Helpful Score: 12
Although this is a classic, and the familiar title tends to turn people away.. I still love it.
If you read for entertainment, this might not appeal to you. But if you love to get more than skin deep into a book, this one has ALL of the elements for you!
The adolescent hyppocrasy of the main character throughout the book is something to look for. The symbolism of crossing roads, leaving behind the innocence of childhood-- all battles this rebellious, troubled, multiple attempt at private-school student battles. An easy read for anyone above the age of 15... Truly worth it. A must read.
And finding out why this book is told through the eyes of the main character towards the end is worth finishing the book for. It's a thinker.
If you read for entertainment, this might not appeal to you. But if you love to get more than skin deep into a book, this one has ALL of the elements for you!
The adolescent hyppocrasy of the main character throughout the book is something to look for. The symbolism of crossing roads, leaving behind the innocence of childhood-- all battles this rebellious, troubled, multiple attempt at private-school student battles. An easy read for anyone above the age of 15... Truly worth it. A must read.
And finding out why this book is told through the eyes of the main character towards the end is worth finishing the book for. It's a thinker.
Helpful Score: 7
I read this book simply because it is considered a 20th-century classic. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started it. I was not at all impressed. I kept waiting for something major to happen to Holden, for a story, but I realized toward the end that nothing really was going to happen, no story here! It was very memoir-like in that respect, almost pointless. At times I was a bit annoyed with the narrative, perhaps due to its adolescent voice. This book was only mildly entertaining. I may have appreciated this book more if I had read it back in high school. I'm glad I finally read it, but I can't say that I'd recommend it!
Helpful Score: 4
I read this in High School and then reread it again recently. It was still entertaining the second time around.
Helpful Score: 3
The most wonderful book in the whole world! Everyone should have to read this book at least 3 times. read it once, figure out what its about, then read it at least once more.. it has a whole different plot once you know whats going on. LOVED IT!
Helpful Score: 3
One of the greatest literary pieces in modern history, a must-read!
Helpful Score: 3
This summer I decided to start reading the books I was supposed to read when I was in high school but never did. I wish I had skipped this one. It is so bad I just can't believe teachers force it on their students. If I had actually read this in high school, I probably would have given up ever reading another assigned book again. The conversational writing style started of as very fun to read but got extremely boring and irritating about half way through. I stopped caring about Holden at right about this time. He is always whining about something and I just wanted to smack him out of it a'la Cher in Moonstruck. I also couldn't help but think he had a pretty perverse facination with his sister, Phoebe. I think if this book had been written in 2006, Holden would be escaping from a mental institution and not just being kicked out of a "boys school".
Helpful Score: 3
I LOVED this book. Many say it's just a book about a complaining kid. It's not! It goes deeper. Find out for yourself.
Helpful Score: 3
Perhaps I would have related more had I read this one in high school, but as a 30+ year old female, this book held little interest for me. I read it at the suggestion of my husband who thought it was brilliant, and I just found it to be okay. This is one of those books I would pick up and read if I had no other options. The mindset of a disenchanted cynical teen boy is hardly something I call interesting, and his actions throughtout the story were more disappointing and fruitless than interesting to me. And why anyone would consider this book for censorship is beyond me. A rather boring story about a rather boring outcast of a boy is hardly cause for concern.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of my favorite books of all time. Whenever I am feeling glum or nastalgic, I take two hours and revisit my youth courtesy of Holden Caulfield.
Helpful Score: 2
While there were elements that did stand out as 'iffy,' I overall thoroughly enjoyed this book. At times, Holden, the main character is easily depressed...actually, he's somewhat depressed through out the book, but his mannerisms, and ways of thinking intrigued me in a relatable way. I'd read this again, for sure. It might be one of my favorites, perhaps. Recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
This title shows up on just about every "1000 books to read before you die" type lists. I can't figure out why, though. Dumb. Dull. Boring. Keep a copy by your bedside as a cure for insomnia. Trust me, it'll put you right to sleep.
I thought the character was very well written. He was confused and lost in the world. I related.
Helpful Score: 1
strange book. neither loved it nor hated it...was interesting at least. I read it because it was on the banned book list- a scene with a hooker...no biggie...not graphic. I think it would be appreciated with a second read.
