"The Catcher in the Rye" is a novel by J.D.Salinger, a story about the struggles of growing up, told by Holden a year after the events in the book from a sanitorium. Holden Caulfield is a 16 year old who has just left his prestigious school of Pencey prep because he has failed out once again. Holden spends the next three days wandering around New York city. During this small wander-filled journey Holden visits old friends, old places, and old thoughts as well as pondering the loss of innocence, the consequences growing up, sharing his hatred for Phonies, and life in general. You know. The usual things most teenagers think about while on the cusp of adulthood.


A really spectacular read in my opinion. I read it on a whim because some seniors were reading it for class, and I know a guy who is obssesed with Salinger, so I read it and am in love with the story and Holden himself.

Im not going to start a discussion topic right away, because I feel to delve I need to read it a second time, but feel free to bring one up.

So you made it! And it is much better than previous efforts I must say!

I also read it on a whim but just because it was lying there in my room. My Dad actually gave it to me to read and I can really see why now. Post-reading it quickly became my favoruite book and my copy of the noivel one of my favourite possesions.

I guess a large factor towards me enjoying the book was feeling similar to Holden does at the time. I was 16 and had the same thoughts he did about some people and things. It made Holden a loveable character and I did to some extent kind of 'fall in love' with him myself. Ive found myself reading and re reading sections of the book over and over.

I know this novel will always hold a special place in my heart.

>>2 Same thing here. Im almost 16, and the things Holden says and believes kind of seem to strike a cord with the things and thoughts going on in teenage life. At this age we start to question things and the people around us the same way Holden does, and having someone right there in front of you affirming that you arent alone is a spectacular feeling.

On another note, I spent a week after mentally calling people Phonies.

This book wasn't that appealing to me. Im not saying it was a bad book im just saying that at the moment its just not catching my eye. I can't say much other than that because I haven't finished it and who knows maby by the end of the book il like it. The issue i have is I can't relate to the character at all and stories with out a real plot or goal that the main character wants isn't really my thing.