Rating:  Summary: Drop dead, Holden Caulfield Review: First of all, I can see why people might like this book. J.D. Salinger writes well, and this novel was certainly different from anything else being published at the time. However, I think this book [stinks]. Why? You see, the backbone of the book is the protagonist, the self-absorbed, shallow, wimpy, bitchy, neurotic Holden Caulfield. "Catcher in The Rye" is basically the ramblings of a lame character, and if you can't stomach Holden's incessant whining there is nothing else to enjoy. Holden Caulfield is not someone I can relate to, nor do I see similarities between him and my peers. He's like the weirdo in high school you felt sorry for but made fun of anyway. I have absolutely no sympathy for Holden. He's a stereotypical rich, priviliged snob, and too stupid to realize that he's as affected and materialistic as the "phony" people he despises. Holden is depressed, I'll admit that. But instead of facing his problems, he gets kicked out of school, drinks too much, treats women poorly, and spends obscene amounts of money. What a role model. Let's not forget about his relationship with his kid sister, Phoebe. I don't understand why a sixteen-year-old boy would brag about his exploits to his prepubescent sister, burden her with his troubles, and pinch her bottom. Is Holden Caulfield the voice of a generation? I hope not. He is undisputedly a depressed, hormonal teenager. He is not, however, hip, edgy or worth reading about. Holden Caulfield is, in his own famous words, completely and utterly "phony." I give this book two stars, only because I enjoyed J.D. Salinger's casual writing style.
Rating:  Summary: Behind the catcher Review: First of all, I want to apologize about my bad english, but I`ll try to express myself I read this book because I hear that this book encouraged Lennon`s murderer to... him. I had the curiosity to know what would a book can say to encourage somebody to .... After I read this book I can say about it that far of being a classic literature book, is better a filosofy one, but not as you read it, as you undersantd it. I can compare this book with other that is very similar, this is "Der Steppenwolf" by Hermann Hesse. In this book the main character, Harry Haller, is a misunderstanded guy that is sure that he is a very rare kind of human who had another side, a dark side that is like an animal and it come out and fight with the human side. This same theory is in The Catcher in the Rye, tha main character, Holden Caulfield, is a misunderstanded guy that have this both sides that always fight, the human Holden and the animal Holden, so he get depressed and he seems to have no goals in life. But this book also has a pretty cool humor, because Holden is a cynic teenager that doesn`t worry about and always have nothing left to lose. Also is a very special guy, who can despise the most complex art or science, but in the other side he admire very little details like a good dancer or his sister(better his death brother). As my conclusion I can recommend this book, but not to everybody, I recommend it for those who are not enough worried about anything and for those who wnats to see "behind the catcher" to indentify themselves. Again, excuse me for my terrible english! Thank you!
Rating:  Summary: A fantastic book for mature readers... Review: First of all, I'm probablt the youngest reader of this book writing a review. I'm only 13 yrs. old and students don't attack this book until they are at least a freshman in hs if not older. Personally, I think it's a brilliant book! It observes the aspects of life like the moments of Holden's happiness to the freaquent things that depress him. It's one of my favorite books and I didn't find it so hard to understand. It seems to written roughly though beautifully. I think it's a great book...you will definetly enjoy it no matter what your age.
Rating:  Summary: Alas, this is actually known as a "pop icon." Poor America. Review: FIRST OF ALL, IGNORE THE ONE STAR, AMAZON DIDN'T HAVE A SETTING FOR NO STARS. I had to read this trash for school in my ninth grade year. I took a neutral approach, if not a little bit positive, for the book before I read it. I had one of those beatnik teachers who wanted to find the hidden meanings in this worthless waste of time. We were searching in a dark room for a black cat that wasn't there. There are no hidden meanings in this book, nor are there any sort of points or end destination. Nor will you find anything worthwhile except for the brief moments of shock value when the author uses curses or talks about sex. I have read many books and frankly, this is the worst trash I have set my eyes on. SAVE YOURSELF FROM THIS TRASH, READ CLASSIC LITERATURE!
