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

although this is colloquially known as the incel bible, i feel there is so much more we can take from this book in a modern interpretation. the quintessential dissection of the american white boy, i found it fascinating to examine holden caulfield’s psyche and understand the complexity of his insufferable and unreliable condition and superiority complex, though not necessarily in the way Salinger intended - i almost understood this as a satire.

Content Warnings

lizziertaft's review against another edition

Go to review page

sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I was gifted this by my older sister when I was 18 and I never got around to reading it. She said it was intended to read before college, I didn’t understand until page 189. I found the words very comforting, unfortunately they came from a character who is suspect of preying on Holden sooo…He’s one of the many predators talked about in this book, to the point where I have to believe the author wanted us to understand how perverse men are.

The POV of Holden gets old quick. The book is slow and severely overrated. What many consider a classic, I think is just outdated and dull. I do have empathy for Holden and hope he found healing where it was he was getting help for at the end. He reminds me a lot of an old best friend I had, I’m convinced Holden was a Gemini moon.

Content Warnings

stayfrostyloki's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny sad slow-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

5.0

He's just like me fr (severely mentally ill and disillusioned with the state of the world)

Content Warnings

mme_carton's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad 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

2.5

Content Warnings

bill369's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective 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

3.0

My friend randomly picked this book in the library and said I should read it.

I like Holden's sister Phoebe. Perhaps she's only idolised by Holden. Nevertheless, she's likeable. To the book she's like fresh air, she sticks out among the other rotten characters. Most importantly though, I enjoy how she brings the best out of Holden.

Holden gets kicked out of yet another prep school. Therefore, he decides to getaway. While away, he confronts quite a few aspects of the „adult world“ and tries to deal with them.

Page 29, men.
Jenom proto, že je sám do sebe šíleně zamilovanej, tak si myslí, že vy do něj musíte bejt taky šíleně zamilovaný a že prostě umíráte touhou udělat mu nějakou laskavost. Svým způsobem je to psina.

Page 199, leave past in the past.
Nikdy nikomu o nikom nevypravujte, poněvadž by vám pak začal scházet.

I'm content with how the book ends.

I am not impressed by the book. However, I'm glad I read it because it's classic. Now I'll know what people are referring to.

Content Warnings

grace_cr1's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

glittery_witch's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

naomistrom06's review against another edition

Go to review page

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 :)

Content Warnings

More...