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May 08
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Talmadge
gave
to:
The Catcher in the Rye (Paperback)
by J.D. Salinger
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my rating:
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recommended for: everyone
Talmadge said:
"“Catcher in the Rye”
By: J.D. Salinger
Review by Talmadge Irvin
J.D. Salinger did not grow up in the same time period as I am in now, but through his character Holden Caulfield I could really identify with the problems that frustrated him...more
“Catcher in the Rye”
By: J.D. Salinger
Review by Talmadge Irvin
J.D. Salinger did not grow up in the same time period as I am in now, but through his character Holden Caulfield I could really identify with the problems that frustrated him on a daily basis while he was in or outside of school. “Catcher in the Rye” is the story of Holden Caulfield telling of his past experiences while preparing to make his journey back home from the school he is being expelled from. Holden Caulfield tells things how they are and what they should be according to him.
The book introduces you to many characters, but the nonchalant “what-ever” attitude of Holden is what made this book really hard to put down. Holden really goes deep into his problems instead of leaving you wondering and just scratching the surface.
Holden constantly thinks of a girl named Jane Gallagher that he grew up with. He sort of had a secret crush on her but was very nervous to talk to her. “I think I’ll give old Jane a buzz.” He first mentions Jane to us when his roommate at Pencey Prep, Ward Stradlater, comes back from a date with her. This constant reminiscing of Jane gives the reader something to anticipate in future chapters of the book.
Holden talks of his actual encounters with his peers at school. People like Sally Hayes, Robert Ackley, and Ward Stradlater were big parts of Holden’s school life. Holden has his fun by going to bars, hanging with associates, and smoking cigarettes. He seems to hate school but have two encounters with teachers that made a difference in his life. Mr. Spencer was the only teacher whose class Holden liked at Pencey Prep. Mr. Antolini is the other teacher that impacted Holden by giving him great advice.
Robert Ackley is a supposed character that irritates Holden, but Holden uses him as a companion for help and advice. Holden was very descriptive of the characters that we are introduced to giving us stimulation in our creativity to be able to actually picture them. He describes Ackley as, “He was one of these very, very tall, round-shouldered guys- he was about six four-with lousy teeth.”
Family is very important to Holden. You would infer that I mean his parents. However, Holden really cares for his sister Phoebe and little brother Allie. Holden also mentions his big brother D.B. that is away in Hollywood. Many characters are mentioned but Holden being the protagonist is the most important. We get to know him the best and the way his mind works.
The overall theme of the book is one of rebellion that is demonstrated through Holden’s actions and words. There is also a big sub-theme of being real with people. Holden complains terribly of phonies that engulf his surroundings giving the reader the opportunity to identify their problems with his. Holden doesn’t directly address always being real which is why this book opens up the possibility to interpreting your own life lessons.
Holden was your typical rebel. He came from a very good background. His family was pretty wealthy and his parents cared a lot about his education to send him to three good schools. His sister was very intelligent and could relate to Holden although she was very much younger than him. His little brother was perhaps the brightest kid that he ever met and always kept a positive outlook on things. His older brother served in the military and became a successful writer.
Holden is very interesting but you will also grow to love his sister Phoebe. She was Holden’s best friend and was willing to do anything for him. She was the ideal sibling by being someone Holden could talk and enjoy himself with. She was very loving and understanding of Holden and was ready to go where ever with her big brother.
Catcher in the Rye was published in 1951, but the things that went on in Holden’s life seem to have foreshadowed things that you find in your everyday life. Our world today is full of phony people that do not intend on being real with people.
Holden ideas about life did not agree with the standard ways of living. This is and incredible adventure about the journey Holden Caulfield takes from leaving Pencey Prep to returning home. He has many situations where he demonstrates lessons he have learned. If you want to find out if Holden matures as a character or remains nonchalant about his future, I strongly encourage you to read this book. This is the type of novel that makes you want to know what happens next.
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Talmadge
read and liked
Chad's
review of The Catcher in the Rye:
"The best book I've ever read.
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