I gave this book the 50 page benefit of the doubt. But I couldn't finish it. The narrator just annoyed the heck out of me. ( )

Hello. My name is 'Catcher in the Rye'. You might remember me from 9th-grade English-class. Anyway, I'm still here and I'm still a part of the Western Canon. Sure, almost nobody over the age of 18 reads me anymore. But, you can't fault a guy for briefly replacing sex and binge-drinking in the minds of our nation's teenagers. I just wish that those kids would write better book reports about me.(Oh, and that whole "identifying-with-Holden-Caulfield-to-such-a-degree-that-I-turn-Emo-and-grow-asymmetrical-bangs-and-start-obsessing-about-teenage-angst-and-how-my-parents-just-don't-get-me" thing....sorry about that.) ( )

I should have trust my first instinct and put it away after the first few pages. I didn't and it never got any better. ( )

I, unlike many people, did not read this book in high school. Nor was I able to understand the brilliance of it until I finished it. The whole time I was reading, I was thinking that it was garbage and I didn't understand the hype of a novel with a plot that seems to be going nowhere and an annoying protagonist. But when I finished, I understood what the big deal was and I am now able to say that J.D. Salinger has a genius original YA novel.

What more needs to be said? ( )

One of the few books that I have read repeatedly and loved with each reading. What is interesting is how my view of Holden Caulfield has changed through the different eras of my life. As a teenager I identified with Holden, as a young adult I questioned the reality of his perception and, as I approach middle age, I pity him. Thank you Salinger for writing such an enigmatic character and then leaving it up to us to puzzle him out. ( )

Two words. Amazingly unique. The style Salinger uses makes it feel as if the main character, Holden Caulfied, is talking directly to the reader. Because of that connection the reader has with Holden it makes the reader feel sympathy for him. Although the book is not action packed, and doesn't move very quickly i found myself struggling to put it down. Holden's interactions with the supporting characters are what make the book interesting. With each new character that is introduced it is like a new mini story within the big picture.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth book about life and society in general. It is not action packed or thrilling, but it is a good reflection on where/how one fits into society.

It wasn't until i finished the book that i realized how The Catcher in the Rye fits into our theme. Throughout the whole book i was trying to figure it out and when i didn't see it i thought i was missing something major. It was in front of me the whole time it just did not come together until the end of the book. Throughout the whole book Holden is searching for himself and where he fits into society. He knows that he is different, and he seems proud of it, however as the reader you can see how alone he is and how depressing it is. All of Holden's encounters with the supporting characters show how he does not fit in. I think what i enjoyed, yet hated, the most about the book was the end. The ending is so vague that the reader does not for sure if Holden has found his place in society or is content with who he is. Because of Holden's personality it is hard to tell if he is being sarcastic or sincere. Catcher in the Rye applies directly to our theme as the reader sees the main character take a journey of self discovery. ( )

The Catcher and the Rye is an amazing book! This novel is about the journey of a sixteen year old boy, Holden Caulfield, who was recently expelled from his boarding school, Pencey, in Pennsylvania. Holden leaves school a few days early to explore the city of New York, to find himself. The Catcher and the Rye explores the themes and motifs alienation and growing up. Reading this book at my age, I also find it very relatable.

This novel is definitely one of the best books I have ever read! However, on a scale of one to East of Eden, I would give it 4.5 stars. I love J.D. Salinger’s writing style – it seems very conversational and it’s very easy to read. I truly loved this book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read this well-written classic. ( )

For me this book was just terrible. There was nothing appealing to it. Not quite sure why so many people love it ( )

Einfühlsam: Wer das Buch nicht gelesen hat, verpasst schlicht und einfach die Erkenntnis, dass man als Heranwachsender mit seinen scheinbar unlösbaren Problemen nicht allein ist.
Teilweise witzig, teilweise unendlich traurig, aber immer einfühlsam beschreibt Salinger das aufgewühlte Seelenleben seines Hauptprotagonisten.
Ein Klassiker nicht nur für Jungleser.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a novel that combines elements of depression and isolation into a rather entertaining plot. The story follows the main character, Holden Caulfield, after he is kicked out of his third boarding school due to lack of motivation. Before returning back to his home, Holden spends three days lingering around New York City contemplating the world and his role in it. Holden encounters a multitude of different people in relatively social situations, yet at the same time, feels oddly alone and secluded. Readers are able to follow Holden’s thoughts and read along as he realizes that everyone in the world works only for their own personal benefit. Everyone, in Holden’s opinion, is a “phony”, only basing their actions off of what they believe to be the most beneficial to themselves.
I was very entertained while reading The Catcher in the Rye. Although the novel deals with serious topics such as depression and adult insensitivity, the tone of the novel is rather light, not at all dark like one may believe. This tone is due somewhat to the fact that this novel is written in first person point of view. Holden’s experiences in the book are read through the eyes of the character himself, and in turn, readers are able to realize the simple mindedness of the child even though he deals with feelings that seem quite complex. This point of view shows readers that maybe even Holden does not exactly know why he feels the way he does about certain things.
The Catcher in the Rye is a story that any reader can relate to, no matter the age. Holden’s story is merely one in which he confesses all of his feelings, completely uncensored, to the readers. However, Holden never says any of his thoughts out loud, which I think is something that readers can sympathize with him for. Holden represents the mind of the average person and the first person point of view definitely enforces this.
I enjoyed the novel for its pure honestly and comical play of events. I would recommend The Catcher in the Rye to anyone that wants to read an entertaining, comical novel that deals with serious subjects. ( )

