The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger Book Talk
Title: The Catcher in the Rye
Author: J. D. Salinger
Page Count: 234
Genre: Young Adult / Coming of Age Novel
Released: July 16, 1951
Summary:
The Catcher in the Rye follows 16 year-old Holden Caulfield. He has just been expelled from his prep school and spends two days alone in the “real world” before he has to return home. Holden’s struggles with loss, relationships, his future, and his family are all on the table.
My Thoughts:
With The Catcher in the Rye being such a renowned classic, I was eager to read it for myself. It was a quick story to read, but it felt like not much of substance occurred. I understand that the book is meant to point out the flaws in the world from Holden’s perspective, but it came off a bit odd. The sexual elements used in this book were too much for me. I felt the detailed scenes were unnecessary, especially for a story that follows a teenage boy.
The writing style in this book flowed well, making it one of the easier classics to get into and understand. It is a book you can read in one sitting without getting a headache. Though the book is a detailed account of two days in Holden’s life, I finished the book wanting more. Readers are thrown into Holden’s world without much context and the story ends without a true resolution.
This was a good book overall— I definitely prefer it to some of the books I was made to read in high school— but it left me with more questions than answers.
Have you read The Catcher in the Rye? Were you satisfied with the ending? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
ashleyohare 