novels

This book was an excellent read I don't remember too many details just the feelings I received from it. I'm 16 myself so I had to read this book in an English class. I remeber this girl I knew said that book [is terrible] all he does is whine and complain. I read the book and instantly felt kinship to Holden Caulfield. the first few lines were how I usually describe my life story. Later on I was felt he was like me in that everyone around him is phony but more importantly how he's not good at accepting changes in people. What struck me was how contemporary it could be. Holden's actions and feelings reflect those of any teenager today. It is not unusual to hear of us kids failing classes, slumming around on the streets, smoking, drinking,swearing, fighting, and talking about sex. That's what surprised me. Seeing that it was written in 1951 made me think that it would be all "gee whiz" but this book could tell the story of any other troubled introverted teenager. With this book I felt I could wallow in this self-exile and not be worried about what society thinks and just fly your own flag and take aim on those around me. And at the time it was relieving

This book is definitely not for everyone. If you're looking for a classic novel to read simply for the sake of saying "I've read it" stop right now. Pick up something else. Not only would Holden be embarrassed for you, but more than likely you won't be able to appreciate this work for what it's worth.

"Catcher in the Rye" is manna from literary heaven for those who appreciate the written word. The story, in and of itself, in unremarkable: fifteen-year-old Holden Caulfield journeys from his private school to his New York home. Essentially, that's the plot. However, the 200 pages are wrought with detail and oozing with narrative voice.

Holden can be wry; Holden can be surprisingly deep; Holden is at times appallingly cynical; most of all, Holden is real. By the time you've finished reading, you'll know Holden better than any other character you've experienced.

I iterate: the plot is not remarkable. It's an experience that could easily be encountered by most anyone. In fact, the writing is so amazingly clear and descriptive that you just might come off feeling like it actually happened to you.

If you love to read, then this book is for you. I guarantee you'll finish it in an afternoon. If you're unsure whether or not you'll be able to appreciate this, a similar narrative piece with a deeper plot is "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. If you read and enjoyed "Catcher in the Rye", I highly recommend any other of Salinger's books, specifically "Franny and Zooey" or "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles.

Without a doubt, The Catcher in the Rye is one of the best books I've ever read. Many people observe that this book is about someone who is clinically insane, but I read something completely different in Salinger's work. I view Holden, the main character, as a typical teenage boy with a bit more insight than the
average person. I see him as someone who looks at the negativity in the world and has a yearning to grasp even one small piece of innocence within it, but is blinded by the depravity that he sees everyday. I think that the book is about Holden trying to preserve innocence before realizing finally that it is impossible, and therefore he needs to find happiness in places where he normally wouldn't look to find it in order to prevent impending insanity. There are many different interpretations of this piece, and all of the interpretations hold weight, regardless of the fact that the various viewpoints are very much in dissent with one another. This is a piece that can be appreciated and understood by anyone, and I would recommend that everyone get their hands on a copy of this book.