Reviews with content warning for Suicide - The Catcher in the Rye

Reviews tagging 'Suicide'

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

145 reviews

glittery_witch's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective slow-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

4.0

I’ve heard that it is a red flag if someone likes this book. Guess I’m your problematic fave now.

The Catcher in the Rye follows 16 year old Holden Caulfield as he is stranded alone in New York City for several days after being kicked out of boarding school. The novel is written in an informal, conversational style resembling stream of consciousness, through which the events of the book, as well as the protagonist’s memories and thoughts are narrated in an intimate way.

One of my favourite things about The Catcher in the Rye is that Holden’s mental health issues gradually become obvious to the reader, as they are reflected in his way of perceiving the world, and the manner in which the world reacts to him, but this trait is never exploited, mocked, or used gratuitously. Instead, it is simply part of who he is and we learn to understand him over the course of the novel. A second element that I really enjoyed is the dry, sarcastic type of humour in this book which had be laugh out loud a couple of times.

That being said, I 100% see why this is a miss for many readers, especially if you’re forced to read it in school I can see it being super dull and uneventful. The pacing is extremely slow, and there is little in terms of a traditional plot with rising and falling action, a climax, etc. Also, Holden is an annoying little shit (although I think he is being an annoying little shit in a very entertaining and original way). Personally, I wouldn’t put it on a reading list for teens, because I don’t think it appeals to the majority of them. But if you’re a little literature nerd like me who enjoys more unconventional structures and experimental modes of narration, you might just really like The Catcher in the Rye.

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naomistrom06's review against another edition

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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 :)

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