Rating: 
Summary: The Catcher In The Rye
Review: Although everyone seems to think it's a must read book, I tend to differ. I read this book at age 18 because I was sure I was missing out on something great, but it turned out that I wasn't missing much. Holden Caulfield, the main character, is cynical, selfish, and an all around jerk if you ask me. Also, J.D. Salinger's writing technique didn't impress me. He was very repeditive, and instead of getting his point across, it only succeeded in running his point into the ground. I was very let down by this novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Hipsville, if you wanna know the thruth!
Review: Although I am not a very literary type, I just have to chime in with my 5 stars... One of the very most beautiful, humanly deep and touching novels I have ever read... But if you don't appreciate the wry wit and cynical look on phoneys that rock group Steely Dan has with its songs, don't even think about picking this up! For me, this is also the American equivalent of French novel genius from Quebec Réjean Ducharme's vision of childhood vs. the cramped hypocrisy of adults. Love at first read!
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Summary: OVERRATED- salinger's other works are much better
Review: Although I do have to agree with most of the people below that CATCHER is entertaining and a page-turner, it definitely did not give me the feeling of enlightenment reading other Salinger books did. CATCHER doesn't really have a plot or a meaning to me. Holden Caulfield is a boring, predictable, spoiled-brat prep school kid. Salinger's other characters (the Glass family) are much more multi-faceted and interesting. Do yourself a service and read Franny & Zooey or Raise the Roof Beam High, Carpenters & Seymour.His other books appeal to anyone on a spiritual search or who just want intelligently written books, not just teenagers who need to be coaxed with a mindless plot including lots of swearing, smoking, and sex to read a book. (by the way, i am a teenager, not a whiny middle-aged person)
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Summary: Turned Haters into Avid Readers
Review: Although I grew up in a household that held J.D. Salinger in the highest regard, I was not sure how others viewed him. Through the years, I heard more and more people sing his praises. That is why, when I had my first opportunity to teach literature in an introductory college Lit. class, I chose _The Catcher in the Rye_ to represent novels. This novel brought together a class of 23 students who had, for the most part, resisted reading anything longer than 5 pages. Many came in the first day after it was assigned already finished with the work. The students were eager to discuss and investigate the work; many expressed that this was by far the best work they had ever read. When given a chance, more than 75% of the class chose to focus on Salinger for their term papers. Even if the word of one 25 year old book-loving English teacher bears no weight, the word of 23 students should. Not one student disliked the book--they may have disliked Holden, but they thoroughly enjoyed reading about him. As for censorship, these students probably pegged it right. They stated that those who hate the book and call for it to be banned do so because they are the phonies of which Holden speaks. I can't know if they are right, but they gave me something to think about! _Catcher_ spans the ages of time and readers. It truly is a book worth teaching.
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Summary: A great book which details the struggles of young men!
Review: Although I have read this book 3 times in earlier years, I found it full of new surprises this time around as I read it for a class. I can identify greatly with the main character, Holden Caulfield, as he roams through the streets of New York, looking for anything to give him some self confidence in his life. You can't help but feel sorry for him as he puts on facades of swearing and acting tough to compensate for yearning and loneliness. He is expelled from his school, and decides to leave several days early and spend some time in New York city before he faces the music of explaining his recent mishaps to his parents. Holden encounters all sorts of situations in the few days before he finally goes home, all of which are detailed in this book. J.D. Salinger writes a wonderful representation of what a teenage boy feels inside many times throughout his life, searching for acceptance, and self realization all in one step. The symbolizm which gives the book its title is masterful and is one of the more analyzed aspects of this American classic novel. I would rate this novel very high on a list for young adults, but would advise against for those under the age of 16 because of the profanity. Pick it up if you havent already and I promise that you wont be able to put it down.
Rating: 
Summary: worth the time to read
Review: Although I was familiar with the book, I never thought of reading it until my best friend told me it was the best book he had ever read. All people, especially teenagers, will have no problem relating to Holden, and his perspective on life. While the story didn't have much of a plot, it was well worth the time it took to read.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: Although many children across the country dread having to read this one for an English project, I could not put this one down. It is written very well, but rambles at some points and uses COLORFUL dialogue. So if that offends you this is not for you. It is also repetitive within the main character's endless monologue. Never the less this is a humorous story that gives the reader a new point of veiw. I suggest it strongly.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic In Every Sense
Review: Although most high school students are (in their minds) forced to read this book, I think it is one that is easily understood and can be dissected in various ways. This is typical Salinger in the fact that a child holds the spotlight or the key to how the story will evolve. There are those who do not like this book for its elementary dialogue, but I only think that it helps serve its point... we are talking about the views from the teenage Holden after all. The complexity of Holden is marvelous to read. An easily relatable work to most teenagers, I must say that this is one of my top three favorite books of all time. (If you like Holden and the way he acts, try Nine Stories, also by Salinger... Nine different stories that are very interesting in the details given and left out... something to really sink your teeth into.)
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable but Unfulfilling
Review: Although originally published in 1951, this book still seems like it could have been written in today's world. It is about a typical American teenager going through adolescents and experiencing human nature. The main character/narrator, Holden Caulfield, is straightforward in expressing his ideas about everything around him. He is rebellious and doesn't cope with his problems too well. Instead he either runs away from them or hides from them. For example, he leaves Pencey early just because he didn't feel like hanging around the people there or the fact that he wanted to wait until after his parents received the letter about his expulsion before he came home. He finds his life lonely and the more he ponders and contemplates his life he feels more and more depressed. The way Salinger made the character really sound like an adolescent helped me to relate to Holden. I could completely understand Salinger's style of writing despite his use of slang. Although some reader's may not experience the same idea's that Holden brings up in the story they can certainly relate it to someone else's life. I was quite disappointed, however, that the book ended without any really big, dramatic twists. The book ended so fast and I wish that Salinger could have carried on with the story. I would be interested to know where Holden ends up going to school next, if he does go back to school, and what he feels about the world now that he's 17 at the time that he tells the story. I would recommend this book to young adults but I would strongly discourage readers who are impressionable and inclined to imitate the narrator's words and actions. It is something that I would enjoy reading over and over again.
Rating: 
Summary: Overrated
Review: Although the book was at times entertaing, this book is not one of the better classic novels. The writing is often redundant and boring. Salinger, however, does portray his main character very well. In short, the book wasnt all bad, but it did not have a profound impact on me and does not stick out in my mind as a fantastic classical novel.
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