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyed it, but not an over the moon great read. Not a keeper nor a re-reader for me. The style of writing is what kept my attention the most -- "Holden Caulfield" has a way of double speaking, backtracking over his words from start to finish, makes for a fun read just imagining him speaking to you. All in all, the main character reminded me of my own teenagers -- critical of everything, always thinking that life is bad or wrong, and that they can do it better or know more...lol...((hugs!))
Helpful Score: 1
I have heard for years and years that this is one of the greatest works ever written. I never had to read it in high school so I bought it as an adult and read it within a few hours. I personally don't know what all the hype is about. I found the main character annoying, vulgar and repetitive. Annoying and vulgar I can understand because of his age and he was acting like a typical teenager. But the repetitiveness was really annoying. The same exact description was used for two different (nightclub/bar) scenes (which was common throughout the book). Holden kept saying the same things over and over again when describing people. I kept thinking "OK. I know the girls at the club were ugly. How many times do you have to keep telling me that?" It just felt like Salinger didn't have much to say so the quick fix was to repeat himself to make the book longer.
Helpful Score: 1
I went to a crappy high school that didn't require this book, so I read it on my own as an adult. I really liked it! I thought the main character was easy to get to know and the entire story was intriguing.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the most messed up books I have ever read. I read this a few years back but I am sure if I picked it up again today I would love it just the same. Although it has quite the stigma and history attached to the title it still gave me a completely different impression than most. This book shocked me and I found myself adopting the mentality of the character long after I had finished it. A little creepy!! Obv. a story I will never forget.
Helpful Score: 1
The Catcher in the Rye has been read by hundreds of high schools all over the country. Some students love it, some hate it, I was part of the former. I thought Holden's story was compelling and thought-provoking.
Helpful Score: 1
So, you're wondering whether this classic is worth reading. I think the answer is yes. When J.D. Salinger wrote Catcher in the Rye, readers were unaccustomed to hearing a character's internal monologue. Salinger lets us hear what Holden Caulfield, a teenager who smokes and drinks into yet another prep school expulsion. Salinger never strays from this edgy, stylistic choice, nor does he attempt to elicit sympathy for his character, but I think most readers will feel sympathy for Holden nonetheless. Your 10th grade English teacher was right to assign this book. Everyone should read at least the first few chapters to experience Salinger's incredible talent.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book refreshing, funny, and really an excellent read. I highly recommend it! :)
Helpful Score: 1
An "angsty" fictional memoir of a 17-year-old boy named Holden.
Helpful Score: 1
I really, really wanted to like this book. This wasn't required reading for me in high school, so I decided to pick up a copy after hearing about Salinger's death and the constant references to this 'classic' work. After spending approximately 6 months half-heartedly trying to read this relatively short book and only making it halfway through, I finally gave up. I tried, but found it boring and extremely dated. I kept putting it aside, thinking I would read a different book and then go back and try 'Catcher' again. I did this about 8 times before I finally figured out that it simply wasn't going to become any more appealing to me no matter how many books I read between attempts to finish this one. :(
Helpful Score: 1
Debate about whether to love--or loathe--this book has kept it atop recommended reading lists for years. While it does contain swearing, it all fits within the schema of the novel.
Salinger has created a masterpiece with his flowing prose, heartfelt descriptions, and engaging characters. No matter what you have heard, give this book a go.
Salinger has created a masterpiece with his flowing prose, heartfelt descriptions, and engaging characters. No matter what you have heard, give this book a go.
Helpful Score: 1
I was not impressed by this book at all. I don't really understand why it's considered a classic novel, I guess it's because it was considered risque for its generation and era it was first published in. To me the use of cuss words and profanity was uncalled for. If the author was trying to make the dialogue seem more like today's dialogues, he really missed the mark, cuz even today the profanity isn't that prevalent in the average conversation.
The Catcher in the Rye is a character-driven story about Holden Caufield, a kid from New York who just can't seem to find his way in life. Excellent book for those who like complex characters. Throughout the book, I couldn't decide whether I liked Caufield, or just found him completely annoying. . .
Helpful Score: 1
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger is a novel that requires the reader to think. I made the mistake of reading this book just to read it. As a result, when I finished the novel, I felt like I had read a sort of pointless story about a teenager who simply didn't care enough to apply himself in his studies or in his relationships. However, after looking up the meaning of the story, everything about Holden Caulfield came together. As such, I was able to appreciate and understand his story, a story about a boy who feared and rebelled against adulthood because to him adulthood was the equivalent of jumping off "some crazy cliff" (page 173).
