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noah8421's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, and Drug use
Minor: Suicide
alexm_20's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m not completely sure how to rate this. I enjoyed it, but I can’t tell if it was just the themes and things we talked about in class, or if it was the actual book itself. Anyway, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. My parents generally dislike it, so I was fully prepared to suffer through it and hate it. But it actually wasn’t half bad! I felt some sympathy for Holden (red flag?) and his experiences. I am one of the people who doesn’t think it’s the most amazing book I’ve ever read, but not the worst either. The main reason why I felt sympathy for Holden was his mental health and his past. I also struggle with some mental health issues, so that part definitely helped me sympathize with him. The complaints I have about this books are that nothing actually happens, he’s sexist, and he’s homophobic. The Catcher in the Rye tackles some deep issues and weaves them into both metaphorical and straight to the point ways. There are some trigger warnings though, so if these things trigger you, you might not want to read it.
A couple notes about the TW: the sexual content is him talking about how some girls are attractive and how he’s never had sex before, grief plays a big role in the book, and sexual harassment is implied.
A couple notes about the TW: the sexual content is him talking about how some girls are attractive and how he’s never had sex before, grief plays a big role in the book, and sexual harassment is implied.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual harassment
leeyongjin's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Abandonment
frankiesayrelax's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Suicide
Minor: Cancer, Cursing, Pedophilia, Rape, and Grief
allioth's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
There are 2 kinds of people when it comes to their opinion of this book:
1 – Loves Holden, loves this book, relates to the protagonist's struggles, and if a teenager, there's a high chance they think all people are liars and hypocrites except them.
2 – Hates Holden, hates this book, doesn't understand its purpose, and hates the teenagers that think all people are liars and hypocrites except them.
I'm neither (I know, how un-phony of me).
I don't love Holden or this book, but I don't hate them either. I like the way Salinger portrays the fear of growing up and this idealistic memory of childhood, showcased through Phoebe. Holden's love of her is not only that of a big brother to his little sister, but also to the innocence he thinks is distinctive of a kid, even when Phoebe shatters that idea. She understands Holden's depression, she knows he seldom enjoys things, and she wants to escape with him not because she needs him, but because he needs her.
Another aspect I really liked was Jane Gallagher. She's never shown aside from what we hear from Stradlater, who only sees her through the lens of classic juvenile lust, and Holden, who sees her through the lens of classic childhood love, impossible of wrong and, more importantly, change, that he's afraid to face if he calls her and sees that he probably didn't know her as well as he thought he did.
Other themes such as grief, PTSD, and loneliness are also well written and probably relatable to many. That's why I'm afraid to say that I can't possibly give this book more than its current rating...
It served its purpose; it's a story that opens the doors for others. (For example, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which, surprise! I also thought was meh.) But I didn't connect with Holden, even when I'm just the right age, and that feels essential for even remotely caring about anything that happens in this story (which isn't a lot, to be honest).
I feel like the only reason it's this popular is because of the author's way of writing teen angst in such a realistic manner (or at least at the time—I can see why currently the way the protagonist talks can be quite annoying).
I appreciate the book's contribution, I understand why Salinger is seen as a "genius," and it is certainly a fairly easy-to-read classic. However, aside from that, I feel like it carries a not-so-deep or thought-provoking message about growing up that more young readers or adults who also had their rebellious-I-hate-everything phase might appreciate more.
Maybe I just don't get it.
I like Phoebe though, she's cool.
1 – Loves Holden, loves this book, relates to the protagonist's struggles, and if a teenager, there's a high chance they think all people are liars and hypocrites except them.
2 – Hates Holden, hates this book, doesn't understand its purpose, and hates the teenagers that think all people are liars and hypocrites except them.
I'm neither (I know, how un-phony of me).
I don't love Holden or this book, but I don't hate them either. I like the way Salinger portrays the fear of growing up and this idealistic memory of childhood, showcased through Phoebe. Holden's love of her is not only that of a big brother to his little sister, but also to the innocence he thinks is distinctive of a kid, even when Phoebe shatters that idea. She understands Holden's depression, she knows he seldom enjoys things, and she wants to escape with him not because she needs him, but because he needs her.
Another aspect I really liked was Jane Gallagher. She's never shown aside from what we hear from Stradlater, who only sees her through the lens of classic juvenile lust, and Holden, who sees her through the lens of classic childhood love, impossible of wrong and, more importantly, change, that he's afraid to face if he calls her and sees that he probably didn't know her as well as he thought he did.
Other themes such as grief, PTSD, and loneliness are also well written and probably relatable to many. That's why I'm afraid to say that I can't possibly give this book more than its current rating...
