The Catcher in the Rye

Reader reviewed by Jess

This book is by far the best book I have ever read. Yes, I am totally in love with it. And I will do something as crazy as get buried with this book the day I die. Holden is truly an amazing character. His lack of awareness of ault-like situations are as realistic as anything a young persons thought. The way in which Salinger writes brings you into a the mind of a misunderstood child in the crossroads of maturity.

Reader reviewed by Rachel

Now it is just my opinion but whats all the hype for?? This book is suppose to be a classic but is unrealistic and unenjoyable. I had a hard time finishing and probably would had stopped if it weren't for my superstition of finishing every book you start. TOO much fowl language, the author was tring to relate to young adults and failed. Although my rating is poor this book is one of my friends all time favorites. SO my advice is read for yourself and share your opinions.

Reader reviewed by linda

Holden Caulfield is surrounded by phonies, no matter where he goes-whether it's the expensive boarding school he just got kicked out of, the train, or in his hometown. He journeys his way back to his old life after flunking out of boarding school. He meets a rag-tag bunch of people and re-connects with people from his past who don't seem to be the same people he knew. He narrates his story with a cynical view and some abrassive language but that only adds to this wonderful classic. By the end of the book, Holden is back in his hometown visiting his little sister when he realizes he has to help protect the innocent children, he must become the catcher in the rye.

Reader reviewed by garden0fdreams

The novel gives a message of how important it is to take things seriously sometimes and face reality, no matter how much we want something we have to face the truth, unlike Holden did, which is what caused him his downfall.I believe it could have been a bit more dramatic but it is still good enough to send out the message clearly.

Reader reviewed by FxOxG

The Catcher in the Rye is named a classic, which is why most teens will not read it. Though it may be on your school reading list for english class that doesnt mean its the worst book ever.
The Catcher in the Rye is about a teen named Holden who loathes and criticizes the world, teen spirit all the way!!! The book captures life in a whole new perspective as Holden notices all the little things around him.
I love this book because its how I feel sometimes. I reccomend it to some but to others it might not be appealing.

Reader reviewed by Emily

A small slice of the life of adolescent Holden Caulfield, Catcher in the Rye is a must-read for any high school student. It's not long and the diction is conversational and stream-of-thought, so it's a quick read. Good insight into the mind of a teenage male. Explores emotions dealing with peers, teachers, parents, siblings, and girls.

Reader reviewed by Tara

The book didn't make much sence at first;it just seemed very dry and unintresting. The only reason I picked up the book is becuase I heard a lot of hipe about it. It took a week after I had read the book to understand it. I realized how much of it applied to real life. It shows the more a society pushes an individual to conform, the more he will hate and rebel against that society.I give the book a 8 out of 10 on my scale of books to read. The only thing is the end could have had a little more to it.

Reader reviewed by Lisha

This book is really excellent, for those who dont mind reading about a guy who is trying to find out who he really is inside.I recommend this book for adults and teens especially. Read this book!!!

Reader reviewed by maskworm

I am Holden Caulfield. I am 16, male, 6' tall and really scrawny. Nothing comes into my head but sarcastic and sardonic remarks, but I never let them out of my head. I always try to be nice, even while resenting everybody's every step. I don't know who I am.

I don't know who I am, and I don't know who I want to be, and I don't care, either. I don't see any reason to work in school. Everybody who's going to these schools are automatons -- look where school got them. It's so much easier to just float.

But wait a minute. Am I really any different? Everybody floats. Do I just want to grow up too fast, too soon? I guess I'll never know. I can't understand it, I'm too young but I'm too old. These are the truths that separate The Catcher in the Rye from everything else I've read -- it's a fresh break similar to The Pretenders at the tail end of the disco craze. It's just so goddam real, you just have to stand up and cheer.