The Catcher in the Rye

Rating:
Summary: A Gem
Review: The first time I read this, I didn't really like it- I didn't like the idea of an immature narrator like Holden. I read it again, and when I was more mature and could look at it without getting involved with it, I realized how much I was like Holden. There are some books that capture a generation, that capture an emotion- this isn't one of those books for me. But yet, this book captures me altogether- rather than capturing a global emotion, he captures Holden, and in turn, captures me. (It makes perfect sense in my mind, at least.) I've even written songs including ideas from the book:

"It's true, we can't be catchers in the rye/Children must see the writing on the wall
But asked when innocence is lost, reply/that innocence is never lost at all"

I've seen movie characters named Holden (no doubt inspired by the book)- Mel Gibson was addicted to the book in "Conspiracy Theory"- and people have been killed (notedly John Lennon) by avid book readers. This book is as much a part of America as apple pie, mom, and Charles Manson- but yet is only a description of one boy getting kicked out of school and struggling to grow up. Yet it is more than that- it is the trials and tribulations of a boy trying to get through childhood in that transition stage. When he still wants to hold on to ideals, but when reality is seeping in. I identify with Holden, as do so many others- it's simply amazing.

Rating:
Summary: There is a little bit of Holden in all of us.
Review: Catcher in the Rye, a book that I have always heard of ever since I was in school. I never knew what it meant, what it was about, and why it was so special, until now. I read this masterpiece of literature by J.D.Salinger this year, and this had to be one of my favorites of all time. Surrounded by controversey, and criticism, this book met up to all of my expectations. The writing style is what makes the book so powerful. The use of the normal everyday english, a style so at ease that it is a comfortable book to read, and more importantly to understand. You must understand this book in order to feel the complete effect of Holden Caufield, and his quest to find himself. The book has been critisized for its so called "unappropriate" language, and disturbing topics. I don't understand why, because what Holden does, and says are things that are not new to us, his language and many of his thoughts are common to many people, especially of his age. This book is definately one that I would read again. It feels good to finally read a book that I understand, and can, in some ways, relate to Holden. That is the most important aspect of the book, I believe that people can relate to Holden, making a very inspirational, and valuable book. Everyone who reads this book will see a little bit of Holden Caufield in them.

Rating:
Summary: A mediocre read, but an accurate portrayal of teenage life
Review: Catcher in the Rye is an interesting book, but not, as some may say, one of the best. It seems people read too much into the symbols in the book, and try to see things that aren't there. Even so, Salinger did not come up with a bad book. The portrayal of teenage life is excellent, and the feelings of the main character, Holden Caulfield seem to reflect ones which all of us have experienced at one time or another. As far as plot and depth go, however, this book is average, as is the style of writing. In other words, I've seen better, but I've also seen much worse.

Rating:
Summary: Everyone should read this book!
Review: The Catcher In The Rye is definitely one of those books that I think everyone should read at least once in their lives. It really takes an in-depth look at human nature. This book is very powerful and thought-provoking. It explores the idea that everyone around us is a phony, including ourselves. At first this may seem like a shocking and scary statement, but as you read on you realize that unfortunately, this idea is very true. Everyone, whether it is intentional or not, is or has been at one point in his or her life, a phony. We all have a bit of Holden Caulfield inside of us. This book will really make you take a look at yourself and those around you. It is a story everyone should read again and again!!

Rating:
Summary: It moved me.
Review: 10 years ago I read this novel and hated it with a deep passion--dull and overrated. Recently, I decided to give it another chance and am I ever lucky that I did! I loved it! This is a painfully honest book. Superficially, not much happens. Assorted memories, thoughts, and strange encounters. Holden will both frustrate and fascinate readers. On one hand, he is brilliant and extremely perceptive. He's genuine in his desire to be a kind, good person and for people to treat each other with respect and dignity. On the other hand, Holden's views of life are completely distorted and idealistic. He is unhappy because he never allows himself to enjoy the moment fully for what it is. Even worse, Holden lets himself fall into depression and self-pity spontaneously and erratically. The fear is that he won't open his eyes and realize that he can't change the way that people are. He can only change his perspective of the world. Sometimes the most satisfying moments in life are the simplest ones.

Rating:
Summary: For Every Reader
Review: For every teenager who thinks he or she is alone; for every adult who needs to remember!!

Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly overrated.
Review: Teenage angst at its peak, told in a way that did not make me sympathize with the main character. The writing was just as confused as the character's mind, which was probably the intent, but did not enhance my understanding of the point of the book. Which, by the way, I never did -- unless the point was only to get a murky feel for what goes on in a teenager's mind. I do not understand the cult following this book has achieved.

Rating:
Summary: The book that inspired me most
Review: Catcher In the Rye is a book that I read more than once because I could not get over how good it was. Every time that I read the book I find something new that i did not catch the time before. You have to reach deep inside to actually understand the book. I think that it is important that everyone is required to read this book before it is too late. It is not very common to hear that some one did not like this book. It was a book that is so easy to relate too. I think everyone has a little Holden Caufield in them, I know I sure do. Catcher in the Rye is such a well known book for the impact it left on readers. The readers were not used to the truth. They banned the book and would not let students read about the way things really are. Not one person is perfect. There may be close to perfect and far from perfect, but not perfect. Holden was a messed up boy that thought he was perfect. Holden needed to find a way to preserve his perfectness. What is ironic about the story is that as perfect as Holden tried to be the more screwed up he became. I strongly recomend this book to anyone who has not yet read this book. It is such a shamej to let such a book slip by.

Rating:
Summary: A delight to read. one of the best i've read
Review: I tell you it is a very well written book. There is an eerie quality about it that grips you right from the first page and continuous throughout. It makes one wonder how does the author manage to write on a thin plot line with such intensity. Houlden's comments about everything around him are immensely funny and lucidly presented. Though he makes you laugh on many occasions fundamentally it is a very sad book. The state of his mind when he asks Sally that sometimes i feel that everything will go to pieces if we didn't do anything about it is very well captured. And his relationship with Phoebe is potrayed with excellence. I've read the whole of Salinger but this was a masterpiece. It makes you laugh it makes you cry read it and know for yourself where the ducks go when the water in the lagoon in New York square freezes.

Rating:
Summary: The What in the Where?
Review: Without meaning to be critical, cynical, nor harshly judgmental, "The Catcher In The Rye" compels me to ask: Why do schools and libraries encourage teens and young adults to read this senseless dribble about (what I perceived to be) a critical, cynical, and harshly judgmental antagonist? Frankly, and unfortunately, I was not too pleased with the book's plot (or lack thereof). Simply put: It did not make any sense, and I, as a reader, did not feel remorse nor sympathy for the principle character. His repetitiveness was viewed as immature, as well as his cussing and judgmentalism were irresponsible. Not exactly good examples I would set for any upcoming generation of young readers. I was unable to figure out the author's reason(s) for writing such a "critically acclaimed" classic, and I could not care to. My opinion of this book is that it's not worth the read. I would not recommend it to anyone, not even to a dog.