Rating: 
Summary: character driven
Review: This book is not about the plot, it's about the character Holden. Okay, the plot affects his actions and state of mind, but if you're expecting an ending that wraps everything up in a nice neat bow then you may as well read some trashy murder mystery.
I think this books main problem is the hype that surrounds it. Salinger's fame as a recluse (how can you be a famous recluse?) has certainly led to a cult status for 'Catcher in the Rye' that definitely helps book sales, but I think it may hinder enjoyment.I liked this book a lot. It's not the best book I've ever read, but it is a good book. I can understand people who had a problem with the language use, some of the slang expressions are long since forgotten and have to be deciphered through the context, it is also written how Holden would say it rather than in a more literary way. This just makes him more appealing as a character. Holden is not the nicest of characters, you're not supposed to love everything he does or says (or at least I didn't). He is a flawed person, he has serious mental issues. He has built up a wall in his mind against these 'phonies' and continues to repeat his hatred for these people when he is secretly one of them. If you can tell what he's going to say next, Great! that just proves what a phony HE really is. That's good character writing. This book isn't life changing or genius or anything like that, but it is entertaining and that's all a book needs to be.
It's short, I doubt if there is a chapter more than 10 pages long, and I thought it was really easy to read.
If you just want something good, not too challenging but interesting, to read on a rainy day I'd recommend this book.
If your looking for a book with a hero that, in the end, gets the girl, you should probably do a search for Mills and Boon.
Rating: 
Summary: A New Meaning To The Word Classic
Review: This book is not like most classics, it is spoken in words that most teenagers are all too familar with. Personally, I feel this book swears a little too often, but in a way the voice of Holden Caulfield really makes the characters come alive. If you don't understand what this means, just look at how he describes his kid sister Phoebe. You can really imagine what is going on and that is one of the best parts of this unusal, but intriguing book. While I prefer classics like To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, this is one book I shall not soon forget!
Rating: 
Summary: Stop looking for a point, and just read.
Review: This book is not supposed to have a point. At all. That's why this book is considered a modern classic. J.D. Salinger had no purpose for writing this book, except to write. After reading this book, you really start to think about how trivial things are, like why you care about "phonies", and that life should be lived minute to minute. Holden shows the reader the beauty of life just being lived, with no ambition, and no other reason, except to stay mildly happy. Holden holds high standards for everyone around him, even strangers. And the one person who can keep within the highest of these standards is his sister, Pheobe. Salinger goes beyond petty sibling rivalry, to show the deeper human connection in Holden's shallow world. The person who does not understand the point of this book, understands perfectly. Holden is a hero, living through beating after beating, mild homelessness, dealing with the ignorant, and missing out on an education. Anyone can gain from reading this book. You just have to stop looking for the point, and just read.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the BEST
Review: This book is not what you expect from a classic novel. It's written in a form of language that is still accepted today. A MASTERPIECE!
Rating: 
Summary: A plotless, "anti-hero" story -- read Atlas Shrugged by Rand
Review: This book is not worth the paper on which it is printed. Throughout the book, Holden, the main character, wanders purposelessly in thought and action, indifferent and cynical to the world around him -- the typical "anti-hero." The reader is given a negative look at humanity, not for the purpose of correcting the worst in people, but for reveling in it. For an uplifting view of man, I suggest the masterpiece novel by Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged. Miss Rand presents man as a heroic being who is capable of dealing with reality. Although one may look at Atlas Shrugged and cringe (it is 1100 pages), one will be wishing for more by the end.
Rating:
Summary: SWEEEEETTTTT!
Review: This book is not your basic tale of growing up, it shows the harshness (and the hailarious) characteristics New York has on a free adolescent. A very funny book, the only bad part is that he uses "phoney" way to much! (but who really cares?) Salinger's excellent discriptions give you a good picture without over crowding it wiht minor details. ***** for me and thumbs up!
Rating:
Summary: Digression, Digression, Digression
Review: This book is one for people who like DIGRESSION. This book is nothing but digression. As most teen-agers, I enjoy digression so I enjoyed the book. Thanks Mr. Barnes!...
Rating:
Summary: the catcher in the rye
Review: this book is one of if not the best book i have ever read. the book is so true to life it is almost scary. some things bother people or depress people, but you must get over them or you will end up like Holden
Rating:
Summary: A classic for all times
Review: This book is one of my favorites. It still has the edginess and ingenuity it had when it was first published. I can completely agree with Holden's disillusions of the world around him. Another thing I loved about this book was it's style of writing, Holden is a unique narrator, I just love how he digresses throughout the entire novel. It's ironic that he says he isn't going to tell about any "David Copperfield crap" and focus on his Christmas vacation, but through his digressions you learn all about him and his past. Wonderful to the end. A classic.
Rating:
Summary: It's disgruntled. I like it.
Review: This book is one of my three or four favorite books ever. Holden Caulfield is one of the few literary figures that I really relate to. Sometimes he just rambles on about strange thoughts he has and the rest of the time he's complaining about things. It's great. If there is anybody who hasn't read it, you should. And, for anybody that had to read it in a class, read it again. Books are always better when you aren't forced to read them.
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