2001

First read in 10th grade, then again about 20 years later. Not sure what all the fuss is about. ( )

Do not read this book. I don't care what people say. It's not a work of art, the story is terrible, and the skill of Salinger's writing is overrated. This book is 297 pages of the biggest complainer telling the reader about how he "hates phonies" and "doesn't like it when people have cheap suitcases." There are a few intersting symbolic characters, but there is nothing entertaining about this book at all. Nothing interesting or exciting happens, and when it seems like something will, Holden does the opposite of what you want him to do, and you are annoyed once again.

Prior to reading this book, I was advised that it was amazing or just really bad. It just depends on your outlook of the story. I personally found the several different levels of this novel intriguing, though I did not catch on to them at first.
J.D. Salinger ingeniously portrays the main character, Holden Caulfield, as a multi-leveled teenager and captures every aspect of his young, teenage mind. His use of colloquial jargon adds to the extent to which teenagers today can relate to Holden. Throughout his life, Holden confronts several arduous situations to which he turns away. For his entire life, Holden feared growing up and held onto his childhood, hoping things would stay as they were. With his brother Allie's death constantly on his mind, Holden would constantly get frustrated, denying the fact that his brother was gone. His psychological issues took part in his failure in school and his resort to wandering around the city alone. However, for Holden, with every hardship came a learning experience, and his red hunting hat was there to comfort him the whole way. With his red hunting hat, Holden separated himself from the "phonies" in the world and portrayed his individuality.
Being that Holden's mind was filled with complications and mistrust, it was hard for him to find someone whom he could trust. His close relationship with his sister, Phoebe, gave Holden courage and subconscious happiness. He had told her, one day, that if he could do one thing for the rest of his life, it would to be the catcher in the rye.
This novel, though confusing, becomes quite exciting and very relative to the life of a teenager. I plan to read this novel when I am older to see if my outlook on this novel has changed over time. Overall, a good read. ( )

Who doesn't remember a time when he or she could relate to Holden Caulfield? This book captures an idea I think everyone has at some point in his lifetime--the idea that no one but yourself will ever be able to understand or relate to the incredibly unique experiences and feelings you have, a feeling of complete individuality and isolation from the rest of the world. Holden is an individual, yes, but his thoughts are ones any reader can relate to, somehow--whether in fond remembrance or embarrassment. ( )

When I read this at the age of 15 I was both compelled and repelled by Holden Caufield and the events of his odd existence. It made me think about my own life, my own attitude toward the world around me, and my perception of self. It's the kind of book every English teacher loves, but it's also the kind of book most English teachers would never write, because it breaks so many rules of structure. ( )

After getting halfway through this book, I began to hate Holden Caulfield. All he did was run around New York City calling everyone "phonies", being depressed, and killing time. It didn't have a plot (probably done intentionally) and was basically a set of sporatic events that Holden came up with as time passed. I really didn't like the book and I didn't understand why it was considered a classic in literature. However, after discussing it in class, I began to realize why it is considered a "masterpiece." There is so much hidden symbolism (that I did not recognize at first) that adds to the depth of the story. Nearly every character or object is a symbol. The ducks, the red hunting hat, James Castle, Jane Gallagher putting her kings in the back row, Jane Gallagher, etc... are just a few symbols in this symbolic masterpiece. Another reason that this book is a classic is because of the unique writing style of J.D. Salinger, which gives Holden Caulfield an extreme honestness, directness, friendliness, and personalness unlike that of any book. The book is literally written as if you are in the mind of Holden Caulfield, just listening to the thoughts flowing through his mind. If you are going to read this book, make sure you read it carefully and absorb the deeper meanings hidden within the pages. You'd be surprised how much you missed after you're done.

