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retired_to_alternate_universe's review against another edition
5.0
I journeyed with Holden Caulfield on his homeward journey from Pencey Prep to New York City for the third time over the past two days. I first read this when I was in my teens, a second time while in college, and now for the third time in my early 60s. It's still a great book and continues to entertain and cause me to think deeply.
knuckledown's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, Jerome David Salinger, you are truly the champion of wayward youth. Some people find this book pointless, but I have to disagree. After the hit-and-miss of Nine Stories, I wouldn't have been surprised to have this book come to an unsatisfying or just plain depressing end, but I actually found the end satisfactory.
Holden Caulfield is a great character. Some of his catchphrases get borderline overused ("That really depresses me" and "if you want to know the truth," for example.) However, his way with words gives him a very strong voice that distinguishes the novel. You can just tell that Salinger knows this character.
Things even get sweet when Holden talks about the two people he actually seems to like: his little sister Phoebe and his old friend Jane Gallagher. Phoebe was vivid and funny, and I like to think that Holden is in love with Jane. His love for them redeems him for me. What can I say? I love this book.
Holden Caulfield is a great character. Some of his catchphrases get borderline overused ("That really depresses me" and "if you want to know the truth," for example.) However, his way with words gives him a very strong voice that distinguishes the novel. You can just tell that Salinger knows this character.
Things even get sweet when Holden talks about the two people he actually seems to like: his little sister Phoebe and his old friend Jane Gallagher. Phoebe was vivid and funny, and I like to think that Holden is in love with Jane. His love for them redeems him for me. What can I say? I love this book.
cherrybipie's review against another edition
sad
slow-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
2.0
boltrunner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
evridiki_i's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sugar_b0nes's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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
4.25
giulidrago's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Leggere Il giovane Holden è come assistere a un disastro ferroviario al rallentatore: sei consapevole che quello che accadrà sarà orribile, che non è possibile modificare il finale e che ti porterai dietro il peso di questo ricordo per tutta la tua vita, ma non puoi distogliere lo sguardo; in maniera simile il lettore non può fare altro che assistere impotente alla rapidissima discesa di Holden nella depressione e nel disagio, mentre tenta di soffocare il proprio malessere e disgusto con comportamenti autodistruttivi e impulsivi.
Holden è immaturo, lamentoso, ingenuo e irritante come ogni adolescente stereotipato, ma nonostante i suoi innumerevoli difetti non può non suscitare tenerezza e simpatia, perchè tutti nella vita ci siamo sentiti persi come Holden: è per questo sentimento di solidarietà e riconoscimento che si tifa per lui, perchè una sua eventuale vittoria sarebbe anche la nostra.
Holden è immaturo, lamentoso, ingenuo e irritante come ogni adolescente stereotipato, ma nonostante i suoi innumerevoli difetti non può non suscitare tenerezza e simpatia, perchè tutti nella vita ci siamo sentiti persi come Holden: è per questo sentimento di solidarietà e riconoscimento che si tifa per lui, perchè una sua eventuale vittoria sarebbe anche la nostra.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
jasanais's review against another edition
3.0
This is sort of difficult to give a rating. I really enjoyed reading it but I also found it all a bit pointless and Holden irritating, which is also the point??? I don’t know
bfaldano's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0