The Catcher in the Rye

"Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around - nobody big, I mean - except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff (...)" J. D. Salinger is an American novelist and best known for this very book, The Catcher in the Rye, which is considered a classic of USA's literature, being in Times list of 100 best books since 1923. This book tells a rather uninteresting story of this sixteen-year-old character Holden Caulfield and his wanders through New York for a couple days, after his expulsion from his boarding school, exposing the real face of teenager's life, in which the main character is also the narrator. What is perhaps more interesting is that he has such a depressed and lonely way of life that it is almost impossible not to have anything in common with this global character, who is supposed to represent the transition from childhood to adult life. When I started reading this book, I found out that I was addicted to it, even though it had no plot at all. It really doesn't, it's just a dude telling about his life. But it is Holden who you are actually reading. I have never read, in my whole life, such a descriptive and well-developed character. You actually feel that you are reading a teenager's book who has failed in about four schools, not an intellectual like J. D. Salinger. That's probably why the book is so addictive: it's a clean and straightforward writing, which makes it feel real, a very real account. I do have a lot against writers and philosophers who are claimed to be wonderful and swell, but they can't write clearly such as Salinger does. This book may be read by anyone - in fact, it is aimed to teenagers and I do recommend them to read - and anyone who reads this book will understand what it is talking about. Some of them may not like, but they will surely get the least of it. Holden Caulfield is this teenager that wanders around New York and lives a very teenager life - don't forget this book was written in the 50's - and finds himself in the transition from child to adulthood; facing problems like an adult - and that's probably why Salinger set him alone in NY - but still with a mind of a kid. While he tries to evolve, starts to find out that everybody looks fake and lousy, but he turns out to be a complete hypocrite, which is probably the main purpose of the book. The title deserves five stars just for itself. Although you read the book until about the middle without getting where the author is trying to get you to, when Holden hears a little boy singing this song about a catcher in the rye - which he actually misspelled -, everything starts making sense. Holden flies through the book trying to find a shoulder to lean on, someone that will hold him while he's passing through his puberty, sexual life and depressing times of adolescence; and that's what he searches, even unaware of what's actually happening. While he's not getting anything that's valuable from his current relationships - which are represented by his Pencey school and his friends in there -, he goes way back to the innocence of childhood and brings back his old memories and relationships in attempt to survive the hard times that is entering the adulthood. But when he actually gets to those memories, he is not a kid anymore and his mind has changed. In this quest of finding "a catcher in the rye", Holden even unburies his dead brother Allie and contacts people who are still in their innocent times - such as his sister - and people who are really in the adulthood, like his old teachers. This transition is easily seen in every sense. From trying to drink being a minor to a massive change of his views on the world, contrasted by what he remembered things to be and what they really are right now. I highly recommend this book to anyone. This is surely one of the best - if not the best - novels I have ever read in my entire life. Although aimed to teenagers, this story is surely universal. 100/100

Researching the death of John Lennon led to to check this book out, I am a avid reader and read w lot of the classics but never got around to this one, fantastic book that makes you feel like you were alive at the time; with Holden Caulfield as the central figure in the book he becomes a legendary character in literature.

J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a timeless classic that takes readers on a poignant journey into the mind of its young protagonist, Holden Caulfield. The novel presents a raw and introspective narrative, centered around the disillusioned yet perceptive sixteen-year-old navigating the complexities of life in New York City. Salinger's masterful storytelling unfolds as Holden Caulfield embarks on a three-day odyssey after leaving his prep school, delving into the heart of New York City. The novel artfully weaves the voices of children, adults, and the underground society, but it is Holden's voice that resonates the loudest. His eloquence, a blend of simplicity and complexity, offers a deeply personal insight into his world. Holden Caulfield emerges as a character both relatable and enigmatic, his yearning for authenticity and genuine human connection palpable throughout the narrative. Salinger beautifully captures the tumultuous emotions and inner turmoil of adolescence, making the character and his experiences incredibly genuine and evocative. The novel's brilliance lies in Salinger's ability to transcend vernacular while maintaining an authentic portrayal of Holden's unique voice. The contrast between Holden's attraction to beauty and his internal pain creates a compelling duality that resonates with readers. Holden's self-imposed isolation and his struggle to grapple with life's complexities evoke both empathy and admiration for his resilience. 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a testament to the human experience, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and the search for meaning. Salinger skillfully delves into the complexities of the human psyche, capturing the bittersweet essence of adolescence and the struggle to preserve innocence in a world filled with hypocrisy and disillusionment. This novel is not just a story; it's an exploration of the human condition, an invitation to reflect on the universal themes of pain, pleasure, and the human quest for authenticity. Holden Caulfield's journey is a mirror reflecting the turbulence and genuine emotions that shape the adolescent experience. While some readers may find the themes and Holden's perspective challenging, 'The Catcher in the Rye' remains an enduring classic that continues to captivate audiences with its richly textured narrative and its unflinching portrayal of youth and society. I rate 'The Catcher in the Rye' with four stars for its timeless relevance, evocative storytelling, and its enduring ability to connect with readers across generations, inviting them to ponder the complexities of the human condition.

