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

emotional funny 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

3.0

Holden is a true teenager. It was funny how he kept complaining about the phoniness of his peers as the way he viewed himself and the way he talked often came across as phony to me ! The book was a quick read, maybe cos I read him as a mostly chaotic fast talking/thinking teenager trying to be smooth while doing so. And as most of this is a reflective retelling of his little adventure most of the book was quick-paced in my reading (plus it's relatively short ~200 pages).

But as the book continued and more emotional highlights were put in the book (albeit often adressed lightheartedly or joking) I started to feel for him. Especially the last dozen pages were quite good, hopeful even.

That said, little actually happened but I enjoyed some the smaller details of Holden's character and life that I wish I could've seen more on. I think it works thematically with his personality and escapism, or yellowness so to say, to not delve into it purposefully. Doesn't mean I'm into that though...
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