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A review by happi_mess
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First things first, THIS HAS TO BE READ WITH A STUDY GUIDE COMPANION. It’ll give you more perception on what’s really going on.
Anyway, I first read this book years ago when I was starting college and didn’t feel like I was in the right place. I have absolutely loved it then and I may or may not have wept.
Alright, rereading it now about 7 years later, I find that I didn’t actually like the writing here. I didn’t like the overuse of “though”, the repeated phrases, “phony”, “depressed” etc.
Before I have the feelings of empathy towards Holden. Now, it’s sympathy. I think there was a great lod of things that I have missed during my first reading of this book and was only looking for the things that matched my situation.
What Holden was going through was terrible. His desire for connection, to be understood, to be with someone… I think that’s the reason I kept reading and it ultimately brought me out of my slump.
The ending was redeeming. We went through those few days with him and it was worth it. His relationship with Phoebe was the best thing that came out of this book. I think I partially love Holden—so damaged and only wants to save the innocence of children.
This book is clearly not for everybody, but I would still definitely recommend.
Anyway, I first read this book years ago when I was starting college and didn’t feel like I was in the right place. I have absolutely loved it then and I may or may not have wept.
Alright, rereading it now about 7 years later, I find that I didn’t actually like the writing here. I didn’t like the overuse of “though”, the repeated phrases, “phony”, “depressed” etc.
Before I have the feelings of empathy towards Holden. Now, it’s sympathy. I think there was a great lod of things that I have missed during my first reading of this book and was only looking for the things that matched my situation.
What Holden was going through was terrible. His desire for connection, to be understood, to be with someone… I think that’s the reason I kept reading and it ultimately brought me out of my slump.
The ending was redeeming. We went through those few days with him and it was worth it. His relationship with Phoebe was the best thing that came out of this book. I think I partially love Holden—so damaged and only wants to save the innocence of children.
This book is clearly not for everybody, but I would still definitely recommend.