Holden Caulfield is an adolescent who has lost faith in humanity. He is miserable because he doesn't feel like he's a part of the world nor does he want to be. He wishes he could run away or kill himself because he sees something depressing everywhere he looks. He resorts to pessimistic sarcasm to portray his feelings. He frequently uses vulgar language to better convey his ideas in a teenage colloquial style. This book is so great because everyone can relate to Holden to some degree. He is a very cynical thinker and I find Holden very funny because I could see his point of view and appreciate his sense of humor. He struggles to find his true identity and recognize his true purpose in life like many adolescents.

I really enjoyed reading The Catcher in the Rye and I recommend it especially to teenagers.

I recently read this book for school, and had very mixed feeling about it. The informal and colloquial diction used in this novel make it easy for teenagers to gravitate toward Holden. Holden's actions are very strange, but teenagers still relate to him very well. Salinger's use of symbolism, such as Holden's red hat and the carousel, are ingenious. Holden's desire to be the catcher in the rye, show his inability to grow up. Holden wants to protect children from outside forces that taint them. In this story his former teacher acts as a role model in some ways. By the end of the story Holden realizes how being the catcher in the rye is impossible. He finally understands that people need to grow up. Children will be exposed to adult issues and no one can stop that. Holden's search for answers leaves me with a mixed feeling. One the one hand, I did not agree with some of the story, but on the other I can understand where Salinger was coming from.

I recommend this book, but I advise anyone who plans on reading it to enter with an open mind. ( )

I recently read this book in my english class for school, and while reading it I wanted to throw the book out of the window. Not until after I finished reading it and discussed it throughly in class did I begin to see its genius. I was asked if this book is a work of art. At first I answered no way. Again, after careful consideration and thought I changed my answer to yes. This book is the king of symbolism. It uses colloquial and informal diction, but is still able to express major life lessons that most people don't learn until later on in life. The main character, Holden, is way beyond his years to me. He is able to see the "phoniness" in people and what is truly underlying. While reading, I saw Holden as weak and pathetic. To me, he seemed to be a seventeen year old boy who was confused. I kept asking myself, what's so great about him? Isn't every teenage boy confused around this age? And once again, not until after I stepped back and heard the opinions of others did I realize my perception was wrong. Holden is a fighter. He is an individual in a world where everybody is content with conformity. ( )

The Catcher in the Rye is a great novel about the individuality and change that occur during the teenage years. Holden Caulfield is an emotionally disturbed young man who has never truly recovered from Allie's death. Holden removes himself from society and assumes superiority to everyone around them as a sort of coping mechanism. Holden is very unhappy, but he blames everyone else for his unhappiness.

Holden hates change and the "phoniness" of adult life and does his best to protect himself and his sister from adulthood. As Holden states, he wants to catch kids falling off of the fields of innocence into the darkness which is adulthood. At the end of the book, Holden realizes that he can't protect kids from the inevitable and matures. He is afraid his sister is going to fall off of the carousel, but he doesn't do anything to stop it. He decides that in order for children to learn and mature they have to make a few falls. On top of that, Holden does not ride the carousel because he thinks he is too old for it. The carousel represents youth and Holden doesn't get on it.

The Catcher in the Rye is a great book that all teenagers can relate to and learn from. I recommend this book to everyone. ( )

Although I enjoyed the voice of Holden, I kept waiting for something to happen. I kept telling myself there had to be some significance to the whole story, that something big was going to go on. That kept me reading and hoping. However, I was left very disappointed at the end. How did this book make it to be such a classic? The only reason I marked stars instead of one is because I enjoyed the point of view from the teen. The book itself, overall, was pointless. ( )

This is a truly great book. I think that it is a great display of a teenager and his/her emotions. Emotion is a huge part of the life of a teen, and Salinger does a great job of showing this. There are certain scenes in the novel that bother me, such as the Mr. Antolini patting scene, but other than that I really enjoyed the book and recommend that everyone on this site read the book. ( )

This was the first book that allowed me to realize you didn't have to be a goody two-shoes in life, and it was okay to be a cynical little malcontent and enjoy the company of yourself, even if no one else liked you. After laughing to tears over passages, I felt I had found a friend, and was sad to let Holden go. If nothing else, this book helped me discover the power of literature to be interior companionship, and for that I'm grateful to Salinger. I'll never forget that feeling of introspection Catcher in the Rye induced; it was like sharing a dirty little secret with someone that you masturbated as a young boy, and finding out that others did it too. ( )