The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye 
by
J.D. Salinger

    Ah, a classic. This book for me, like many of you, was required reading in high school. This is the kind of book where people either love it or hate it. I had a wonderful English teacher who was very knowledgable about symbolism, patterns, and character development. Even when we read books I didn't like he still found a way to make me appreciate it. When I, now done with school, saw this book at an estate sale for a quarter I knew I had to give it another read. 

    I didn't remember a lot other than Holden was a very interesting character. Rereading it as an adult was a very different experience! Overall I still really enjoyed it. It's a smooth read. Some of the complaints I hear about it is people cannot stand Holden. They think he is whiny and obnoxious. Personally, I see a teenager with the usual level of angst combined with the harshness of moving through a series of all boy private schools and unresolved personal grief. I find him to be a really likable character. He has a lot of layers and while some he will come right out and admit, others require some reading between the lines.

    I would recommend this book to anyone. That being said, my Gram always says that if you don't like a book after the first 50 pages then put it down and pick out another! I think that holds especially true to this book where the whole story revolves around Holden's character and his interactions with others. If after 50 pages you hate Holden, the book is not going to improve for you. If you find him as intriguing as I do, get cozy and settle in because it's really a great story.

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