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A Classic

Customer Rating:
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE has a simple-enough presence: Take a character and let him tell his story. That's exactly what J.D Sallinger did with his character Holden Caulfield.

To break it down simply enough, Holden is sixteen-years-old. He's also stuck in a very bad situation. He's at a fancy private school that he absolutely hates. He's failing, so much so that he's about to get kicked out. So, before he gets kicked out, he decides to leave and take a `break' from everything that's been happening to his life.

After leaving the school, he begins his `break' by reconnecting with some old memories. He rents a hotel room and reflects on the people he's known, particular some past girlfriends and a friend from another school.

The thing that makes THE CATCHER IN THE RYE different from most books about teenagers is that Holden isn't a stereotype. We quickly pick this up early in the novel, when we learn that Holden has A LOT to say about his situation. His characterization is only further proven when he decides to buy a `night' with a girl. It turns out that Holden's not into that; he simply wants someone to talk to. The fact that he isn't a stereotype is what makes him so interesting. But, you're probably wondering, if he isn't a stereotype, how can we relate to him? It's because Holden, like all other teenagers, has problems.

I can't say a whole lot more about the book without giving it away. It's fairly short--the mass market paperback being only 214 pages--but it makes for a quick read. I found myself reading it slower though. It's easier to reflect on a book like THE CATCHER IN THE RYE if read in pieces, not all at once.

The main moral of the book is that teenagers have it hard, regardless of who they are and where they might be. They've all got problems, they've all got fears, hopes and dreams. There's no escaping what's happening when you're a teenager, and Sallinger captured that perfectly.

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE is a book EVERYONE should read.

A Great Read

Customer Rating:
This book explores various themes about growing up. It was interesting to note that most of the issues and themes explored still remain unchanged today. Given that the book was written in the 1950s, it shows the author's talent and insight.

The protaganist is Holden Caufield, a 16 year old high school boy, and it is written in the first person. I have heard that the book was on a "banned" list for some time due to the themes it touched on, and the language.

A very easy read, and I would highly recommend it.
The book is said to be a classic. The first person narrative works great.

All the Kings in the Back Row...

Customer Rating:
Picked up and read on vacation in my "Should Have Read These in H.S." list.
The collection of thoughts, the strong personality of the main character (even in his yellow weakness) - are impressive - the books and music mentioned are now on my search lists.
Holden reads much older than I'd expect - but perhaps in fair keeping with the time in which he lived. Some of his inner conversations and observations had me saying "Yes! Yes!" - how can these awarenesses of human beings general ugliness be so universal yet remain un-addressed. So many and so self-absorbed... "I like it when somebody digresses." And The Catcher in the Rye is a masterful example of just that.

America's most beloved and misunderstood novel...

Customer Rating:
One of America's most beloved and misunderstood novels, written in pitch-perfect prose, straight from the heart. Interesting how so many would condemn this novel, along with Twain's Finn, without ever having turned a page of it. Should be read four times: in adolescence; in one's tweens; on the cusp of middle-age; and right before they throw the switch.

Amazing book, but pre-conscious

Customer Rating:
I love this book, and have read it several times over the years - and will read it again. It's masterfully written, full of amazing and realistic detail, and incredibly modern for something written sixty years ago. While reading it I kept thinking to myself that it was MORE modern than most books written in the past few years. I also got the feeling, as I read it - and I base this on nothing but gut instinct - that this book heralded in a new dawn of writing. Kudos Salinger!

I can't help but love Holden Caulfield, despite all his depression and misery and angst. I don't know if you'd call it a criticism, but everything about him is pre-conscious, yearning to get real and honest and become true to himself, but at the same time so lost and blocked. My gut vibe on Caulfield is that if he were real and grew up to be an adult he would never really get conscious. I just don't see it happening with him. Like, for all his beauty and caring and humanity, he's just too self-hating, self-destructive, traumatized, and dishonest to really ever become truly conscious.

And if the life of J.D. Salinger (whom I will assume is the model for Holden Caulfield) is any indication, then I'm probably right... Ugh.

So, I only give this book four stars because of its lack of consciousness - lack of deep self-honesty woven into its pages. Aside from that, everything about the book is downright perfect.