From the Bookshelf of Reading Until Infinity …

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

Start date: March 1, 2019

Finish date: March 31, 2019

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* February 2022 - Group Read
By La Tonya · 7 posts · 36 views

last updated Jul 31, 2025 04:18AM

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What Members Thought

Aug 29, 2016 Jon Nakapalau rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: pop-culture, classics, favorites

Every few years I reread this book...one of the first books I ever read that made me think 'how did the author know I was feeling that same way?' This book has become entwined with my youth and all the possibilities that existed at the beginning of my 'life road'. Highest recommendation. ...more

117 likes · Like · see review

May 21, 2019 Auntie Terror rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: general-fiction

Really, I've no idea why this is read in school so much still. It's horribly dated, including lots of smoking and drinking for minors. [Prtf] ...more

24 likes · Like · see review

Jul 04, 2017 Henry rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Third time i've read it and it is still great. ...more

11 likes · Like · see review

Mar 15, 2021 Sarah B rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021-popsugar-challenge, classic

I have heard that people either love or hate this book...and I happen to love it. But I can also understand why some people dislike it so much. The main character in here is not neurotypical and I would think that fact alone probably frustrates a lot of readers. They don't understand him or why he does what he does. He also has a habit of repeating a phrase over and over throughout the book, changing it slightly to better fit the particular situation. I can see many people would find that very a I have heard that people either love or hate this book...and I happen to love it. But I can also understand why some people dislike it so much. The main character in here is not neurotypical and I would think that fact alone probably frustrates a lot of readers. They don't understand him or why he does what he does. He also has a habit of repeating a phrase over and over throughout the book, changing it slightly to better fit the particular situation. I can see many people would find that very annoying. Luckily these things didn't bother me too much. In fact I found the character study of his behavior intriguing. And that's what this novel really is: a character study.

The main character at first seemed depressed to me. He's not really interested in anything and so he wonders about from one situation to the next. He also doesn't understand the point of doing many common things. Why go to a football game or attend a Christmas stage show? The show is not really religious so he doesn't see the point - I guess he can't understand doing things for fun or entertainment. He's socially inept. He doesn't fit it. And he has some very dark incidents in his past too. I believe these things bother him but he doesn't know what to do about it. And so he doesn't do anything... except engage in some very bad habits. At the same time he has a very big heart...while being oblivious to certain things. Now don't get me wrong: lots of stuff does happen in here! He does do stuff. He actually does lots of stuff - it's just not stuff he's actually interested in.

And he hates phony people. You know, those people who smile at you and pretend they are all friendly but they're really not. In other words he doesn't like chitchat. He likes smart people and lots of stuff annoys him. People annoy him too. This goes with his social problems. He can't relate to normal people and he's surrounded by normal people.

And the entire story is from his viewpoint. I think many readers would / could struggle with his viewpoint due to lack of understanding. It's not neurotypical.

And he's very blunt. He often says the wrong thing at the wrong time. Because he just doesn't know any better and he probably doesn't care. At the same time he expects people to keep their word.

I can relate to lots of these things because of my Asperger's. There are certain similarities. He's struggling and most likely is confused. He doesn't understand why he doesn't fit in. And he hasn't found his interest yet, although he does mention a few ideas during the course of the story so hopefully he'll some day be brave enough to go out and actually do it, find his interest. What he needs to find is some peace, find what motivates him.

And he most certainly does have anxiety. At first I didn't see it but it appeared later in the story.

I found the story itself very fascinating and easy to read. It's set back in the 1940s I think so there are some terms I had to Google to better understand it, but I don't mind doing that. I think one could get by easily without looking up these words. And I read this book very fast - less than a day. I was just very hooked on his unusual life and the things he was going through. And I did find the ending a bit sad...

One thing I didn't like about the book is all the profanity that's in it. And it's a lot. I suppose that's how young people talked back then. It's literally sprinkled throughout the entire book.

Another thing I appreciated was the fact the title is explained through the course of the story. Many authors leave you scratching your head as to why did they name it that? But this one is explained! ...more

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Mar 23, 2019 Tom rated it it was amazing

Oh the ramblings of the internal thoughts of a 15-17 year old depressed male youth. Well in my opinion Salinger nailed it in his writing. To rate this book one must also isolate it to the time it was written post WWII America. There were no electronic modern gizmos only radio and movies which to Holden perpetuated phony adult ideals. Holden was an adolescent who just felt more comfortable living on the perimeter of the forest (society) than within it. There is no HEA ending to this book only tha ...more

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Feb 07, 2017 Lady Alvarez rated it liked it · review of another edition

It took me a significant amount of time to be able to get myself through this book, even though I felt bad for what the main character Holden was going through. It was difficult to get into the story because the main purpose to me felt like it was a bit hard to comprehend. After analyzing it I feel sympathy for Holden and wonder if this was a true reflection of author Salinger.

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Apr 17, 2017 vincent rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed reading this book. I especially liked how Salinger explored themes of alienation and isolation -- an urge to belong and leave a mark on this planet. Thus, I easily empathised with Holden's angst and existential crisis. Not only this but the chapters were not too long nor too short; a nice length situated between the two. ...more

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