Helpful Score: 1
Classic literature, this story is about a boy who is trying to discover who he is in a modern world. There is some bad language but it is a part of the realistic style of J.D. Salinger.
Helpful Score: 1
Don't read this book if you're not willing to go deeper and figure out what it really means. It's almost not a book in the literal sense... it doesn't try to be a book. usually in books there are two levels: the literal and the figurative, and the symbolic, figurative level is usually explored by the author. this book leaves you to determine the symbolism in your own mind. don't judge this book by how it's written (because that honestly doesn't get it very far) but by what it stands for.
Helpful Score: 1
This is probably my all-time favorite novel. The way Salinger completely brings reality to every page and follows the angst in a young man trying to find himself in an artifical and materialistic world is absolutely amazing. My only regret is that Salinger did not publish more. His is my favorite writer.
This book is magnificent. I never read it as an assignment in school, but as an adult. I read it in three days. Holden Caufield is a wonderfully rich character. His journey is narrated in an almost perfect way...I just loved it. It's a bit dated, but none the less an interesting introspective into the mind of a misguided young man full of angst. A MUST READ!!
Helpful Score: 1
Holden is the most annoying character. I have no idea why this is a literary classic and I hated every second of reading this book.. HATED IT.
Helpful Score: 1
This has remained my favorite novel since I first read it. Something about the tortured soul of Holden made me fall in love.
Helpful Score: 1
A Classic. Read it in middle-school and it remains surprisingly relevant.
Helpful Score: 1
Our book club decided to try a classic. None of us had ever read this one. It was one of the worst books I've ever read.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm sorry. I just don't get this one. It's about a spoiled rich kid who leaves school three days before he would be done anyway, and spends the time doing nothing. Yawn. Supposedly he's smart, though I didn't see any evidence to support that, and has a bunch of angst. I would rather read something with a plot.
its easy to see why this book has made every 1oo best novels in the english language i have seen because its compeling and we can all relate to it because everyone has felt lost or confused
This is one of the greatest books I have ever read... I liked it so much, actually, that I've read it more than once!! :) If you haven't read this yet, you should ..really, what are you waiting for?
I really didn't get this book. As a teenager, I didn't mind books with "heroes" who were male, or flawed, or not particulary likable, but I just hated Holden so much! He was a spoiled rich brat with whom I felt no connection. Back in the day, the teachers who assigned Catcher in the Rye thought they were so cool and so in touch with their students to be teaching this book. I couldn't see any reason to assign it other than to try to stir up controversy.
Okay, so I had the chance to finally read this book. Not sure what all the fuss is about though. Seems like it's kind of flat to me.
So it's about this kid named Holden Caulfield. To me, he just seemed like a typical, lazy teenager who can't seem to get his life together. He doesn't like school, he doesn't like other people, he's depressed, and he's sexually inept.
I'm not sure if this why this book was banned other than the language for the 1950's was probably too harsh, but I found it fairly tame compared to other books written today. It definitely doesn't hold up to today's standards of writing.
It was an okay book, I liked it. Would I recommend it? Not really, unless you are one that wants to read banned books and or controversial books of the times. Otherwise I would pass and read something a little more substantial.
So it's about this kid named Holden Caulfield. To me, he just seemed like a typical, lazy teenager who can't seem to get his life together. He doesn't like school, he doesn't like other people, he's depressed, and he's sexually inept.
I'm not sure if this why this book was banned other than the language for the 1950's was probably too harsh, but I found it fairly tame compared to other books written today. It definitely doesn't hold up to today's standards of writing.
It was an okay book, I liked it. Would I recommend it? Not really, unless you are one that wants to read banned books and or controversial books of the times. Otherwise I would pass and read something a little more substantial.
Wonderful all time classic
It is such a wonderful book.... it changed my life and my mindset in so many ways. In my opinion, it's the greatest novel of it's era, and quite possibly of all time. It's just one of those books you have to read. And if you haven't, get to it.
Although Holden Caulfield's luck isn't necessarily great, this book is hilarious. The comic relief makes it one of my favorite books.
Enjoyed the book. It was an interesting view of the inner thoughts of a confused young man.
