Rating: Summary: The best book I have ever read Review: I normally have a very difficult taste in choosing books, and I am very critical, but The Catcher in the Rye is one hell of a good book. Amazingly entertaining and witty. I read it more than once and I highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Anyone who thinks this isn't an amazing book shoud reread it Review: I noticed some readers do not truly understand the real meaning or symbolism that is present in The Catcher in the Rye. This book is not just another on the shelf, but holds true feeling about life, with the basic moral being everyone grows up, and innocence can not last forever. Do not interpret this novel as one without deep meaning because it's not just about a troubled teenager. look further!
Rating: Summary: In defense... Review: I noticed, that in general, this book mostly got five stars from reviewers, and the second most occurence was 1 star. I have to say that all the people(or should I say kids) who gave the book one star, were obviously not old enough, or wise enough, to have any perspective on this book. The common complaints were:1. I did not relate to the book, and do not understand why people think teemagers are like Holden. Therefor, because I did not relate to the book, I think that you should not waste your time reading it, because obviously, if I didn't relate to it, you won't either. 2. It had no plot/character develpoment/conlict, and was boring therefor 3. I didn't understand it My response: 1.You don't have to be exactly like Holden to understand where he's coming form. The book was written showing the glimpses of most adolescents minds, the tumult, that doesn't come as fully as it did in Holden, but is there none the less. The author projected teens(and all peoples) little struggles onto a whole life. That is why it is so satisfying for us to read, it gives our feelings validation. Also an outlet reading this book, for our "Holden-like emotions" to flow through us, and not remain squished up in our heads.Everyone has dysfunctional emotions, and you are keeping them all squished up, and therefore rendering yourself spurious, if you do not ever feel them. I do not imply, that everyone is dysfuntional(quite the opposite), but only that we all at one time or another, and especially in our teen years, struggle with life, and our attitude towards society. 2.Although the book had little plot, that is not the point of all books. If the book had been more story like, it would not have rung as true, as nobody's life, especially just 3 or 4 days of it, has a definite plot. And, yes, the book DID have character development, not in the traditional sense, but the author highlighted a short period of Holden's life, in which he went through a transformation. 3. Please read it again in ten years or so, when you have had more experience of life, you will then understand it. I won't tell everyone to read it because I loved it, but I will say, that you should read it, because it will describe your attitude towards life, based on your reaction to it. If you are a teenager, read it now, but read it again when you are older, whether you liked it or not when you first read it, you will understand much more.
Rating: Summary: A classic Review: I once heard that John Salinger's Catcher in the Rye is one of the most frequently banned books in US High Schools today, right up there with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Farenheit 451. Not surprisingly, all of these books are on the reading list at my school. Catcher is a real classic, a book that manages to offer an insight into the mind of a depressed teenager who feels that the world has alienated him. Many children may read this book and think about how Holden Caulfield was a sullen loner who isn't like them at all, but upon frequent thought they will discover similarities between Holden and themselves, and realize that, at heart, he is a normal teen: trying to grow up in an unfriendly world.
