The Catcher in the Rye

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Summary: Happy Birthday Catcher in the rye.
Review: 50 years young today! Still as fresh as ever. "She was skinny, Rollerskate skinny"

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Summary: Vitamin K
Review: I read this book two years ago, when I was 18. It was really easy to identify with Holden, that's what makes this book so great! It's about growing up and innocence. Innocence under pressure. When you're a kid you are taught many things and made to understand many things and when those things turn out to be not true or 'fake'. You feel sick about it. That's how I felt and I probably would have to been to afraid to find out what's 'real' in this world, if I hadn't read this book. In a way I was able to learn from Holden Caulfields mistakes. For that I am forever thankful to JD Salinger. I think he's a great artist. And for those people who don't like the profanity, you are missing the POINT, completely.

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Summary: I Caught Something, but Not Sure What
Review: The Catcher in the Rye had been on my reading list for the longest time before I actually settled in to read it. I think I waited to long.

Had I read this when I was fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen, it may have impacted me more than waiting until I was twenty-one. By this time, Holden Caulfield was not a dream to me, but instead he was a mistake.

There really was no strong plot, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Catcher in the Rye was an enchanting look into the life of a boy- young man- that I really feel should be read by teenaged boys (and girls). Why? I'm not sure. As I said, during my teen years I would have probably found Holden to be a hero. I would have strived to be more like him.

Now, looking back on the story, I realize that I was like him and I should have strived to be less like him.

The novel is an oxy-moron. Maybe it would best be read by parent and child together and discussed at the breakfast table (if those still exist). When I have children, that's the way I'll hope to use it (if those breakfast tables still exist).

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Summary: A landmark book that has spoken to many, many people.
Review: This book had a toughness to it when I first read it. Like many teenagers, it "spoke to me".

I'm a long way from being a teenager these days, but I've discovered something - teenagers are basically the same. They still swear they're parents don't understand them. They still are amazed at what they perceive as the "phoniness" of the world around them. Holden "speaks" to many people who feel they don't have an important voice in the world.

The amazing thing about this book, though, is simply that so many people have read it. More than 1500 reviews are posted here. That is a lot of opinions!

So, does it matter if someone thinks this book is terrible or terrific? Personally, I think it's amazing that so many have read, and had an opinion, on such a landmark book.

Love it or lump it, people have been discussing Holden Scofield for more than 50 years. He shows no sign of slowing down or growing up.

May we still be discussing him in 2051.

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Summary: Not for anyone with real angst
Review: Catcher in the Rye is the most overrated book I have ever read (and I have read many). Holden Caulfield is 100% unoriginal and phony and symbolizes the concept known as the "White Man's Burden". Holden is the origin of all of his 'suffering'. He also symbolizes the hypocrisy of priviledged people (perhaps Salinger's intent). I give this book 2 stars for the simple fact that it could fool so many people for so many years. If you are interested in reading this book because it is 'the voice of your generation', then think again. Anyone, especially teenagers, who are suffering from actual anguish and emotional pain shouldn't waste your time reading this book because it will only annoy you.

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Summary: Amazing
Review: J.D. Salinger is commended for his world-acclaimed "The Catcher in the Rye", which is so beautiful, both young and older audiences may enjoy it.

The main character is Holden, who is a teenage boy that the majority of an audience will understand; Holden is a character who outwardly seems tough, but the reader will discover that he is struggling with himself inside.

J.D. Salinger does an impressive job by using subtle symbolism. The plot is well-developed and aided by the right amount of description of characters and settings. Holden speaks in first-person as the narrator and tends to ramble on, making the format and style of this book highly original - and thus, enjoyable.

A book that must be read, for it is emotional, touching, and fun.

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Summary: My absolute favorite-- it changed my life!
Review: I don't know how many times I've read it since my first time in high school, but seeing this anniversary occasion makes me know it's time to read it again. What a treasure. All hail J.D. Salinger.

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Summary: Immortal Teenage Novel
Review: This is a great tale of the alienation of youth and it examines that which we hold dear in society. Holden Caulfield is the protagonist, a sixteen year-old expelled from school for apathy, but he is intelligent, and picks up on many inconsistencies and hypocracies in society. This is two days from his life, and it is edgy and entertaining after all these years. Brilliant writing.

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Summary: I saw, I read, I loved
Review: A lot of people I have talked to have either loved the book or hated it. I just happened to love it. What I found extremley important was the relationship Holden had with his sister. I loved the way Salinger was able to describe that. It's a fast read and it may like there is no real plot, but that's what makes the book so special. Here is a boy that has just made a drastic chage in his life, and it feels mundane.

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Summary: A Book in Search
Review: The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D Salinger, is an evolving and ever-changing story of a young man’s reality, out on his own for the first time. The book tells of Holden Caufield, a restless, over privileged teenager who attends prestigious Pencey, a competitive boy’s boarding school. This dynamic character inevitably flunks out of the school, as a result of the four out of five courses he failed. Ashamed and confused, he sets off to his home, New York City, but is reluctant to tell his family. He spends a few nights in an expensive hotel with some of his father’s gift money. The book tells of the hardships of being out in the world for the first time, and the people along the way who help shape Holden and force him to deal with the chronic, destructive emotions that he has so carelessly brushed aside. I recommend this book to all readers. For people who like adventure, it is there. Adventure is shown when Holden is out on his own, not knowing anyone, and trying to make it through just one night without mistakes. For people who like drama, the book is full of it; giving detailing to Holden’s family situation and the mental struggles he has gone through. An example of this would be towards the end, when Holden finally returns home, and spends precious time with his little sister, a special bond is remembered. Also included in this wonderful story, is a person in search of passion and thrill for something in his most complicated surroundings. In addition, this book has many lessons, but I believe the most prominent one is to find something in life that excites and challenges, something Holden didn’t learn from of his school, his friends, or his family, in that important chapter of his life. These examples are each different and unique. He seeks comfort from a stranger who happens to be a disliked peer’s mother, and pretends to have a tumor in his brain to impress her. He then has an intellectual conversation about Shakespeare with a pair of nuns, again, teaching him generosity in strangers. Next, he experiences a most odd encounter of having an elevator boy send Holden a strange prostitute to his hotel room, teaching not to trust everyone, this book is a roller coaster of adventure and life lessons. One reason why some may not enjoy this book would be because of the use of language. The book’s descriptions, although somewhat humorous, are told in a manner that some may think is crude, as seen through the eyes of a teenage boy. This story is told in everyday language and tone, with a relaxed flow to it. Some people may not be used to this style of writing, though some may find it enjoyable and readable. Although this one flaw is different, it still adds to the reality of the story, and adds depth to the characters. Overall, I found this book to be truly unique and wonderful, and gives the reader a clear insight into the life of a struggling human being in search of himself.