The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger
Male teen kind of novel you know - The Catcher in the Rye - J. D.  Salinger Fiction Book

Newest Review: ... spoilers I won't discuss the plot in any great length, but I will discuss the themes and other aspects of the book below. THOUGHTS Reada... more


Male teen kind of novel you know
The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger


Member Name: BattyOldMaid


The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger

Date: 23/09/12


Advantages: Well written and understands the complexity of teenagers

Disadvantages: Swear words but then it removes the reality of the characters without obsenity.

One thing that struck out to me in regards to this book, is the way Holden keeps saying "you know" after nearly each sentences, and 'phonies'. I assumed that this way of speaking was a new thing, so I was surprised to find it was used in 1951 when this book came out. Which of course means it still holds relevancy to today's adolescence and young adults.

The story teller is a 16 year old boy Holden Caulfield, recounting his experiences that have lead up to a break down, he doesn't fit in at school, he has moved several schools prior to the Pencey Prep, he feels he is misunderstood, his parents don't understand him, he misses his brother who died, and worries about a lot of things in general. At the first few chapters my initial thought was that Holden was a spoilt sullen brat who is a whinger for all that wrong. However as the book progresses, you discover that you had him all wrong. He is actually sensitive and very bound by morals (1950s morals). Holden has a strong sense of what his aims are and despairs about those around him whose attitude differs.

I had to read this book twice over to get the meaning and to understand where he is coming in from, I recommend this book as it instills the importance of being you within your own morals and independence. Despite it being obvious that people around him are falling apart, in the end it was Holden who fell apart worrying excessively about other people.

Be warned, even though it is set in 1950s there is a strong sexual references and obscenity within the book.

Summary: A good book to digest and understand today's teenagers and their attitude/rebellions.