Rating:  Summary: Twice now. Review: Twice now I've read "The Catcher in the Rye." As a high school freshman, I found it difficult show sympathy towards Holden; I wasn't impressed, engaged, provoked or amused. A year and a half later I could relate much more to his sentiments, though I still don't see any quality in regards to Salinger's writing, execution or characterization. It's either a book you'll love or one you'll hate. And he hyped Pheobe up; she wasn't that interesting.
Rating:  Summary: Catcher in the Rye Review: The Catcher in the Rye is one of the greatest books I've ever read, it might be on a banned books list, but we should all read it, it is very different from most novels and it's a great book. Read it.
Rating:  Summary: An overall good book, nothing to lose from reading it. Review: You'll see this book come up over and over again on the highly recommended list of "classics". Not having heard much about it (thats surprising, I know), I decided to read it because again, it ALWAYS seems to show up on list after list of debated over, recommended classics. It's rated among the best, mostly older novels, which are usually deeper and take more effort to understand, what many people think of when they think "classic". This book is different. It's a lighter read that really made me smile. At different times throughout the novel, I guarantee you will see at least SOME of yourself in Holden. The Catcher in the Rye is written in casual languauge, and uses slang. Several times throughout the book I almost forgot I was reading a book in the first place! It's very easy to understand, which makes it more enjoyable in my opinion because you won't find yourself struggling to understand anything, allowing you to enjoy the content. The only reason I gave it four stars and not five is because I've read books that are more powerful than this, but that certainly doesn't mean that this one isn't very good! The only problem is, if you haven't already read this book, you've probably read several like it.. books about teens growing and maturing, changing and learning lessons. I've noticed it's become quite a popular topic in the last decade. Most of the newer ones are just plain trashy, shallow, and most are identical in plot and style. I assure you A Catcher in the Rye will be much better. While reading it, it's helpful to keep in mind that this was the breakthrough book in this genre, one of the very first, if not the first. It's very good overall, and a classic at that (much different from other "classics"). You have nothing to lose from reading this book. It's not a difficult read, it's not long, and you'll smile at least a few times:) I highly suggest reading this book, and adding it to your personal library.
Rating:  Summary: a timeless masterpiece from a literary recluse Review: Generations of readers have praised the genius of Salinger and his Catcher in the Rye, which has since received limitless raves and has been regarded as one of the great American novels of this century. Having assimilated the coming of age exploits of Holden Caulfield, I would have to agree with the majority, wholeheartedly. Salinger's prose--written from the perspective of Caulfield who is but a naive teenager--strikes a chord with the reader, allowing one to empathize with the protagonist and his unique vision of life. Salinger has created a character in Caulfield that will withstand the test of time. The witticism crackles like a whip in this book, and Caulfield's constant carping is hilarious at best. It remains a flawless chef d'oeuvre; Salinger's greatest published work to date. We were all Holden Caulfield at some point in our lives. A sensational read.
Rating:  Summary: A true classic Review: I picked up this book because it seemed to be one of those classics you're "supposed" to read, expecting it to be dense and archaic, but it was actually very entertaining. It involves a wealthy prep-school student, Holden Caulfield, searching for something true and genuine in a world that seems to be made out of pretention and "phonies." The stlye is simple and surprisingly blunt (Holden goes out and says "It depressed the hell out of me" several times) but other parts are extremely subtle. With humor and angst (and no overkill on either one), Catcher in the Rye really is one of those books that everyone should read at least once.
Rating:  Summary: The Catcher In The Rye Review: Although everyone seems to think it's a must read book, I tend to differ. I read this book at age 18 because I was sure I was missing out on something great, but it turned out that I wasn't missing much. Holden Caulfield, the main character, is cynical, selfish, and an all around jerk if you ask me. Also, J.D. Salinger's writing technique didn't impress me. He was very repeditive, and instead of getting his point across, it only succeeded in running his point into the ground. I was very let down by this novel.
Rating:  Summary: What's with all of these whining kids? Review: If the purpose of a true book rating system is to effectively display intellectual opinions about a book, then this system is not working. If a kid is required to read Catcher in the Rye for school and is unable understand it, he/she should not be bragging about it. Catcher is a classic and one of the greatest books of our time and if these little kids who cannot grasp its concepts can't bring up any legitimate gripes about the book, they should keep their opinions to themselves.
Rating:  Summary: bizarre and worth reading (minor spoilers) Review: This has got to be one of the most thought provoking books ever. Basically, it's about Holden Caulfield, who is expelled from school and goes on an eye-opening odyssey through New York over the weekend. However, the book goes much deeper than that story. His obsevations on parts of his life convince him to try to save people who are beginning to sucumb to society's corruption, and he becomes the catcher in the rye, determined to save as many people as he can. This quest gradually drives him insane, and we get numerous hints that he is narrating from a mental institution. It all comes together to make the reader question what his role in life is. Read The Catcher in the Rye. You won't be dissapointed.
Rating:  Summary: the only classic worth its weight Review: It's the second most STOLEN book in the world. (First being the Bible, which ain't so bad neither :OP) If you buy this book, you'll know why. Mark Twain once said, that a classic is a name for a book which everyone praises but no one reads. This, on the complete other end of the spectrum, is a book for the human being, not for the bookworm or the bored. It is not a book souly for people who like to read, either. It is quite possibly the most accessable novel ever written. You WILL identify with these characters, you WILL, maybe for the first time, like to read. Please read this book, it is for everyone who has ever felt alone.
Rating:  Summary: A Very Good, Very Truthful Novel Review: The Catcher in the Rye is a novel about the actions and emotions of an adolescent boy's "coming of age." While that may be a trite way of looking at this book, it is completely true. Salinger paints a totally accurate view of the world of a teenage boy, or any teenager, for that matter. While the story is set in 1950's New York, it would have fit perfectly into 2001 Small Town (or Big City), USA. I would recommend this to anyone, young or old, to help people truly understand what it is to be young and lost in the world.
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