stacey_thebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
I have no idea why this book is still being considered a voice of the genereation. After-war American generation - for sure, but not now, when geeks and nerds are slowly but surely are coming to power.
Also I have a slight suspicion that JD Salinger had seen a real live teenager quite some time before he decided to write a book - the main character didn't strike me as a veritable real person, and I am a teacher, mind it. Holden had a mission to piss me off though, and boy he did.
I heard an opinion that you need to read "The catcher in the rye" when you are Holden's age, and when you're older, you just can't grasp this feeling, this memory of being an awkward teenager not knowing what you want. To me it's a strange notion to be applied to an "all-time classics".
Sorry, Holden, you suck. You are a failure, and a bitter loser, and - guess what - that's all your own fault. Sincerely, a very boring adult you would probably hate.
Also I have a slight suspicion that JD Salinger had seen a real live teenager quite some time before he decided to write a book - the main character didn't strike me as a veritable real person, and I am a teacher, mind it. Holden had a mission to piss me off though, and boy he did.
I heard an opinion that you need to read "The catcher in the rye" when you are Holden's age, and when you're older, you just can't grasp this feeling, this memory of being an awkward teenager not knowing what you want. To me it's a strange notion to be applied to an "all-time classics".
Sorry, Holden, you suck. You are a failure, and a bitter loser, and - guess what - that's all your own fault. Sincerely, a very boring adult you would probably hate.
wombat_88's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
dogpro's review against another edition
4.0
Although many readers had complained about this novel, I really didn't find it that bad.
Yes, the language used might be vulgar but this piece explores a teenager's thought about the society. I could almost relate to the protagonist.
The worst part to me is the ending. I would have been happier if Holden did get away to the West.
Yes, the language used might be vulgar but this piece explores a teenager's thought about the society. I could almost relate to the protagonist.
The worst part to me is the ending. I would have been happier if Holden did get away to the West.
mariamitko's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
crimsonedraven's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
d0iezz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The amount of words on one singular page squewed my enjoyment
tolita's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I've ever been blindsided by anything as much as I have been by how much I loved this book. The first time I read it (over 10 years ago, when I was a baby) I absolutely HATED it. I could relate to some of holden's emotions, but remember thinking he was so annoying and that I could never understand someone acting the way he was. Now as an adult, I can see the character much more clearly. He's a traumatized and damaged kid who needed help, but wasn't mature enough to realize it on his own. I think we do this book a disservice by forcing highschoolers to read it. As a highschooler I didn't have the reading comprehension skills or the empathy necessary to really understand Salingers writing. Reading it now, as an adult, I can appreciate much more what a detailed and careful portrait of a depressed teenager this book is. I'm still in shock at how much I loved this. Wow.
evilex's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it a lot, I have no clue what the point is tbh but that's fine. It was a very easy read. Holden just feels like a very real person, he could be anyone I see passing by in the street. It doesn't feel like there's much plot yet I felt satisfied when I finished it and read the entire book in one go.