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Book Review of The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye
conniefritsche avatar reviewed on + 6 more book reviews


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 doesnt 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+