A review by kxtekss
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

emotional reflective 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

Truly, this is one of my favorite books of all time. We read it for English last year, and I decided to re-read it because of some things going on in my life at the time. I really connect with Holden's desire to preserve the innocence of those who still have it because he lost his so abruptly, and at least personally I was hoping that he could recover even though all of that was happening to him. His story just breaks your heart.
And I think at the end, when he watches Phoebe go around on the carousel and grab for the golden ring, it shows he'll get better. He realizes that even when kids reach for that golden ring, even when they make risks that threaten their innocence and even fall or lose their innocence, they still have that same heart on them that wants to go around the carousel even if they're too old for it. He can't save everyone from losing their innocence because it's inevitable, but there's still that same heart on everyone, no matter how innocent they are. That ending to chapter 25 always makes me cry because it feels like to me he realizes there's a way out of his emotional struggles, and I feel so happy for him.
. Also, it would be a crime to talk about this book and not talk about the symbolism, how "everything means something" in this book as someone once told me. It really challenges you to employ your highest levels of thinking with every sentence Holden says, and that's one of my favorite things a book can do. Overall, I do think this is a worthwhile read, especially for those who are in a place or have been in a place where they can relate to Holden's need to preserve innocence to a fault. 
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