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c_lizziebeth's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
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
4.5
The suicidal urges, the violent thoughts, the hate he’s internalized for himself— people around him— the world— the impulses, the urge to just make things worse. He’s miserable. There’s just this glimmer of hope and love that keeps him hanging on. And I understand why some people think all of these thoughts are unrealistic… but as someone living With depression… it’s the most realistic thing I’ve ever read. This book is so important to me. I only wish it didn’t come from the point of view of a terribly sexist kid. But it does. So it’s complicated. But it’s important.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
moonheavn's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
naomistrom06's review against another edition
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
4.0
Spoilers Ahead!!
Firstly, I wanna say that I read this as a teenager - which may affect the way I view this book. Holden is a very unlikeable character who hates everything and there is a repeating theme of: walking around New York, I hate this, memory, walking around, etc. But I was so interested in what Holden thought about everything and how he would reveal more about his life and memories to the reader. Some people feel like the beginning was too slow and unbearable to read. However, of course it is not as good as the ending, but I enjoyed how there wasn’t a point he was reaching or a goal he had in mind. I think that points towards the message of the book as well.
The teacher whom he stays with at the end of the book points of that Holden is headed towards a falling trajectory. Holden has been looking for something to hold onto and he just can’t find it.
I wasn’t until Holden spent time with his younger sister (one of the only people he has high regard for) and saw her playing on the carousel. The entire book the reader sees how depressed he is and how he hates everything. All of a sudden, he feels immense happiness.
I’m going to be completely honest, I cried so much that chapter. Seeing someone depressed thrn their lives around made me so emotional.
I am not depressed or anything, but I related to Holden’s point of view and gave me hope and motivation for my own future.
thanks for reading :)
Firstly, I wanna say that I read this as a teenager - which may affect the way I view this book. Holden is a very unlikeable character who hates everything and there is a repeating theme of: walking around New York, I hate this, memory, walking around, etc. But I was so interested in what Holden thought about everything and how he would reveal more about his life and memories to the reader. Some people feel like the beginning was too slow and unbearable to read. However, of course it is not as good as the ending, but I enjoyed how there wasn’t a point he was reaching or a goal he had in mind. I think that points towards the message of the book as well.
The teacher whom he stays with at the end of the book points of that Holden is headed towards a falling trajectory. Holden has been looking for something to hold onto and he just can’t find it.
I wasn’t until Holden spent time with his younger sister (one of the only people he has high regard for) and saw her playing on the carousel. The entire book the reader sees how depressed he is and how he hates everything. All of a sudden, he feels immense happiness.
I’m going to be completely honest, I cried so much that chapter. Seeing someone depressed thrn their lives around made me so emotional.
I am not depressed or anything, but I related to Holden’s point of view and gave me hope and motivation for my own future.
thanks for reading :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Misogyny, Addiction, Alcohol, Death, Drug use, Rape, Sexism, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Bullying, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
amy_s's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
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
3.0
I was told this book would change my life. Needless to say, it didn’t. I think the stale bagel I ate for breakfast changed my life more than this book, in fact. Yes, I relate to Holden’s teenage angst. But I am not a rich teenager living in New York who can escape from their problems temporarily while delving into their deepest, darkest traumas. There’s no plot here. It’s trauma dumping for the sake of it. Also there’s a ton of symbolism that went way over my head. Maybe I’d appreciate it more if I studied it in an English class. (Not that I think it should be studied anymore, the racial slurs are UNBELIEVABLY abundant.) Look, at the end of the day, this might have been groundbreaking for teens in the 60s, but to assume it carries the same weight today would be ridiculous. Some things just aren’t meant to be timeless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
frrock's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
This book does not live up to the hype. I just could not get into it, it’s was very hard for me to read I think it might be because I hated the repetition.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Blood
Minor: Transphobia
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