Rating:  Summary: hilarious, and subtly profound Review: First of all, this has gotta be the funniest book i've ever read. I'm a sucker for sarcasm, and Holden is full of it. Second, this is also one of the most touching books I've ever read. The scene between Holden and Phoebe comes particularly to mind. This book has often been criticized for the hyper-critical temperment of it's protagonist. This is a shame, and an ironic one, since these reviewers entirely miss the point, like reading the gospels and poo-pooing the crucifixion without regard to the ressurection. True, Holden, due to his hightened sensitivity, is especially irritable and intolerant, forever chastizing people (though generally not to their faces, as he is an avowed coward; no less critical of himself than of others) for everything under the sun, and in particular, for being phony. But, the attentive reader will notice that after nearly all of these self-righteous tirades he reflects that the people are somehow not to blame for thier faults, which, ugly as they are, only end by inspiring his sympathy. It makes a profound point, namely, that the things most deserving and in the greatest need of our sympathy and compassion are, more often than not, the things least likely to inspire them (at least, at first glance). One of my favorite lines, to illustrate this point, is "'It's no fun being yellow'". This was my favorite book when i was younger (later supplanted by The Brothers Karamazov) and i must've read it at least four times. At one point Holden says that he likes books with a little humor in them, books that, when you finish them, make you wish you could sit down with the author and just shoot the bull for a little while. There's no one i'd rather shoot the bull with than J.D. Salinger. Let's hope that someday he'll see fit to publish the purported sixteen novels he's got locked up in his safe. Also recommended: Franny and Zooey
Rating:  Summary: A FEW WORDS TO THOSE WHO HATED IT Review: First of all, you better not laugh at my english if I make any mistakes: I lived in Paris for 10 years and have been living in Montreal for 8, which makes french my main language. I think Holden's views and opinions are a little more mature than the average. To those 17 year olds who say Holden is immature, I'd like to hear your opinion on different things. Probably more than half of you would say things like: "I hate this book cause it's boring!" or "I hate this cause it sucks". You can't even find decent arguments and reasons to explain your opinion. And you think Holden is immature??? Maybe there should be a required age of at least 18 to send your comments here, or someone who reads comments and doesn't keep those who are not based on good arguments. Most of the bad reviews I read here came from 16 year olds who can't even defend their opinion. Some of those I read look like they come from someone with the intelligence and maturity of a ten year old. Now to those who say the book is bad, especially since killers have read it. I have NEVER read anything as IGNORANT as that! SO MANY people read this book and I don't believe they turned into criminals because of the book. They were morons way before reading this. Saying that is just a lame excuse. Someone (sills@pipeline.com) wrote a comment about the quality of the writing being at a low level. You moron: the guy is 16 YEARS OLD and is talking to his shrink!!! You think he's gonna talk like Shakespeare? I can't believe someone actually wrote that! I totally agree with those who say Holden was a real idiot for throwing away every chance he got at having an education. Fine! Hate him all you want! But why do you have to hate Salinger for it OR his book? I don't understand why so many people hate books because they don't like the character's opinion. Just because YOU can't relate to a character doesn't mean no one else can or should . What do you think, that the whole world's opinion revolves around your own? If this book was such a bad one, then why was it called a masterpiece of the 20th century? they didn't call it that for nothing. It's not because YOU don't like something that no one else should. I'm saying this to those who say: "I don't understand why people like it" Well we didn't understand why you DIDN'T like it. If you could use good arguments to tell us WHY you didn't like it and not things like : "it sucks", maybe we would understand you point of view. In all the comments I read, only few of them actually had a good reason why they hated the book. I'm not asking you to love the book, I'm just asking you to understand and accept the fact that some people do. You don't have to agree with us, just accept the fact that IT IS possible to like it. You say Holden can't find anything positive about life, well neither can some of you about the book. And to those who say there's no plot: the guy is talking to his shrink. You don't tell them stories, you just rant about things you're pissed about. And to those who say: "No wonder killers liked the book, Holden is depressed, he hates life..." Give the guy a break! For God's sake! He's just a 16 year old going through a phase. He's not gonna kill himself or other people! Anyways, don't keep your opinions to yourself, have the guts to e-mail me. But you better have damn good arguments, cause I'm gonna crush you with mine (just kidding, I'm not a bitch. I just can't stand people hating someone's different opinion). Of course, nice comments are welcome too.
Rating:  Summary: I really enjoyed this book! Review: First off i would like to say that any thoughtful teenager should read this book. It is a great aspect on things that are wrong with society and i really related to this book. I also am someone who criticizes society a lot. This book came out in a time of a mass conformed society and was perfect critisism. I love the point of view the book was written in it really adds to the complete image.
Rating:  Summary: What I believe is to be recieved from this book Review: First off, I'd like to say that I'm a teenager and what people say about it telling about the "average" life of a teenager is almost next to being wrong. When I read the book I don't see a teenager's view, but a totally different view of society from someone who is very depressed. The character, Holen Caulfield, gives a very descriptive narrative of the things going on around him and how he percieves them. This book is different from any other story, with a weird ending I admit, as it is not covered in lots of fluffy type things that are unrealistic, but exposes a very real nature of his world.
Rating:  Summary: Best Book I Have Ever Read Review: First off, if somehow you haven't heard of this book before (you live in a cave or something), disregard any review that gives it 1/5 and says it has no point. This is obviously a review from a high schooler who hates the point of the novel (because it makes them see their own flaws). I read this book in high school and it was the best and most eye opening reading experience of my life. If you're a high schooler reading it for the first time I hope that you have someone to discuss it with so you don't miss the entire point of the novel like the 1/5-ers did. Anyway, get this book. It is incredible.
Rating:  Summary: A great book - If read with a little insight. Review: First you must take nothing for granted. Although casual, this book has been written very deliberately. For example: Holden - from beholden -to be indebted to someone or something. (Holden has an obligation, he must become an adult.) or hold - to keep close, to keep in check. (Trauma in his life keeps him back, plus his own desires to remain pure, ie: an infant.) Caul - A reference to the amniotic sac, but ONLY when delivered along with a newborn baby. Often associated with the ability in that child to see into the future. But in this instance, it refers to the rupture of a nurturing environment, and the delivery of the infant into the world. Field - A staging area, an area cleared of obstacles, frequently referred to in an agricultural sense. An area for the growth of a crop.
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