Posts tagged reading

Book One: The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger, J. D. (A), American.

Background: Catcher in the Rye was originally published for adults, but quickly became popular with teens for the themes of teenaged angst, confusion, alienation, and rebellion.  The novel has been translated into almost all of the major world languages. Modern Library lists Catcher in the Rye as one of the 100 best English- language novels of the 20^th century and Time Magazine included it in their 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923.  Catcher in the Rye is a frequently banned book in libraries and schools and was the most censored book in the United States between 1961 and 1982. Common reasons for banning the book are profanity and the portrayal of sexuality and teen angst.

Brief Synopsis: The book follows sixteen- year- old Holden Caulfield through the forty-eights hours he goes rogue. Holden has just been kicked out of yet another school for poor grades. He spends an evening bumming around the dorms, visiting teachers and complaining about all the ‘phony’ people at the school. The stream of consciousness style provides the reader with both the encounters of the evening and his thoughts and memories of his time at the school. Holden decides to leave school for New York in the middle of the night to take a break before heading home to face his parents.

What did I think of it?

Well… maybe if I were a 16-year-old boy I would have found it transformative, as I am told many find the book to be. Most of the time I spent reading the book I was also asking myself why I am embarrassed I haven’t read this.  I understand why the book is often banned; you certainly cannot make it through a page without obscenities. Holden often talks about his sexiness or sex in general, but not explicitly. I mostly found Holden annoying. The sheer number of times he mentions his red hunting hat… again, maybe if I was a guy.

I can understand the literary value of the book. The stream of consciousness style and the focus on an angsty teen were remarkable for the time. I also understand Catcher in the Rye has influenced literature and film since its publication, but like my sister, I would rather read the books Catcher in the Rye influenced than read it again. I feel like I should have more to say, at least as someone with an English degree, but all I keep thinking is “why”?

Would I recommend this to others?

I found it boring, my parents found it boring, and only one person I talked to didn’t. I might suggest any 16 year olds I know read it. If you want to read it, go for it. If you find it transformative or inspirational, great, I applaud you. If not, at least you can say you have read it.

As requested: How many stars would I give it? umm… maybe one.

For those of you that have read Catcher in the Rye, What did you think of it?