J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye

by Barron's

Plot synopsis of this classic is made meaningful with analysis and quotes by noted literary critics, summaries of the work's main themes and characters, a sketch of the author's life and times, a bibliography, suggested test questions, and ideas for essays and term papers.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Young Adult

96 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 1984

Reviews

[Taylor Dieck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger is an amusing twist of what growing up is all about. Holden is a young man, kicked out of every boarding school he has been to. A sarcastic, and oddly pleasant male seeking to find what adulthood is all about. Only to find that life is about as pleasant as his former roomate Ackley. As he finally decides that boarding school is not part of his plans he heads off to New York. Holding nothing back Holden calls up old friends and the lust of his life that he calls Jane, as he begins his quest. Through hookers and a lot of alcohol he finds his way home, only to realize he misses his sister. Holden realizes that in life you have to grow up. You can only dodge the bullet for so long before you get hit. In his attempts of messing up in school, and immature acts, Holden knows that we all have to grow up sometime. That you cannot always be The catcher in the Rye.

[Rose Petersburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holden Caulfield is like the OG teenage rebel. 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a journey inside his head during a few chaotic days in NYC. It's raw, real, and you'll either relate to Holden or want to give him a reality check.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Keera · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book was horrible! It was self-indulgent on the authors part, and quite frankly, it was boring. I understand now why killers have this book on hand when they commit their heinous acts - they can't believe they have wasted their time on such crap and must relieve their anger somehow!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books, I re-read it every few years.
The last time I read this I was living in NY and it was my
subway read. It was so amazing to read it while I would ride past stops Holden would get off at.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hated this when I read it in high school, loved it in college. The difference? Time, perspective, deep, scholarly discussions, and a greater understanding of Salinger's themes. The language I was able to easily overlook the second time, which was a barrier the first.

[Monica Deeeee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book read in English class that I haven't hated. This book has made me much more jaded, but I think I like that. Holden is really easy to identify with, and because of the book I really want to go to New York in the winter to see the ducks, or not see them...

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books you really like but aren't quite sure why. Be aware that it has more cursing than some Tarantino films.

[Danschafer118 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book 6 or 7 times. Classic.

[Monty James · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little boring...

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still as good today as it was yesterday. (Does that make sense?) I love teaching this book.

[Yi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see how great this book would have been had I read it 10 years ago. Reading it now, Holden sounds like any other whiny, confused, self-absorbed teenager.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

most people read this in high school. i just got around to it last year. a must read!

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good one - sorry i missed out on it in high school... just that I can't say i agree with the ending

[Camilla Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this my junior year of high school and remember really enjoying it.

[Mikaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is now one of my favorite books ever! i recommend it to anyone. i could really empathize with holden, it really was a great book

[Amanda Campbell]

Yes I read it again, no other book available

[roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad they can't ruin this book with a movie.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this and "Nine Stories".

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just not that into it.

[Johanna Lorenzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I hear it referenced so much and how important it was to American literature. It was a good read, but I am afraid I didn't resonate with it as much as others.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

hid it between the pages of my geometry book in 1968 so i could read it in study hall!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Amy]

One of my favorites as a teenager. Holden is so easy to imagine as someone you know!

[Amy Hariton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite. Read it in high school.