Rating: Summary: Trash Review: I paraphrase Nabokov: To write a book whose purpose is for the reader to identify with the main character is nonartistic candy. J.D. Salinger (the J.D. stands for "Faust") has written a book from the perspective of a 16-year-old, who is the throes of adolescence. He is self-centred and pessimistic. In my adolescence, I did identify with Holden, but each time I read the book I could never make it past page fifty. Not only is Holden's narrative redundant and cliché, but, as I soon discovered, IT WAS SOLELY MEANT TO APPEAL TO TEENAGERS. I was repulsed by this book - not because I am the child of some over-protective gay couple that loves me dearly, but because it was a waste of my time. It told me nothing about myself (the role of art, as Wilde put it, is to reflect the spectator). Reading this book was painful and boring. I gave it two chances and gave up on both. I confess with immense shame that I feigned appreciation of this book -- "so good! so good!.. the BEST book" -- in social situations. But I stopped fooling myself. The people who read this book over and over, aside from the scholars, are people who are addicted to things and have attempted suicide. In my review for "Ulysses" on this website, I stated that that book ("Ulysses") marked the end of literature for the next few hundred years (until a new reincarnation of Joyce/Shakespeare shows up....man, metempsychosis of the geniuses takes a while) and Salinger's book helps me in proving my point: It is a theme that has been done to death. It was controversial at the time (or was it) but, as far as I'm concerned, it was in no way transcendental, groundbreaking, or any of those nonsequitors that are thrown around too much. It was, quite simply, something that this bulimic, urine-drinking recluse wrote to strike it rich, as with everyone else in our society (just because I can't sympathize with Holden, it doesn't mean that we aren't similar - I am the king of nihilists and pessimists). People like the book because it is them that they are hearing. It mirrors our society, but not in the constructive, critical way, but in a way that turns us all in little heroes, little Holden Caulfields. In short: Do yourself a favour. Don't define your philological merit by how many books you have read. If literature is where you want to be, spend the rest of your life reading "King Lear" and "Ulysses".
Rating: Summary: A masterpiece, but not for the weak of heart. Review: I personally believe that "The Catcher in the Rye" is a wonderful book. Even though it was written in the early-middle part of the century, it still is an accurate portrayal of teenage life. It touches on all the taboos, which include sex and drinking. Holden Caulfield may not be the perfect example of a teenager, but he is close. His values are approximately the same as most teenagers, and he shows sympathy for just about everything that is wrong in this world. I can see a bit of Holden in all my friends (I'm a teenager). This book was great, and not just because it was (and still is in some places) banned.
Rating: Summary: not the best Review: I personally didn't like this book, contrary to the fact that it is considored a classic I didn't think that the book was all that inetersting, it was only 2demensional. If you want to read a beautifully written and interesting book about human nature, read one flew over the cuckoo's nest, otherwise, who wants to read a book about a kid complaining about everything.
Rating: Summary: Admit IT!!! It did CATCH your Eye! Review: I personally think that Catcher in the Rye is a fantastic book... WAIT WAIT! Now don't lift your eyes off of what i need to say... Do ME A FAV Buddy and keep reading! Now.. i know there was a bit to much of fowl language that was said but what kinna person doesn't CURSE! Step into the 90's Bro! C'mon!.... Everyone does it now and then whether it's out loud in the open or even under your breath! I could actallu relate to what this boy, Holden, was actually going through! I mean... I could be sooo carefree just as much as he can! I think that the purpose of this book was for the author, J.D. Salinger to put himself in this book. If you have done a little research on this author i guess you would understand.?! The begining paragraph totally caught my eye....Didn't it do the same for you? I mean just as Hemigway said, "Why use the five dollar words when the one dollar words are just as good!?" Anywayz.. Don't be a bum and read just the first couple chapters or even the first couple of pages and put the book down... GIVE IT A CHANCE!! Obviously because it was written by a different author then all the other books you've probably read it will naturally be different! DUH.. :) So give Catcher a Rye a chance for your eyes to read while i'll five it a 10. YOU da MAN J.D. !!! END
Rating: Summary: MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THE WORLD Review: I picked up this book and looked at it as "just another stupid book we have to read for English", and it somehow ended up on my Best Books List. I became attached to Holden Caulfield, and his whole world, and actually even felt like I was a part of it at times. I highly reccommend this book to anyone looking for something different, something creative, and for anyone looking to read an exceptional piece of work
Rating: Summary: you can totally relate to ths Review: I picked up this book b/c my cousin was raving about it and it sounded good. Holden is a character that I could relate to on such a high level and I think anyone could. If you have any doubts about getting this book, discard them, it worth the money and time, even though I read it in 2 days. I have like half of the book highlighted and underlined and I have only read it twice. I could read it like 100 more times. It is so goos and it inspired me to be a better person. Trust me, you will not regret reading this AMAZING book.
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