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He is very likeable and endearing, not to mention, funny. I have read it probably 7 times and I still love it. I do not at all understand the bad reviews on this book. The story line is obviously not much of one, it is just about his life while trying to hide the fact he was kicked out of school from his parents and what he does in the meantime. I think these readers are putting too much thought into the story line instead of the magic of the character. Holden is the most memorable and facinating character in any book I have ever read. Although, he has such a good heart who loves his brother, parents and sister so much he will do anything for them. If you read this, read it for the warmth of the story, not the story itself.
Also, even though Holden has some serious "issues", I think most people can relate to his struggles on some level, particularly his dealings with "phonies". I'm not sure exactly why it grabs people, but I think the novel has several elements working for it. I've read Catcher a few times and it still holds up. Besides, you just can't help rooting for the guy. For one, it's well written. Two, the author has created a unique, interesting, somewhat bizarre character (everyone knows Holden Caulfield). In any case, Salinger's creation of such an iconic character is a testament to his skill as a writer. Paul Gehrman, Author, Kaleidoscope
It's not the first time I read it. I have to admit, though, that sometimes the way he repeats certain phrases annoys the hell out me. I'm not kidding. Still, that was a long time ago, when people had different attitudes. I just found it depressing, to tell the truth. But this time I enjoyed it. I just finished reading Catcher in the Rye. And I don't like how he calls gays flits and all.
They probably have a goddam wing in the school named after him. It really does. And all those phony teachers who didn't understand him now make their students write essays about Holden Caulfield.It's enough to make me vomit. Especially the ironic parts when Holden says he hates to do something but he goes ahead and does it anyway. But the first time was when I was just a kid and too dumb to actually get it and all. And today people still read it and find symbolism and themes in it and all.
I found it funny, I really did. Those parts kill me. They probably teach it at the same goddam prep school Holden Caulfield went to. It really is.
But above all is the fact that this book is not an action thriller, which is what more people are more drawn to present day. In fact, Holden even goes on to say that he would be more content if he led the rest of his life pretending he was deaf and mute, that way he wouldn't have to talk to all of the "phonies". I can see how many young people today don't really understand or connect with this book. The book has created a lot of controversy as required readings in schools because it is loaded with harsh language, and the main character isn't exactly the best role model as he flunks out of school, smokes, lies, drinks alcohol, etc. Its said that Chapman, who identified with Holden from the book, viewed Lennon as a "phony", and he was trying to protect the rest of the world from his work.I strongly recommend anyone to read this book, as it has played a lasting role in society since it has been published. There are not very many huge plot twists and mysteries to be unveiled in this book. He views everyone around him as "phonies" that he would rather not associate himself with.
After all, this book is said to have been associated with the shootings of John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. For one, the setting and language of the book is outdated, creating a small barrier. This book is a must read just from considering the role it has played in history. Instead, this book is about an in-depth look inside the mind of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he is a troubled teen looking to find himself. On top of this, Holden seems to have a very pessimistic outlook on life. The man who assassinated Lennon, Mark David Chapman (who is considered delusional and psychotic), became obsessed with this book, and actually handed a copy of it over to the police when they arrested him, saying that the book was his statement. Even if you don't find the story exceptionally entertaining, there are enough references to this book that it is at least worth it to see what the fuss is all about.
The language is dated, the protagonist annoying. I was assigned this in high school decades ago and reread it recently. Its appeal is still lost on me, but I suspect its fans are readers who came of age in the 50s, a naive and long ago time now, and that young readers today, or even those of us who are not Boomer age, find it outdated and pointless, kind of like its author's disappearing act, tho I liked Salinger's other books.
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