It served its purpose; it's a story that opens the doors for others. (For example, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which, surprise! I also thought was meh.) But I didn't connect with Holden, even when I'm just the right age, and that feels essential for even remotely caring about anything that happens in this story (which isn't a lot, to be honest).
I feel like the only reason it's this popular is because of the author's way of writing teen angst in such a realistic manner (or at least at the time—I can see why currently the way the protagonist talks can be quite annoying).
I appreciate the book's contribution, I understand why Salinger is seen as a "genius," and it is certainly a fairly easy-to-read classic. However, aside from that, I feel like it carries a not-so-deep or thought-provoking message about growing up that more young readers or adults who also had their rebellious-I-hate-everything phase might appreciate more.
Maybe I just don't get it.
I like Phoebe though, she's cool.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Grief
maiahhtratchh's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I had no idea what this book was about but have always been intrigued. I felt such discomfort, anxiety, and pure dislike/hate of this book as I read it . I cannot speak for people who have severe narcissistic mental health disorders as to how accurate it is but if you have ever been in a toxic relationship with a narcissist.. this book is hella triggering. The way Holden interacts and speaks of those around him swinging back and forth from praising/loving to tearing them to shreds in whiplash I have experienced being on the other side of that and listening to it. I also just didn’t understand the plot much and the way it abruptly ended made me mad, that I had gone through all that emotional turmoil for it to just… finish with no real reason. Anyways I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you are curious about what it feels like to be around someone with actual narcissism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Grief
Psychosis referring to Holdens altered perception of reality and his increasing mania throughout the course of the book. Including how it manifests in his interactions/views of those around himrubyeve's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief
angelo_vossen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger is a novel that has sparked intense debates and discussions since its publication in 1951. Set in the 1950s, it follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted teenager expelled from his prep school as he navigates through the streets of New York City over a few days. Through Holden's first-person narrative, readers are taken on a journey through his inner thoughts, observations, and encounters, providing a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a troubled adolescent.
Salinger's writing style, characterized by its colloquial language and stream-of-consciousness technique, immerses readers in Holden's world, allowing them to experience his disillusionment, loneliness, and search for authenticity alongside him. The novel's title, inspired by a misinterpretation of a Robert Burns poem, reflects Holden's desire to protect the innocence of childhood—a theme that permeates the story as he grapples with the complexities of growing up in a world he perceives as phony and corrupt.
Holden Caulfield has been both celebrated and criticized as a protagonist. Some readers sympathize with his struggles and appreciate his honesty, while others find him to be whiny, self-absorbed, and unreliable. His cynicism and tendency to criticize the people and society around him can be off-putting to some readers, leading to divided opinions about his likability and relatability. I certainly am more on the critics‘ side. As far as I am concerned, Holden Caulfield is kind of hypocritical and pretentious. While complaining about everything being phony, he himself acts like a brat throwing money out of the window left and right.
Even though Holden Caulfield as a character aggregated me quite a lot, I have to admit that J.D. Salinger achieved to portray him as a caring brother. Despite his pretentious behaviour and tendency to be quite annoying at times, he shows to care a lot about the people he loves, especially his siblings. I even felt sorry for him during some parts of the book, because the lasting grief and sadness he faces due to his little brother‘s death comes through strongly between the lines. I caught myself thinking that the character should try therapy once in a while to learn how to cope with all his struggles, so I was glad to realize he seems to be in a mental health clinic during the entirety of the novel while telling the reader about his crazy days.
The novel's exploration of themes such as alienation, identity, and the loss of innocence resonates with many readers, especially adolescents grappling with similar issues. Holden's quest for authenticity and his resistance to societal norms and expectations strike a chord with those who have felt out of place or disillusioned with the world around them.
However, "The Catcher in the Rye" is not without its flaws. Critics have pointed out its repetitive narrative, lack of plot development, and the meandering nature of Holden's thoughts, which can make it a challenging read for some. Additionally, its use of dated language and cultural references may distance modern readers and limit its relevance to contemporary audiences. I did not mind the language used in the novel too much. It definitely fit the time the book was published in and set the tone for the main character quite well.
Despite its shortcomings, "The Catcher in the Rye" appears to remain a significant work in literature, influencing countless writers and resonating with generations of readers as research allows me to say. Its exploration of the universal themes of adolescence, identity, and the search for meaning continues to make it a relevant and thought-provoking read for those willing to delve into the mind of Holden Caulfield and confront the complexities of youth and growing up. That‘s what it is in the end: A story about an adolescent who is being confused and lost in life and who is trying to figure out their own role in this world while doing reckless teenage stuff.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Grief, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Alcohol
rory_john14's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cancer, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Violence
Minor: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Abandonment, and Classism
literatureboysmelancholy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Child death, Cursing, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Blood
Minor: Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, and Vomit