A great book and a quick read..it was fun reading the dialect from which the time the book is based on.nice if you have a teenage son...makes you realize everything is going to be o.k. lol
This is such a good book, and a classic at that! A tale of a young man trying to figure out his life. Must read!
The classic book we all read in high school--it's better now, with some life experiences behind me. A quick read, and fun to revisit my past, and see how times have changed, and not changed!
I too didn't get all the hype. I did find Holden funny at times, but mainly he was depressing, and all the swearing irritated me.
I enjoyed reading this book!
Novel by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The influential and widely acclaimed story details the two days in the life of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield after he has been expelled from prep school. Confused and disillusioned, he searches for truth and rails against the "phoniness" of the adult world. He ends up exhausted and emotionally ill, in a psychiatrist's office. After he recovers from his breakdown, Holden relates his experiences to the reader.
This is on the list of banned books
Catcher in the Rye. J.D. Salinger. Published in 1951, this immediate best seller almost simultaneously became a popular target of censorship. A 1991-92 study by the People for the American Way found that the novel was among those most likely to be censored based on the fact that it is "anti-Christian." Challenged by Concerned Citizens of Florida who wanted the book removed from a high school library (1991) in Leesburg, Florida due to "profanity, reference to suicide, vulgarity, disrespect, and anti-Christian sentiments." They were unsucessful: a review committee voted unanimously to retain the book.
Novel by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The influential and widely acclaimed story details the two days in the life of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield after he has been expelled from prep school. Confused and disillusioned, he searches for truth and rails against the "phoniness" of the adult world. He ends up exhausted and emotionally ill, in a psychiatrist's office. After he recovers from his breakdown, Holden relates his experiences to the reader.
This is on the list of banned books
Catcher in the Rye. J.D. Salinger. Published in 1951, this immediate best seller almost simultaneously became a popular target of censorship. A 1991-92 study by the People for the American Way found that the novel was among those most likely to be censored based on the fact that it is "anti-Christian." Challenged by Concerned Citizens of Florida who wanted the book removed from a high school library (1991) in Leesburg, Florida due to "profanity, reference to suicide, vulgarity, disrespect, and anti-Christian sentiments." They were unsucessful: a review committee voted unanimously to retain the book.
I love this classic!
I must admit, I wish that I read this book for the first time while I was in high school. It would have been a great book to read in school, too - I definitely would have preferred to read this over some of the other assigned books. It would have been a lot of fun to discuss. And it really is amazing just how timeless this book is, I mean, for the most part, it feels like this could have been published this year. It just feels very fresh and modern, which I suppose is one of the tell-tale signs of a true classic novel. I didn't really know what to expect from the book, and I did really enjoy reading it. I will say, though, I read somewhere that there is a window of opportunity to read this book, and that if you read it when too young, or too old, you lose the book's full power, and I can definitely see how that statement is true. Still, Holden Caulfield is a great character, but I would have liked him even more if I had been introduced to him at a younger age.
Total classic. Loved Holden & read this one in a sitting.
This is an excellent book, full of glorious teenage angst. It is a great read that reminds us that sometimes our feelings are not caused by one thing or another, but are valid nonetheless.
I liked this book very much all throughout the beginning and middle. I liked the main character, Holden, a lot. I really liked the book up until the last page; then I finished it. I did NOT like the ending WHATSOEVER. I was VERY disappointed.
But up until that last page, I thought it was a great book.
But up until that last page, I thought it was a great book.
Even though I was forced to read this for school, I'm really glad I didn't choose spark notes over the actual book.
Actually, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would! I decided to read it because it's on a banned book list and I wanted to see if I could figure out why it's on the list. Honestly, I couldn't. I recommend reading this.
I'll give any book a fair try.. but this one was horrible. I've never wanted to punch a fictional character before--until Holden. If I ever read another sentence about phonies it will be TOO SOON. I had to read this in highschool and I hated the entire experience. I have no idea why this is considered to be a literary gem.
it's a classic. i don't know why i had never encountered it before, but it is worth reading for sure.
I can see why this book is so controversial. It is the type of book you either have to love or hate. I personally love it. This book I have noticed tends to appeal more to teens than adults probably because teens can empathize with Holden more. I certainly can see were he is coming from and think on the inside he is good. To all you people who hate the book Holden is not being selfish in his constant complaining about the world, he is seeing it as it truly is an ugly, miserable place. He realizes this and he actually wants to do something about it (be the Catcher in the Rye which symbolizes saving the innocent). So in the heart of this book is the desire to do the right thing for the greater good. It is not just a teenage boy whining about life.
