it really means. It's almost not a book in the literal sense... it doesn't try to be a book. usually in books there are two levels: the literal and the figurative, and the symbolic, figurative level is usually explored by the author. this book leaves you to determine the symbolism in your own mind. don't judge this book by how it's written (because that honestly doesn't get it very far) but by what it stands for.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
An "angsty" fictional memoir of a 17-year-old boy named Holden.
This book is magnificent. I never read it as an assignment in school, but as an adult. I read it in three days. Holden Caufield is a wonderfully rich character. His journey is narrated in an almost perfect way...I just loved it. It's a bit dated, but none the less an interesting introspective into the mind of a misguided young man full of angst. A MUST READ!!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I know it's a classic, I reread it last year...hadn't read it since high school 12+ years ago...I remember enjoying it in school, but now I think it's awful. What a whiny boy Holden Caufield is!
Stephanie W. (StephanieW) - Saint Marys, OH reviewed The Catcher in the Rye on + 34 more book reviews
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Debate about whether to love--or loathe--this book has kept it atop recommended reading lists for years. While it does contain swearing, it all fits within the schema of the novel.
Salinger has created a masterpiece with his flowing prose, heartfelt descriptions, and engaging characters. No matter what you have heard, give this book a go.
Salinger has created a masterpiece with his flowing prose, heartfelt descriptions, and engaging characters. No matter what you have heard, give this book a go.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really didn't get this book. As a teenager, I didn't mind books with "heroes" who were male, or flawed, or not particulary likable, but I just hated Holden so much! He was a spoiled rich brat with whom I felt no connection. Back in the day, the teachers who assigned Catcher in the Rye thought they were so cool and so in touch with their students to be teaching this book. I couldn't see any reason to assign it other than to try to stir up controversy.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Utter crud... end of story.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This has remained my favorite novel since I first read it. Something about the tortured soul of Holden made me fall in love.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I went to a crappy high school that didn't require this book, so I read it on my own as an adult. I really liked it! I thought the main character was easy to get to know and the entire story was intriguing.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I know it's a classic and all, but I hated it. The swearing threw me off and it wasn't that interesting. Sorry.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Classic literature, this story is about a boy who is trying to discover who he is in a modern world. There is some bad language but it is a part of the realistic style of J.D. Salinger.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The Catcher in the Rye has been read by hundreds of high schools all over the country. Some students love it, some hate it, I was part of the former. I thought Holden's story was compelling and thought-provoking.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Enjoyed it, but not an over the moon great read. Not a keeper nor a re-reader for me. The style of writing is what kept my attention the most -- "Holden Caulfield" has a way of double speaking, backtracking over his words from start to finish, makes for a fun read just imagining him speaking to you. All in all, the main character reminded me of my own teenagers -- critical of everything, always thinking that life is bad or wrong, and that they can do it better or know more...lol...((hugs!))
I was not impressed by this book at all. I don't really understand why it's considered a classic novel, I guess it's because it was considered risque for its generation and era it was first published in. To me the use of cuss words and profanity was uncalled for. If the author was trying to make the dialogue seem more like today's dialogues, he really missed the mark, cuz even today the profanity isn't that prevalent in the average conversation.
Older copy in ok condition. Has creases that reflect age.
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+
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+
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+
This has to be the STUPIDEST book I have ever read in my whole life! How it ever became a "classic" is beyond me.
it's a classic. i don't know why i had never encountered it before, but it is worth reading for sure.
Classic, everyone should read.
Not what I was expecting.
This was one of my favorite reads as a teenager and one of my favorite books of all time. It really captures the voice of those long days of cool bordom being a somewhat spoiled and bored yuppie ivy league college attendee. Being at that age, having all the time in the world and having to find things to do with your days...pranks that you would play on people...and the sensation of growing older...
Reminds me somewhat of F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing if you like that style.
Reminds me somewhat of F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing if you like that style.
a classic. rip jd.
Wonderful all time classic
Interesting read
Undoubtly a classic. Can't say I identify with Holden and I find it hard to be sympathetic of a rich kid who finds a free weekend in New York, but at the end of the book the fact that you can try and interupt it and find yourself going in8 different directions is how you know you just read a classic.
I liked this book very much all throughout the beginning and middle. I liked the main character, Holden, a lot. I really liked the book up until the last page; then I finished it. I did NOT like the ending WHATSOEVER. I was VERY disappointed.
But up until that last page, I thought it was a great book.
But up until that last page, I thought it was a great book.
Don't look at me that way: we ALL read this book in high school (didn't we?)
Great
What a disappointment! How anyone ever thought this was a great book is beyond me. Bad writing, terrible story line, if there was a story line. I keep waiting for something to happen… NOTHING EVER DOES!
im a little more than halfway in the book and i see no real plot in it. it may seem good to other people, but i dont like it very much. that happens to me with alot of classic books though.
I owe my love of reading to this book. It led me to realize that there are books out there where the characters think and speak like me and that all books weren't written in the style of To Kill a Mockingbird & The Good Earth (I'm not saying they're bad books, though!).
Classic!
i still don't understand what the big deal is about this book. but it was an interesting read.
Classic, love it.
Classic
Great classic!
I didn't read this as a teenager. I first read this as a 40+ year old and I wasn't impressed. I must've been ground-breaking in the 40s because I just didn't see what the fuss was about.
it is a classic for a reason
I have many friends who have loved this book, but it took me two tries to force my way through it. I know it is considered a classic, but I don't know why.
A classic I finally got around to reading. Writing is timeless and still pertinent today.3 out of 5
I thought it was a strange book....maybe I just didn't get it. I always heard so much about it......
I never read this one either.I bought to finally get around to some literature and well again couldn't get into it.
A classic!!!
How about journeying with Holden once again?!?!?
A classic book that everyone should read atleast twice in their life.
Love this book, the main character, the humor especially, I love the humor. It stands out above all else.
A must read from a literary standpoint, otherwise a bit over the top.
There really is no way to describe this book, other then one of a kind. I learned so much, about life, and about myself while reading this book. Salinger was an amazing author, and I thank him for a great experience. Please, no matter who you are, read this book. It just might change you.
Who didn't have to read this in high school? Even better as an adult.
This is one of my favorites! A classic that is almost a right of passage in the literary world.
In my opinion not Salinger's greatest (I prefer "Franny and Zooey"), but certainly his most most notorious. Teenage narrator Holden Caulfield's cynical takes on love, loss, and life have stood the test of time. For many readers this story will always be the definitive portrayal of adolescent angst.
This is a great story, however I was really bothered by the amount of swearing that is in this book. It hit the point that I wanted to actually put the book down because of it, but I persevered and finished it. However, due to the language, I will not read it again.
Classic paperback high school reader story of the dust bowl migration sorrows.
I just plain didn't like it. I recognize the literary merit (I think), but I found nothing enjoyable about this book. Holden Caulfield bothered me in all of his indifference.
A classic. Enjoyed rereading it.
A must read classic.
ANNOTATION
Salinger's classic coming-of-age story portrays one young man's funny
and poignant experiences with life, love, and sex.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Ever since it was first published in 1951, this novel has been the coming-of-age story against which all others are judged. Read and cherished by generations, the story of Holden Caulfield is truly one of America's literary treasures.
ANNOTATION
Salinger's classic coming-of-age story portrays one young man's funny
and poignant experiences with life, love, and sex.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Ever since it was first published in 1951, this novel has been the coming-of-age story against which all others are judged. Read and cherished by generations, the story of Holden Caulfield is truly one of America's literary treasures.
Love this one!
Great classic! I loved this book!