Scan barcode
jasminelucyx's review against another edition
3.0
I liked Holden and he was a great narrator, some bits were pretty sad and uncomfortable (probs to be expected for a book about someone descending into a psychotic episode.)
I get why it’s a classic. I enjoyed it but will probably never pick it up to read again. I wasn’t hooked and could have taken it or left it so it doesn’t quite get 4 stars.
I get why it’s a classic. I enjoyed it but will probably never pick it up to read again. I wasn’t hooked and could have taken it or left it so it doesn’t quite get 4 stars.
noova__noova's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Where does the ducks actually go during winter??
shiqingxuan34's review against another edition
5.0
In which my rating reveals what an angsty pretentious teen I am.
krhodes's review against another edition
reflective
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
2.5
Just not a fan. For someone who hates phonies so much, he does not realize that he is in fact the most phony in the whole novel. Very little interest in one sad little boy crying that he’s growing up. Whole thing reads like a pathetic love letter to Salinger’s school days, and if anyone misses being that depressed they’re nuts. I live it enough to not need to read it.
kikpres's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Sorry, but I just couldn't stand Holden.
laraedvi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
shanzae_m's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Holden is so real
joshkiba13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was really fun. I don't condone all of Holden's behavior or attitudes, but boy was he an entertaining narrator. I don't know if all of his slang was common in the 50s or if J.D. Salinger made it up to serve the character. Either way, I truly felt like I was reading the musings of a troubled 16 year old kid. I laughed quite a bit at Holden's wild exaggerations, his contradictions, his ability to focus and comment on the quirky behaviors of those around him, and how he refers to everyone as "old so-and-so"; even his little sister is "Old Phoebe." With its smoking, swearing, school hating, and talk of sex, I can see why this was a controversial novel in the 50s, but I adore it. Those elements don't define the story, which in the end is about a depressed and lost teenager finding his way and purpose in life through his wanderings and conversations in New York. It was a quick read and likely one that I'll return to.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
veeste's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5