Plot and Characters (my thoughts): One of the most interesting things about this book is it doesnt have a plot. Yes and the fact it is badly written on purpose. It pretty much follows the exploits of the main character over a few days. Since it is written in first person you really get to know Holden by the time the book is over, the good and the bad. It is like stepping into his head and hearing all his thoughts, a very interesting experience. I found him a typical slightly scarred teenager, Salinger did a very good job overall.
This is a book everyone should read above the age of 15 whether they like it or not it is a great piece of literature.
Overall Quality 5/5
Violence 2/5
Language 5/5
Drugs 4/5
Sex 3/5
Age 15+
Plot and Characters (my thoughts): One of the most interesting things about this book is it doesnt have a plot. Yes and the fact it is badly written on purpose. It pretty much follows the exploits of the main character over a few days. Since it is written in first person you really get to know Holden by the time the book is over, the good and the bad. It is like stepping into his head and hearing all his thoughts, a very interesting experience. I found him a typical slightly scarred teenager, Salinger did a very good job overall.
This is a book everyone should read above the age of 15 whether they like it or not it is a great piece of literature.
Overall Quality 5/5
Violence 2/5
Language 5/5
Drugs 4/5
Sex 3/5
Age 15+
This was one of my favorite reads as a teenager and one of my favorite books of all time. It really captures the voice of those long days of cool bordom being a somewhat spoiled and bored yuppie ivy league college attendee. Being at that age, having all the time in the world and having to find things to do with your days...pranks that you would play on people...and the sensation of growing older...
Reminds me somewhat of F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing if you like that style.
Reminds me somewhat of F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing if you like that style.
I read this in high school and wanted to revisit it. I was disappointed because I found that it did not make the transition to present day very well. As a mental health counselor I did find the presentation of the protagonist's slow desent into an emotional break down well done.I can appreciate why it is considered a classic when considering the time in which it was written.
Classic, everyone should read.
I know it's a classic, I reread it last year...hadn't read it since high school 12+ years ago...I remember enjoying it in school, but now I think it's awful. What a whiny boy Holden Caufield is!
Classic paperback high school reader story of the dust bowl migration sorrows.
I just plain didn't like it. I recognize the literary merit (I think), but I found nothing enjoyable about this book. Holden Caulfield bothered me in all of his indifference.
A must read classic.
ANNOTATION
Salinger's classic coming-of-age story portrays one young man's funny
and poignant experiences with life, love, and sex.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Ever since it was first published in 1951, this novel has been the coming-of-age story against which all others are judged. Read and cherished by generations, the story of Holden Caulfield is truly one of America's literary treasures.
ANNOTATION
Salinger's classic coming-of-age story portrays one young man's funny
and poignant experiences with life, love, and sex.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Ever since it was first published in 1951, this novel has been the coming-of-age story against which all others are judged. Read and cherished by generations, the story of Holden Caulfield is truly one of America's literary treasures.
I owe my love of reading to this book. It led me to realize that there are books out there where the characters think and speak like me and that all books weren't written in the style of To Kill a Mockingbird & The Good Earth (I'm not saying they're bad books, though!).
A classic. Enjoyed rereading it.
How about journeying with Holden once again?!?!?
A classic book that everyone should read atleast twice in their life.
Love this book, the main character, the humor especially, I love the humor. It stands out above all else.
There really is no way to describe this book, other then one of a kind. I learned so much, about life, and about myself while reading this book. Salinger was an amazing author, and I thank him for a great experience. Please, no matter who you are, read this book. It just might change you.
I have many friends who have loved this book, but it took me two tries to force my way through it. I know it is considered a classic, but I don't know why.
Who didn't have to read this in high school? Even better as an adult.
This is one of my favorites! A classic that is almost a right of passage in the literary world.
A must read from a literary standpoint, otherwise a bit over the top.
In my opinion not Salinger's greatest (I prefer "Franny and Zooey"), but certainly his most most notorious. Teenage narrator Holden Caulfield's cynical takes on love, loss, and life have stood the test of time. For many readers this story will always be the definitive portrayal of adolescent angst.
