Rating: 
Summary: A Ho-Hum WASP Tragedy.
Review: I very much liked the image of the catcher who keeps those kids from falling over a crazy cliff. But I had to wade through a lot of slag to find that gem. The problem is that Holden is such an unsympathetic character. He's a rich, East coast WASP who has been given several opportunities for a free education. How does he respond? Well, he can't apply himself because everyone is too phony. Hell, Holden could find phoniness lurking in a fruit bowl. What passes for tragedy in Holden's life? Losing his fencing team's foils on the subway or discovering that a seedy hotel also has seedy clientele. How can you care what happens to a character like this?Perhaps, if Holden was freed from his parent's economic bondage he could finally toss off those golden manacles; become homeless and head downtown for the free eats; stand in a soup line three times a day and finally get hit with some Freakin Real! I hate Holden, Catcher and all, I really do.
Rating: 
Summary: Very, very good!
Review: When I first picked up this book, it was for a school project, but I ended up loving it.
Rating: 
Summary: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So it's a classic.
Review: I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book. I knew it was supposed to be this great classic and everyone was SUPPOSED to love it, so I, of course, didn't want to be like everyone else. Unlike the rest of America, it wasn't required reading at my school, so I didn't know much about it. I read Nine Stories, also by Salinger, just by randomly picking up the book in the library, and I really fell for his writing style. The great thing about Salinger's writing is that he portrays the nuances and quirks of human behavior in a realistic, engaging manner. The Catcher in the Rye is about the everyboy, the everyteenager. Anyone who has searched for his identity and his place in the world can relate to the story. Holden Caulfield embodies the idiotic, impulsive, emotional teenager. Salinger didn't write a character, he held a mirror to an American archetype. This is a touching book, and what makes it so touching is that it doesn't try to be. Holden is sometimes a moron, sometimes the nice guy, sometimes profound, but always interesting. This is a great book, and not because it's a "classic," but because it doesn't push. It's simply a great story that speaks truth at every turn. If you don't mind seeing the word "goddam" on every page, you'll love this book. It's a rewarding read.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book Ever Written
Review: The Catcher in the Rye is so realistic...down-to-earth...the way JD Salinger tells the tale of this boy is so real, I just don't know what to say. It's just so human. The feelings of Holden about human nature.....he's just like me. I swear by this book. All of my friends that have read it agree with me that it is the best book ever written. It makes you think...about life...about family...about everything....Read this book and see what I mean.
Rating:
Summary: Overrated
Review: When I picked up this book, I was looking forward to it immensely. I knew it was a classic, and a classic, by definition, is a book that has stood time. I found during and after reading it, that it's just a boy, telling you his thoughts. The swearing gets to be tired and completely unnecessary. The things that this boy does are repeatedly stupid and leads me to wonder why I would ever want to know his every thought. Don't expect a novel that you'll love to read/have read.
Rating:
Summary: Holden Caulfield is the embodiment of teenage rebellion.
Review: Teenage rebellion is a part of every American's life, whether in thought, idea, or action. J.D. Salinger's character of Holden Caulfield has managed to embody the spirit of the teen rebel. Many of us have withheld personal information from others for fear of our parents. Many people have been disgusted with all the phonies of the world, of people who are not true to themselves. And many of us are, like Holden, guilty of being a phony ourselves. Holden Caulfield is the conflicted and confused person we all are or were at one time of another. The person who acts like nothing bothers them or that they know the ways of the world, when really we've only just began to explore the world. I read this book when I was sixteen and related to every word written. Four years later, I still relate.
Rating:
Summary: AN INCREDIBLE MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read. I read this book in english when I was 16 and am reading it again at 17 because it was so incredible. It truly touches you at an emotional level, unlike any other book. However, the thing I have found about this book is that you either get it or you don't. It takes a deep thinker and person who is willing to dive into the depths of human emotions. You cannot even begin to understand this book if you have no concept of, or have a difficult time understanding symbolism. If you cannot grasp the importance of it, it will seem like a pointless, boaring novel and you will probably never understand; its all up to you and how deeply enveloped into it you are willing to go. At face value, you will not get much out of it, and, unfortunatley, some people are not willing to go beyond that. It is absolutly worth reading because, even if you don't get it, its not that long and if you do get it, it can influence and change your life in ways you never thought a book could.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!!!!!!
Review: This book is incredible. It changes you in ways unimaginable. I am much quiter now that I've read it. I think about stuff more, you know? Have you ever just sat and thought about anything? Well, after reading this book, you'll do it a lot more. This book was awesome. I can't explain it in words. Anyone who hates this book and gives it one star is a "phony!!!" HA HA
Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: Good book....good for people who like to get into someones life. This kid, Holden Caulfied gets expelled from school and its about his life afterwards. The books plainly about his life after being expelled....three or four days....nothing more...nothing less. Good for teenagers! Finally, a teenager who isn't some indian out in the woods who is trying to become a worrior...a real teen who uses good curse words and calls most girls whores.....its so fun to read....so read it...local library peeps??? Ever heard of one?
Rating:
Summary: An exellent portrayal of teenage life, relevant to all times
Review: Catcher in the rye was a precise story of a teens struggle to understand life and the adult world. Not only witty and amusing, but also concerned itself with deep issues. Holdens "Search for the truth" almost ends up back where he started. A beatiful twist at the end but I won't ruin that for you all!
|
