Catcher in the Rye

Rating:
Summary: A great book, but not for all
Review: This book explores the feelings of a young, cynical teenager who is struggling with understanding the world as he grows into adulthood. He is kicked out of many prep schools, and really has no sense of belonging anywhere. He gets away from school and travels to New York City to try to figure out what he wants to do, and how he will accomplish his tasks.
The Catcher in the Rye is one of those books that a person will either think is a great read, or a bunch of unimportant events that ultimately lead to nothing. To truly understand the book, a reader must do a little outside thinking on what is being said, rather than just read and wait for things to be explained. One must admire the writing style of Salinger in this book, even if they do not care for the story. Salinger writes The Catcher as if straight from the mouth of a teenage boy in the 1940's-50's. He keeps this idea the entire book, and as I was reading I felt like a friend was relaying his thoughts to me, just as he would say, and not worrying about being literarily correct. (Although all/most of it is) Basically, if you like to see the world from a completely different point of view, if you can get into a book that does not have so much action or explosions, and if you have ever been a teenager trying to understand who you are and where you fit in, then I suggest you read this book.

Rating:
Summary: A landmark book that has spoken to many, many people.
Review: This book had a toughness to it when I first read it. Like many teenagers, it "spoke to me".

I'm a long way from being a teenager these days, but I've discovered something - teenagers are basically the same. They still swear they're parents don't understand them. They still are amazed at what they perceive as the "phoniness" of the world around them. Holden "speaks" to many people who feel they don't have an important voice in the world.

The amazing thing about this book, though, is simply that so many people have read it. More than 1500 reviews are posted here. That is a lot of opinions!

So, does it matter if someone thinks this book is terrible or terrific? Personally, I think it's amazing that so many have read, and had an opinion, on such a landmark book.

Love it or lump it, people have been discussing Holden Scofield for more than 50 years. He shows no sign of slowing down or growing up.

May we still be discussing him in 2051.

Rating:
Summary: so easy to read
Review: This book had me from the first page. It was a pleasure to read. I found it funny, sad and interesting. What most intrigues me about this book is its lack of traditional model. there is no build-up, climax, and conclusion. It just is. Except for some strange terms used by the speaker, it is difficult to imagine that it was written so long ago. There are some memorable scenes from this book that will no doubt stay with me. I was very taken with the main character's sarcasm, wit and innocence.

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite books of all time
Review: This book has a lot of important themes that have to do with adolescence and life. Reading this book taught me a lot about life, and it definately has earned the title of a classic. It is worth it to read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Well written and informative
Review: This book has become my favorite book of all time. I am a junior in high school, and I read it to understand whats happening around me. It is a book that everyone can relate to, saying that many people are phonies because of what they do. All of Holden's experiences has somewhat happened to me somewhere along the line as well. This is just a great book. Plain and simple. Thank you J. D. Salinger

Rating:
Summary: recommended
Review: This book has been criticised sometimes for simply relating the frustrations of a spoilt teenager. However, I do not think that this is fair at all. The boy's cynicism is not blind, and there is much related through it all. There certainly is 'method in his madness'. Holden is one of those characters that constantly reminds you of yourself or how you used to be. The raw style of the narrative is at first shocking but I found it very easy to get into. Perhaps you have be a certain age to really enjoy it, but I would recommend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful...
Review: This book has been the subject of much criticism historically. There is no reason for this. The Catcher is such a good book, with such a clear message. All it is saying is that it is hard on a person who sees the wold for what it is. the world has changed in the last 50 years since this book was written. The things that upset Houlden Coulfield in the book are the very things that we as a society have come to accept. I for one believe that this is not a path that we should be proud of. Maybe if this book had not been banned and scorned so badly, people would have paid heed to its message and we would all have a better world. i for one am glad that out there somewhere, there is a man who protects us all by being the catcher in the rye...

Rating:
Summary: Mark's reveiw
Review: This book has the ability to relate to a young man like no other book I have ever read. This book describes episodes so mundane yet so real. The ability of Salinger to allow the reader to come into the situation and imagine yourself as the character is unduplicateable unless in in a field of Rye grass or at home enjoying a favorite book.

Rating:
Summary: The Catcher in the Rye
Review: This book has, from the time it was written, been controversial - and to more conservative readers, it has been somewhat offensive. However, the case of this book should be judged only after one has read the book for one's self. The events, frustrated musings and reprobating mien that Holden Caulfield reveals to his audience - no matter how unsettling or contentiously expressed - have much to say about human nature, society and its agents, the family, death, and even homophobia. Readers will find themselves asking questions and will finish the book with either stongly opinionated answers, or an empathetic appretiation for what young people endure. I recommend this book to everyone with an open mind.

Rating:
Summary: Catcher in the Rye: A requirement for growing up
Review: This book illustrates the problems associated with a highschool boy losing his innocence. It explores aspects of life which we have all had to deal with while growing up. This book takes all of the pain and anger involved with the transition from child to adult and compresses it into one book. The Catcher in the Rye is undoubtedly one of the most influential books of this century. If you are a student in highschool, you must read this book. Without it, you are missing out.