The Catcher in the Rye

Reader reviewed by tay

The Catcher in the Rye is a coming of age novel about a sixteen year old boy named Holden Caulfield. In this novel, Holden tries to find his own place in society because he feels like he doesnt belong. He goes through many different experiences and eventually learns responsibility and how to live his life. He isolates himself from the rest of society and he uses this isolation to show that he is above everyone else and as a result will not talk to anyone else. Another very important theme is this novel is growing up. Holden refuses to grow up because he believes becoming an adult will ruin him and make him phony. He thinks that kids should not grow up because then they will have to do adult things which will ruin their minds. This book is a great read. Holden is very funny at times and the novel is written beautyfully.

Reader reviewed by Banana Split

Holden is a boy of sixteen years. He is failing in school and then is expelled. He gets really mad about everything and decides to go to Manhattan for a vacation. While there he does lots of things, he flirts with women in their 30s, he tries to drink, and smokes a lot of cigars. When his vacation is done he goes around town doing nothing. He tries to get some girls he knows to go out with him but ends up making them mad at him. He then tries to find Phoebe his sister and tell her what is happening to him. Phoebe makes him understand and realize that he never likes anything, and takes everything for granted. He then tries to tell Phoebe that he is going to run away, but ends up making her cry. He then realizes that he made such a big mistake and he fixes it by making her happy. In the end, he decides to get serious and he goes home, only to get sick but still he is optimistic about his future.

This book made me realize that working hard can pay off and avoiding things may backstab you later. I really liked this book. It was really good. :)

 

 

Reader reviewed by abscae

I have to say, I was truly amazed about this book. Some people say this book is about a boy who's just been kicked out of school, too scared to tell his parents, so he wanders New York City for three days with a limited amount of money. I say this book is about coming to terms of a death of a sibling, and trying to find the meaning of life.

So, as said, Holden's been kicked out of school. His brother, Allie, died a while ago, and since then he doesn't want to do well. So he lets his grades plummet. He doesn't tell his parents, and he gets kicked out (for the umpteenth time).

I love this book solely because of how real it felt. It didn't feel like a character, it felt like a story, and it made me feel so sympathetic to Holden, it's amazing. Not only that, but just the hidden meaning behind the book was phenomenal.

Read it, you won't regret it.

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 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 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 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.