Catcher in the Rye

Rating:
Summary: An American Classic
Review: By now, most people know this book as the American classic that it is. The problem comes in with the current generation and the differences that divide those generations. When CATCHER IN THE RYE first came out, it was in an era of no MTV, no computers, and little television. That and the economic and social climate of the times made CATCHER'S appearance all the more starteling. So it must be understood in context of when it was written (like everything else) to fully appreciate its impact. CATCHER is right in line with HUCK FINN, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, BARK OF THE DOGWOOD, and a host of other books that use the child narrator (in this case, teenager) voice to tell the story. And like those other books, it has its own pacing, rhythm, and social-economic background that make it "sing." Consider too that this book, along with HUCK FINN and BARK OF THE DOGWOOD have all at one time or another, been banned by most libraries--just all the more reason to read them!

Rating:
Summary: It ain't no phony
Review: By telling a story about the bleak, post-war world around him, Holden Caulfield was not only Salinger's insight, but his irony. We've all been in Holden's shoes and know what it feels like to be irritated with things we can't change, so we can all relate to his disposition. But, the underlying trait of Salinger's protagonist is that he's basically all talk. The scene with the prostitute, making fun of Ackley behind his back--they're all emotions and feelings that are, in some respect, universal to all human beings, but mostly the sort of things we are too proud to speak about. The historical part of the novel (the post war boom), was what caught me best though. Salinger criticizes American economics by letting a sardonic teenager (who, in all actuality, no one would have listened to the argument of) and let him do his dirty work as well as spend a whole crap load of cash. So, by using a cocky character to critique the general ills of a superficial upper class, Salinger shows us the incessant struggle that all of us, in every walk of life, goes through. You can read this book on an economic level, a sociological level, a historical level, the list goes on and on. Bravo!

Rating:
Summary: i haven't read it yet, so i'll give 3 stars for now.
Review: can someone tell me if it is true that a lot of serial killers have read this book and it became their favouite? my friend told me this and i was curious if it was true or not.

Rating:
Summary: The Catcher in the Rye is a Classic for a good reason.
Review: Catcher has a beautifully written monologue tone. The first page of the novel is like no other, "who is this person addressing me," the reader thinks. Holden Caulfield and his apathetic attitude reach out and tell the reader to take a look at this - this person is just like me in this manner, or that manner. I hope that everyone can find a peice of themselves in Holden Caulfield.

Rating:
Summary: GROWIN UP
Review: CATCHER IN THE RYE by J.D. Salinger demonstrates, through the thoughts and actions of Holden Caulfield, the struggles of the adolescent years. On the surface, Holden is a disturbed young man. He refuses to get along with his peers, viewing them as "phonies." After being kicked out of yet another private school, he decides to leave for Christmas break early. Holden ends up spending several nights of self-discovery out on the streets of New York. He meets various alter-egos such as taxi drivers, a prostitute, and bar flies in his attempts to escape the "Ivy League" upbringing his parents have forced upon him. Through this experience, he learns that it is up to him to find his own place and happiness within society. CATCHER IN THE RYE dissects the fears, thoughts and turmoil of the young person's mind-- giving birth to an enjoyably insightful novel.

Rating:
Summary: Salinger is right on the mark...even today
Review: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a captivating coming of age story. The novel's protagonist, Holden Caulfield, ia an immature and naive teenager whose witty, pessimistic narration has captured readers of all ages for decades.
Throughout the novel, Holden is alienated by both child and adult world, for his failure to meet the standards of either. His childlike and derogatory outlook on life seperates Holden from his peers. Salinger captures the true essence of teenage angst and confusion in this revolutionary story.

Rating:
Summary: Catch this....
Review: Catcher in the Rye definitely got my attention in the beginning. It was interesting going throught the life of a young man and his journey, but after reading about how he feels about this or that and really it seemed like of a lot of opinions on his part, it got really old and boring. Because I don't agree or I cannot relate to what it is he is talking about. Although it is a good book and could even be a fun adventure.

Rating:
Summary: Catcher In The Rye is a very very good and intresting book.
Review: Catcher In The Rye describes a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield after he has been thrown out of Percy University. I think it is a very good book and it is very well written. Even though there is alot of swearing in this book I think that almost anyone would enjoy reading this book, I know I did.

Rating:
Summary: It's the best book I've ever read!!
Review: Catcher in the Rye describes every teen at one point in their life. It describes the heartache and depression every teen goes through. But it also has the light hearted slap-stick comedy that every person does every day. An all around wonderful book that everyone needs to read in their lifetime and they will identify with it, too!!

Rating:
Summary: Best friend
Review: Catcher in the Rye is a book I have read, and reread over the years with deep satisfaction. As an adolescent, this book was sometimes like a best friend, a comfort and reassurance that I was not alone in my "outsider" view of the world. The narrator - Holden Caulfield - is a classic "outsider" in the Colin Wilson sense of the word - an individual who is on the fringes of society, unsure of his place and unable to tolerate what most people regard as regular social discourse. Everything reeks of phoniness to Holden, and most of the characters he encounters in his New York sojourn do have pretensions that would make those of us who are more cynical cringe. Yet he remains a uniquely likeable character, as we can see that he has the capacity to love, and he sees a special innocence in children which is best portrayed through his relationship with his little sister Phoebe. There is no real plot to this book, it is strictly the observations of society through the eyes of one everyman who may or may not resonate with the reader. What astonishes me is how this book can make people feel connected to something rather than more disconnected. Perhaps that is it's greatest achievement - it leaves the reader with a sense that they are not alone in their feeling of disenfranchisement with contemporary society. It is also screamingly funny at times, and occasionally quite sad. It certainly isn't for everyone, but those who love this book will probably always have a special place for it in their hearts.