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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Amazing! Nov 08, 2009
Catcher in the Rye has many relevant meanings for the teenagers of today. Holden Caufield's confusions and frustrations are those of most teenagers who want to connect with other people and belong to a certain social quota. J.D Salinger presents to us a novel full of symbolism, imagery, and adolescent complexity that fufills it's overall goals of giving us a glimpse into the life and psyche of a troubled and disturbed teenager who tries making connections with people he doesn't know ending up in, as mean as this may sound, humorous failed attempts. The overall theme in this novel doesn't comply any moral as did Ovid's fables back in ancient Greece. Catcher in the Rye tends to be more interpretive in that manner. Holden's inability to truly connect with people is due to his inability to immature and let go of pain.
"People never notice anything" (Pg 9). It's in this quote that we really see what type of person Holden really is. Nobody around Holden seems to understand him, seems to understand his angers and confusions. Everyone is just as about as "phony as he is". It's in these beginning chapters we notice that something is wrong with Holden. something that doesn't quite match up. He's a white male with well-off parents that can afford to send him off to boarding school and he purposefully flunks out by not even attempting to study. It's not until later on in the novel that we learn of James Castle and his brother Allie that there is a reason for this rebellion and personal wall that he has erected for himself. It's how Holden breaks this wall that makes this book powerful and a very compelling and humorous read.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
concise work of genius Nov 07, 2009
Holden Caulfield has just been kicked out, yet again, of a preparatory school which his father, a hot-shot corporate lawyer, has selected for him. Holden is a pathological lawyer, he smokes like crazy, and he prefers the peak of his brand-new red hunting cap to be facing backward, not forward. Holden begins wandering around New York City, buying time before the date comes when his parents will be expecting him.
Such are the plot details, and the wonderful character painting, that this wonderful little novel unveils early in its course. The Catcher is a fast-paced and an easy read, two qualities which typically don't go along with works of literature. Is the Catcher a work of literature? The answer is an unqualified yes. Salinger has accomplished an amazing feat by relaying his story through the first-person narrative of our protagonist, and the writing is complete with Holden's idiosyncratic jargon and constant lacings of profanity. Yet what makes the writing so remarkable is that we know exactly what Holden is talking about it, even though his slang can be a little confusing at times.
Still, what makes this little gem a literary genius is not its exceptional writing, but its wide appealing cultural value. I think it would be immature and cliched to call this a "coming of age" book (even though it is one), or to talk about Holden's prototypical "teenage angst". In my opinion, this novel finds its far-reaching appeal because it speaks to the heart of us all. We all get discouraged (and even disgusted) by the faults that we see in society, and in human nature in general (for example, the "phoniness" which Holden sees as near ubiquitous). Nevertheless, all of us have to make decisions, just like Holden does, as to what direction we choose to walk in life.
A final note. I loved this book and found myself laughing out loud throughout many parts of the book. Nonetheless, I wouldn't be surprised if this novel isn't everyone's cup of tea. I suspect that some readers will have a tough time relating to some of Holden's observations (after all, those "phonies" that Holden constantly criticizes include us). In addition, Holden's cynical, near sourpuss attitude (along with his profanity) may be a turn-off to some. I still suggest that you at least give this novel a try.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Torture in the form of words Nov 06, 2009
It baffles me to no end that anyone would give this book a five star rating or that it is considered a literary classic with a "powerful" theme. Not only is it intellectually barren, but is horribly written. Tedious and repetetive, it is literally the worst book I have ever encountered. It should be banned, not because of controversial language or subject matter, but so it cannot be inflicted on humanity any longer. It is truly a crime that this book is elevated to a position of equality with works like To Kill a Mockingbird.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Holden Caulfield vs. the World Nov 04, 2009
Not having read this book in school, I decided recently it was one of those classics I missed out on which might be worth reading. While I do think the book is somewhat interesting and well-written, I believe it might be better appreciated by young adults. Much of the type of angst seen in Holden is diminished with age, for the most part.
At age 16, Holden Caulfield has been kicked out of Pencey, the latest of several private schools which he's attended. He lacks direction in life, both in the long term sense and in the short term of what he's going to do next. He's not upset about leaving Pencey at all, he didn't really like any of the other students or faculty there much. In fact, there are very few people whom Holden likes. Asked to name people he genuinely likes, Holden would probably name his younger sister Phoebe and his brother Allie, who died young. He views a lot of the people he encounters as phonies. He hates movies and dislikes shows only slightly less, although he does take his friend Sally to one. Even when he calls friends up, they quickly get on his nerves. In general, Holden is rarely truly happy.
I can see how some young adults might identify with Holden's character and attitude toward others and life. At that age many people are unhappy because the toys and games of childhood have lost their appeal, yet they cannot partake in all the things in which adults find enjoyment. However, reading this as adult I found myself easily tired and at times frustrated by his character.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Classic Book, Quick Read Nov 03, 2009
Well, it's a classic. It's a relatively quick read, and for some reason I was surprised by how much I liked it. It didn't really 'speak' to me as it might have done if I'd read it when I was younger, but I enjoyed the story and the narrative style. It's amusing to have the narrator obviously exaggerate and lie to you for his own ego.
If you're a teenager (maybe an older teenager, now that I think about it - particularly males) or an adult who never read this, pick it up and give it a shot. Worst case is that you'll be a bit bored for a few hours. More likely you'll both enjoy it and be enriched by it at the same time.
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