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diana_raquel's review against another edition
- 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
Partially published in serial form between 1945–46 before being novelized in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye is considered to be one of the best modern American novels. It follows the events in Holden Caulfield's life for a weekend after being expelled from his boarding school. Originally intended for adults, it is often read by adolescents because of its themes of alienation and angst. It also deals with complex issues of innocence, identity, belonging, loss, grief, connection, sex, and depression.
I think that this is one of those books that you have to read in a certain mood or at a specific time in your life (teenage years). Maybe because I'm not in the right mood or in my teenage years, this book did nothing to me. It's a "meh" to me. I know that Holden isn't intended to be a likable character but I just roll my eyes because he can be very annoying. Most of the time, I was just "Grow up already!".
I liked the writing style and even with my annoyance with Holden, I have to say that he is the perfect example of an unreliable narrator. But, alas, it is still a "meh" to me.
Graphic: Grief, Alcohol, Misogyny, Violence, Body horror, and Cursing
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Adult/minor relationship, Lesbophobia, Sexual harassment, Blood, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
sarahexe's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Death, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Sexism
sincerelyadah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I feel like I have a lot of empathy for Holden. It’s really clear that he’s deeply depressed to the point that everything in the world depresses him even more. He’s hyper aware of how much and how often people pretend, or are being “phony.” And I think that is why most depressed him—at least as far as I can tell.
Another thing I think the book really shows is how deeply Holden desires real connection. I think this is why seeing people be shallow and fake is so depressing. He wants so bad to have relationships that are real with people who are real. Especially romantically—
Moving away from the actual plot and characters towards the style, I want to mention the way Salinger writes. It’s not necessarily mind blowing, many have written books in the form of a letter, like Perks of Being a Wallflower. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not an enjoyable style. I really love the mystery, that we don’t know who he’s writing to, it adds something to the story as a whole.
And lastly, the ending. IM CONFUSED. Ill have to read some kind of explanation because even though I have my thoughts and theories, I don’t know if they’re right. If anyone does, please LMKKK
Anyway, that’s my review. I liked the book a lot. I wouldn’t say it’s absolute favorite but it’s definitely up there!
Minor: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
mushureads44's review against another edition
- 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
3.25
Graphic: Abandonment, Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Racism, Sexual harassment, and Homophobia
lipka's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Grief
Moderate: Mental illness, Alcohol, and Child death
Minor: Abandonment, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and War
alexvb's review against another edition
2.5
I can completely understand why any boy (sorry to be generalising) aged 12 - 14 would eat this book up like it's the best book ever written. But any older and I'd be questioning your comprehension, maturity, and awareness skills.
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Your standard Classics book of harrassing people who don't wanna be hit on.krystaltyong's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Cursing and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Death, Drug use, Gore, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Violence, Pedophilia, and Suicide
risemini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Child death, Sexual harassment, Cancer, Death, War, Suicidal thoughts, and Blood
gabriel_dingle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Cursing, Homophobia, and Pedophilia
Minor: Racism
This novel reflects the period of time in which it was written, meaning that there are scenes of minor racism and homophobia, sometimes even by the main character. There is a depiction of a masculine attracted teaching preying on a student which is rather uncomfortable and it is implied that all gay people are perverted like that.katharina_s's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Racism, Racial slurs, Homophobia, Misogyny, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexism
Moderate: Vomit, Transphobia, Ableism, Alcoholism, and Sexual harassment