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

challenging emotional reflective fast-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

2.0

I can understand the appeal of this book historically, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I felt like Holden’s character was one that needed help (after his brother Alfie’s death, after being expelled from a few schools etc.) but wasn’t sure where to find it. His criticisms of everyone externally seemed to reflect on inner turmoil (for example, him disliking ‘phony’ people seemed like a projection of his neuroses that he too, was ‘phony’). I tried reading it because my friend said it was a classic and something that everyone should try, but I just could not connect to it 🥲 I have seen reviews for this book and they are mixed, so I am glad to see I’m not the only one that didn’t connect to it. I did feel some love for Holden though, after discovering his depression 🥺
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