This is a great story, however I was really bothered by the amount of swearing that is in this book. It hit the point that I wanted to actually put the book down because of it, but I persevered and finished it. However, due to the language, I will not read it again.
Great classic! I loved this book!
I didn't read this as a teenager. I first read this as a 40+ year old and I wasn't impressed. I must've been ground-breaking in the 40s because I just didn't see what the fuss was about.
A classic I finally got around to reading. Writing is timeless and still pertinent today.3 out of 5
Love this one!
I did not care for this book. Even though it is supposed to be one of the classics, I felt it was full of too much bad language. I did not like the main character and found the book distasteful.
Undoubtly a classic. Can't say I identify with Holden and I find it hard to be sympathetic of a rich kid who finds a free weekend in New York, but at the end of the book the fact that you can try and interupt it and find yourself going in8 different directions is how you know you just read a classic.
I know it's a classic and all, but I hated it. The swearing threw me off and it wasn't that interesting. Sorry.
I hated this book. Holden is the most annoying character I have ever come across.
Not sure why this book is so "classic". I couldn't stand the kid, or the way this story is written. As valuable as the now more "politically correct" MARK TWAIN.
Skip it.
Skip it.
This is a book you're meant to have already read. There's nothing I can say about it that has not been said already half-a-billion times.
I was assigned to read this book in high school and then the school superintendent decided to have the book pulled because of it's language and "racy themes." I read the book (finally), and can not really figure out why it was pulled. I guess for it's day, it was a scandalous bit if reading. I liked it.
Holden is definitely my fictional crush.
I am not sure what all the big tadoo about this book is. It was an ok read but Holden strikes me as a kid with an anti-social personality that seems to have fallen way short on discipline. As for it being banned, I guess that was for language. To me it didn't seem over the top at all.
I Loved this book.
Holden Caulfield; a young adult from an affluent New York / New England family, utterly lost, unwittingly saved. Holden narrates with a take-your-shoes-off, grab-a-beer attitude. Hes left his prep school (he hates it), and encounters a great cast of characters in bars and hotels across Pennsylvania and New York on his way home. His sister Phoebe, younger than him - perhaps in her purity, a foil for his bitter angst - is his catcher, in the rye of his life.
Masterpiece. The story wasnt any kind of crazy epic, like Les Miserables. It was strong though; simple yet layered, short temporally yet long on insight, straightforward in its telling yet tortured in its implications. I would say that this is the first time I have read a story with a powerful negative space. It was a delight to all five senses.
Masterpiece. The story wasnt any kind of crazy epic, like Les Miserables. It was strong though; simple yet layered, short temporally yet long on insight, straightforward in its telling yet tortured in its implications. I would say that this is the first time I have read a story with a powerful negative space. It was a delight to all five senses.
The quintessential American classic!
I'm glad to have finally read this book. If I knew what an easy read it was, I would have read it sooner. Holden Caulfield is flunking out of prep school and is depressed and ready to have a breakdown. He spends 3 days in New York City because he just can't go home yet. His experiences make this book a timeless classic. The story is told in first person stream of consciousness and is a good example of just how stressed out teenagers can get. If you haven't read this book, you need to read it soon.
A must read American classic? Hmmmm. I decided to read "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger out of curiosity. I'm not sure if it was required reading when I was in school that I either skipped or have forgotten. Doubtful. Some small parts of the language would have eliminated it from any required reading list of the era (although my daughter just had to read it for her lit class).
I began the book without any prior knowledge, absolutely zero. It is a very easy read. I found the story's contents mostly meaningless; it is how the book is written that is intriguing. I found myself simultaneously frustrated and enthralled, wondering why anyone would recommend this book and how it could was worthy of being considered 'a classic' - until the end. Salinger wraps up his story in dramatic yet anti-climatic fashion that shifted my opinion from a 1.5 to 3.5 star rating.
I began the book without any prior knowledge, absolutely zero. It is a very easy read. I found the story's contents mostly meaningless; it is how the book is written that is intriguing. I found myself simultaneously frustrated and enthralled, wondering why anyone would recommend this book and how it could was worthy of being considered 'a classic' - until the end. Salinger wraps up his story in dramatic yet anti-climatic fashion that shifted my opinion from a 1.5 to 3.5 star rating.
