Books

The Catcher in the Rye

by J. D. Salinger

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. (read review)

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Liked It

7 of 8 members found this review helpful.
zeytin
  • Rated 5 stars

A lot of people can say a lot things over “Catcher in the Rye” such as the way of expressions that the books have or the sybolism in it(...the name “Holden” represents why he is isolated from this phony world...bla bla..., almost every name in a book means something) or the way how Salinger may looked at it or the way how Salinger give the same feeling as an 15 year old boy. I am not a very intellectual person and I will not examine book according to those perceptions but I might say it is...

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Didn’t Like It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Jonathan
  • Rated 1 stars

This book was too dark for me and made me feel horrible; unfortunately I had to read the entire thing for a class. It focuses a lot on the main character's thoughts of suicide and prostitution. If you want to learn about existentialism or about how to appreciate school more, find a different book.

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Community:
  • Rated 3.93303 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4 stars
 

Newest Comments

  • menkah!

    menkah! said:

    “i can see why the book had been banned.

    holden's spoiled me just a little bit, or you could say.. liberated me.

    i know most of you say would say this is being a tad bit dramatic, but believe me when i say it.

    he's taught me not to be scared to be yourself... he never cared what people thought of him and neither do i.

    and i loved phoebe, she was sucha smart little girl :)

    posted Tuesday, June 2 2009 ( | view 1 reply )
  • CHRISTOPHER P

    christopher p said:

    I love how Holden automatically hates almost everyone except for Pheobe. She is one of the most lovable characters in any book i have read.

    posted Friday, November 7 2008
  • Luella S

    luella s said:

    At 10 I thought Holden was so cool and wise... now I'd probably say something rude to him.

    posted Tuesday, September 2 2008
  • E Bennet

    e bennet said:

    I guess the optimistic in me sort of hoped that Holden would find something he can be comfortable with instead of running away. But when I was reading it, sometimes I got really irritated with his complaint and opinions on things, it was like he didn't like anything or anyone. When I think about it, Hilden seem to think like a grown-up but is still innocent enough to think he can find a place where he can be contented.

    posted Monday, September 1 2008 ( | view 1 reply )
  • Rowena  C

    rowena c said:

    There definitely is a right time to read certain books. Just as you require the right distance to appreciate certain paintings. Although this book is often required ready in high-schools and university courses, it's a book generally best appreciated by over 25s. Before then it can be difficult to appreciate the theme of the erosion of ideals and soul that takes place as you make those soul destroying compromises necessary to function in the modern world. In England, I read this book at 15 and Holden came across as a twat. Nothing but an annoying whiner. Wasn't until the working life and adult relationships began in earnest that I fully appreciated Salinger's take on things. It's also a theme well treated in 'Hors d'oeuvres,' a short story from the collection, 'London Tales' by David Edward.

    posted Tuesday, August 26 2008 ( | view 1 reply )

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