A review by salamander24
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

3.0

this actually deserves a review so here we go.

i originally gave it a 4/5 for two things: first, the few moments i frowned when being reminded that holden is indeed a white straight teenage boy from the 1940s-1950s (meaning that passage about homosexuals and the casual colorism). it doesnt say much about holden's character though, he doesnt seem like he'd be homophobic or racist, simply 'influenced' by the society of that time, but it makes you think of what could possibly happen if this story was a bit longer.
second, despite liking holden for his cynical remarks and the bitter irony he gives to life, at some point the repetitive pattern of his thoughts made me roll my eyes. nothing too annoying, but it's only because i dont take him seriously.
other than that this book could've gotten a 5/5, until the end, that left me a bit empty (so minus one star :| ).

i think the people who couldnt stand holden while reading were trying to give meaning to his actions. i dont think theres anything really deep about him, just an angsty teenager with some issues. what's different about him compared to many other mcs who try hard to be deep (and get on my nerves) is that holden is aware of how nothing he does makes sense. he hates everything, but he also hates himself for hating everything and he hates everyone for making him hate himself and hate everything. it's funny