I do not see why this book gets so much attention....I like to read a classic now and then but I see no point in wasting time with this book...I wish I had never bothered. Where's the story, what's the point? Just a bunch of rich, teenage kids, cussing constantly about nothing all thru....yuck.
Not a bad book, not much of a story but worth a read.
An awful book...don't know how made classic list. It is shallow, inane, and a total waste of time!
Oh to be a catcher in the rye. What a job to look forward to. I guess 50+ years takes something away from this story.
I think, had I read this book as a teenager, I may have enjoyed it. As it is, I think that Holden just served to show, in a timeless way, what nasty little buggars teenagers are. It was easy to imagine this in a current setting rather than 60-70 years ago. The writing had a nice flow to it, very easy to read. But this was a book that I just couldn't seem to like. This may be in part due to the fact that I read "Looking for Alaska" at the same time. The books were very similar, but because I liked the other so much, I think that may have made me like this one that much less. I am almost ashamed to admit that it took me just about 3 weeks to read this barely 200 page book. But I suppose that's just a testament to how bad I thought it was.
A classic I read in high school and wanted to revisit. Holden is complex and damaged and timeless.
I hate this book. There. I've said it. I do not understand why it is so famous and widely read in the high school classrooms across America. I do not relate in any way, shape or form to JD Salinger and would be happy if this book was decanonized. It has a very dark, dirty auma about it that just drives me nuts.
Great classic!
I read this book because I'm trying to mix some classic in with all the contemporary stuff I read so I picked this one because it's short! It's one of those books that I liked more once I was finished than I did as I was reading it. There are parts that are really slow and difficult to trudge through. But in all, it's extremely well written. The narrator's frantic pace really comes through and it was easy for me to feel excited and then sorry for him all at once. I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to tackle a classic that isn't daunting.
This is a crazy, wild book. I'm not sure if the author is really in a insane asylum or not, but it keeps your interest. The vocabulary is pretty much what I would expect from a boy who has no idea what he wants to do in life...very mixed up, suicidal at times. I read this book many, many years ago, but the only part I remembered was the boy's name.....
I still don't understand why this book is a classic. There was absolutely no point or climax to the story and I am very glad I didn't have to read it back when i was in school!
Classic!
Interesting read
J. D. Salinger's famous and enduring chronicle of Holden Caulfield's journey from innocence to experience is the quintessential coming-of-age novel--though it's an unusual one, in which the hero tries to cling to the simplicity of childhood, achieving a kind of maturity almost in spite of himself. As the novel begins, Holden runs away from his stifling prep school, which is full of "phonies" and where he has, in fact, flunked out. Holing up in a New York City hotel, he has a series of small adventures and missed opportunities, all of which emphasize his loneliness and alienation from the world. A visit to his kid sister Phoebe (in which he memorably articulates his confused notion of being a "catcher in the rye") provides a ray of hope for Holden, as do the ducks in Central Park that he worries about so compulsively: though they do indeed disappear in the winter, they return in the spring. The novel's final image, of Phoebe riding the carousel in the park while her brother looks on, in tears, holds out the idea that there may be a future for Holden as well. Salinger's 1951 novel was a bestseller and became an immediate cult favorite, but it has also, over the years, been subject to criticism and even censorship because of its liberal use of profanity, its frank conversations about sex (though no actual sex takes place), and its generally irreverent view of the adult world. « less
it is a classic for a reason
Don't look at me that way: we ALL read this book in high school (didn't we?)
I thought it was a strange book....maybe I just didn't get it. I always heard so much about it......
The one and only!
im a little more than halfway in the book and i see no real plot in it. it may seem good to other people, but i dont like it very much. that happens to me with alot of classic books though.
i still don't understand what the big deal is about this book. but it was an interesting read.
Maybe I was just too old for this one, I guess I just didn't understand what was so great about it, why is this one such a classic?
What a disappointment! How anyone ever thought this was a great book is beyond me. Bad writing, terrible story line, if there was a story line. I keep waiting for something to happen NOTHING EVER DOES!
I never read this one either.I bought to finally get around to some literature and well again couldn't get into it.
I din't like this book
Utter crud... end of story.
This has to be the STUPIDEST book I have ever read in my whole life! How it ever became a "classic" is beyond me.
Older copy in ok condition. Has creases that reflect age.
