The Catcher in the Rye

Rating:
Summary: I must be missing something
Review: As I have recently begun limiting my reading to pretty much only "classic" literature, on any given day I may end up re-reading a selection because I think I'd have a better appreciation for it now than when I had read it last. This was the case with Catcher in the Rye. In fact, despite knowing that I had read this before, I honestly could not remember anything substantial about it. Naturally, I assumed that with all the acclaim that this title carries, the only possible explanation for my not being able to recall any details about it was that it may have been "required reading" at some point in my life and it was understandable that i didn't remember THAT. So, I decided to order it for my collection... Now I know why i couldnt recall its story - it has none! I checked and double checked to be sure i had not accidentally gotten some sort of abridged version. There is no substance here whatsoever. I'd compare it to reading an unedited diary. It took only a few hours to finish and I was shocked when I had reached the end. There wasn't a single event to inspire any emotion at all. If you could have recorded my thoughts (word for word, you wouldn't have had to edit them in the least) for three days of my adolescent life, even somewhat uneventful days, you'd have this book. There is nothing clever here. To sum it up into one adjective: "everyday". These thoughts are not worth collecting into a novel. I can't believe these other reviews are for the same text. More substance can be absorbed reading a magazine.

Rating:
Summary: *Gets evil ideas*
Review: All I can say is this is by far one of the best books I've ever read, and probably will stay that way. JD's style of writing is so amazing, and I simply love listening to Holden. This is the kind of book that, after reading it, you're never the same.

Rating:
Summary: Overrated
Review: Although the book was at times entertaing, this book is not one of the better classic novels. The writing is often redundant and boring. Salinger, however, does portray his main character very well. In short, the book wasnt all bad, but it did not have a profound impact on me and does not stick out in my mind as a fantastic classical novel.

Rating:
Summary: Funny and Enlightening
Review: I read Catcher in the Rye as a re-introduction to classic American literature outside of high school reading requirements. The first few chapter were surprisingly funny but then it gives the reader an insite into how a depression affects a person. Holden had everything, good parents, great schools and money at his disposal but it couldn't keep him from being depressed and isolated from society. Definately read this book!

Rating:
Summary: surprisingly funny
Review: I was very skeptical when I started the book, partly because I had heard so much about it. I really didn't think it could live up to the hype, but I'm happy to report I was wrong.

It was easily one of the best books I've ever read, and though it was written 50 years ago, it still feels very contemporary.

Rating:
Summary: Great message and easy to read
Review: Catcher in the Rye is a great book that is accessible to junior high level students who are ready to read something of substance. It's not a hard read and really can help the reader think. It's a great book for anyone to read because of its message but I think junior high and younger high school kids can really identify with Holden and can help them figure things out when they're trying to make sense of where they fit in and what they want to do and be.

A sidenote for those interested, check out a song called "Holden Caufield" by Piebald

Rating:
Summary: Becoming a Madman
Review: Holden Caulfield is a 16-year-old boy completely disconnected from the world around him. While he claims to feel sorry for others he states that he is "depressed" by almost everything that others say and do. Unfortunately, he battles his problems without anyone to turn to for help because he is far away at a boarding school called Pencey Prep.
Because Holden was not willing to put any effort into his schoolwork, however, he was soon kicked out. Nor was this the first time. Holden had attended other such schools, like Elkton Hills and Whooton School, but he failed to thrive there also.
After leaving Pencey, Holden returned to New York City to relax before he returned to his parents. Throughout the days he slept at a hotel where he was cheated out of five dollars and Mr. Antolini's house where he was patted on his head while sleeping, which in his mind deemed Antolini a child molester.
Despite all of these encounters Holden was not ready to go home until his kid sister, Phoebe, showed desire to emulate him. He had made plans to run away somewhere and get a job, but decided otherwise when Phoebe begged to join him. This is the only instance in which he showed shame for the life he was leading. He promised Phoebe that he would come home and he did.
Finally, Holden is sent to an institution where he can get help and he begins to realize that it is one thing to say you will do something and another to actually do it.

Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: This was a good book. It got a little boring in some places.

Rating:
Summary: Misunderstood
Review: There are two types of people that read The Catcher in the Rye. Those who fall in love with it, lauding it as one of the greatest books of all time, and those who deem is as messy garbage: the thoughts of an ugly character whom they had no interest in, much less want to read a book of his whining.

I enjoyed The Catcher in the Rye. I found much truth in it; everyone knows a Holden Caulfield, and Salinger nailed the personality. Some passages I would read and think, "That is so true! That is a true piece of thought!" Too often novelists will have their characters speak to a plot, rather than actually have human attributes. Holden Caulfield comes to life in the book.

Although I enjoyed the book and appreciated Salinger's truthful writing, it is not a work of literary genius, much less of the best books I have read. It's mildly contemporary, which can be forgiven. But the main quib I had with the book is that Salinger held to the one personality and ran with it too long. In making Holden come to life, he also ran it to the ground, making him flat. Salinger tried to undo this near the end, but I think it was weak writing.

All in all, a great book with many truths, but not a complete portrait of a human. Perhaps only the greats, such as Joyce, can write as such, but isn't that what the 5 stars are for?

Rating:
Summary: Teenage Pitfall
Review: Holden Caulfield is a 16-year-old boy gone a little too far over the edge. He is obviously seemingly normal (or at least relatively so) to those around him, but his thoughts can be so twisted that they disturb the mind. Ironically, Holden is the always trying to analyze other people, when he is the one who truly needs the help.
There is an eerie sort of symbolism in Holden's words and actions. The red hat, the baseball mitt, and the turtleneck sweater, all have a certain significance. He focuses on these things because of their importance in his relationship with others.
While Holden often claims to feel sorry for others, his depression creates even more sympathy for him. In time he sinks to such a low level that no one understands him anymore. He is isolated from his family and friends, first mentally, and then physically.