A must read …obviously

I'm not really quite sure what all the fuss is about this book... I certainly found the narrative engaging, and I really enjoyed the authenticity with which Holden seemed to speak and express himself, but, while I identified with much of the way he felt and (re)acted, and the internal monologues were simply dead-on perfect, I never really connected with anything until I was nearly 90% finished. Perhaps had I read this when I was younger it would have affected me more, but now, as I try to find or create a connection, I'm just left... Well. I'm just left. It was Mr. Antolini's note to Holden that finally grabbed my attention. "It is the mark of an immature man that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while it is the mark of a mature man that he wants to live humbly for one." I was told I was too immature recently, and it just killed me. "Boy, it really did." I tried to figure it out and tried to understand how I gave that off. Without truly knowing what I was doing, I think I realized that I had given up on the option of living humbly (or living at all) for any cause at all long ago. Whether it be something, someone, or just myself. At some point I was finally able to see something in front of me and felt like I understood what it was to live for something. Not just, as I've often thought in the past, to be the catcher in the rye for anyone who strayed too close to the edge but to be the catcher for a specific reason... and to equally allow the possibility that I also, at times, might need a catcher myself. I wish I had the gift of speech and introspection such that I could have so succinctly put my thoughts, feelings, and actions into words. This epiphany... or at least the motivation for it... evaporated quite quickly, and I, missing the point, fell back into searching for something for which I could nobly die. To see Holden cry for and over his little sister for whom he obviously held a great respect and had the utmost love, come to the conclusion that he should not tell anyone anything was quite rather depressing. I waver, but is it worse to live in fear of missing someone and, therefore, remain isolated or is it worse to allow yourself to catch and be caught and, inevitably, miss those who caught you and are now gone? Did he "really like" people who were dead precisely because the only thing left to do was miss them? Knowing there was no hope of actually being open with those that he'd lost and, therefore, no risk in missing them more seems like the perfect depressing escape. One with which, in the past, I likely would have agreed completely. I still struggle with that question today, and I honestly don't know the answer, but I am glad this book turned out the way it did giving me another pretty clear perspective into one potential answer to one of life's most important questions. For Holden to have kept Mr. Antolini's paper (especially in a way that seemed meaningful to him) and still arrive at his final conclusion was a bit jarring. Especially in light of the final scenes when he *should* have been able to see the cause right in front of his face, even if he couldn't realize that he himself was cause enough. Sooo... I had to try pretty hard to pull something out of this that seemed to really matter to me, but I think I got it. Or at least I got something. Overall, enjoyable, but nothing particularly amazing. At least I can now say that I've read it.

One scene that has always stuck in my mind in "It's A Wonderful Life" is when George Bailey and his future wife were talking and George was taking his time on making his move to kiss her for the first time, when in the background an old man said "Well are you going to kiss her or not, ahh youth is wasted on the young." To my way of thinking many classic novels which we as in our youth had to read and study and be tested on in high school and later in college, were actually never really fully understood or appreciated. To me, I was told to read these books and later the teacher or the professor would lecture and have active discussions in detail of the nuances and literal and figurative interpretations on the intentions of the author and the real plot of what the author was trying to convey to the reader. The better students would learn the triggers of success and mimic their instructor's persuasions and add "a little" of how the novel affected them in their young lives. But my take on many of these classics actually confused me and being the rebellious student that I was I usually didn't go with the program and in many instances took my rebellion in the force of protest and usually ended up with an old-fashioned hook a C. I did the same thing when I first read "Catcher in the Rye" in fact being very much like Holden Caulfield in my studies of this novel. The fact remains that as one grows older one gains from life experiences and is able to appreciate life on a wider and more knowledgeable scale. I have spent most of my academic life reading and writing of history and life memoirs of things that have actually happened. My studies were based on things that have happened. However I find myself being brought back to the classics and with that added maturity, I have found out that I do indeed understand them better. J. D. Salinger was really writing of his youth when he wrote this book. Holden Caulfield is a dysfunctional youth who in all reality hates the concept of growing up and following teacher or parental guidance or instruction. Being born to wealth and surrounded by siblings who all seemed to be normally adjusted youths, Holden held out to be the family "black sheep." The traumatic effect of his younger brother's death had deeply disturbed Holden. In fact this event may have started the trigger that he would rather remain a child and not grow up in the "phony" lifestyle of being an adult. The other key sibling that Holden held in very high regard was Phoebe who he regarded as not only as a sister but a person who personified the goodness in the essence of what youth is. Simple and loving! The book is written in the first person by Holden Caulfield and it tells of his relationships with his classmates, teachers and his parents. It is written in the mind of a seventeen year old which is contradictory, whimsical, funny, mad, nonsensical and at times very funny. In fact it does represent the brain of a person who has not fully developed. To tell you the truth this writing in the vernacular of a teenager, represents the brilliance of Salinger's writing. Some youth can adapt to the adult world and move on; others like Holden have a very hard time in doing so. My review intent is not to give away the meaning and plot of this classic book but to rather engage the reader to see that this book is indeed of deep meaning in which I never recognized 46 years ago. The meaning of the title makes sense as it never did before and as an added insertion to my discoveries I found this book to coincide greatly with the story of "Peter Pan." If you have never read the book do so. If you read it as a young student, I daresay read it again, it will surprise you!!!!

The Catcher in the Rye is one of those rare novels that sticks with you long after you’ve read it. J.D. Salinger captures the voice of Holden Caulfield so vividly that you feel like you’re walking alongside him through New York City, experiencing his struggles, frustrations, and moments of raw honesty. The book is more than just a coming-of-age story—it’s a look into the mind of a teenager searching for authenticity in a world that often feels fake. Holden’s voice is witty, sarcastic, and at times heartbreaking. While the language may feel simple, the emotions and themes—loneliness, identity, and the fear of growing up—are timeless and still relevant today. It’s not always an easy read because Holden isn’t a perfect character; he’s flawed, conflicted, and often hard to pin down. But that’s exactly what makes him real and why this novel has endured for generations. If you’ve never read this book, it’s absolutely worth it. And if you read it years ago in school, it’s worth revisiting as an adult—you’ll see it in a whole new light. A true American classic

Great book starting to read