The Catcher in the Rye question

I'd say thats a bit too young I recommend it for someone around 13-15 maybe more towards the 15 side

I'm 15. I was absolutely obsessed with this book last year, first read it when I was 13. I would recommend talking to your kid about the book. As far as the swearing and sexual stuff goes, twelve year olds have definitely heard worse. Don't know about ten year olds, though, and hopefully not eight-year-olds. It's mostly goddamn and sonuvabitch, with one f-bomb that doesn't come from Holden.

However, I completely copied Holden's worldview onto my own, including his misanthropy (misogyny?)...I still love Holden, but he definitely has his faults, and they were faults I looked over because I idolized him. Basically, when you know your kids aren't in that phase where they copy everything they read from books, they can read this. Talk to them about it - how Allie died, and how that changes the way Holden thinks of the world.

I'm not particularly a fan of phoniness, but you need some to get along in the world, and if you've got it, it's not the be all and end all. Just so long as you don't define yourself by the superficial things everyone around Holden rambles on about. As long as it doesn't get in the way of your empathy and connection with other people, you can enjoy as much superficial stuff as you want.

Problem is, the people around Holden connect with each other solely based on superficial stuff, and that's...not great. But I think superficial stuff can be an entry point into a deeper connection, and unfortunately, that is obviously something Holden is not going to test. Unless things work out after all with that Catholic tennis guy.

Whew! Sorry, that was a huge digression. Moral of the story: Holden isn't perfect. I think being eight or ten, you wouldn't really connect with him. How old? Depends how mature they are. Honestly, I wasn't that mature at thirteen (definitely not as mature as I thought I was), and I'm still not that mature.

It'll appeal to them when their ANGST comes in, which happened to me at twelve, so. Just talk with them when they do read it, make sure they grasp what I didn't grasp. You don't want them going on a two-year-long journey of misanthropy and loneliness because everyone is phony, and self-hatred because oH nO WhAt iF I'M pHOnY ToO?

It's on high school reading lists for a reason. Additionally, I think eight to ten year olds would be bored to tears.

I guess the optimum age is above 15. however, if one reads it earlier he can have a better understanding by reading it again later in his/her life

I read this book in four sittings. Aged 72, I read it it as quickly as possible. I had a semi-bff in high school who resembles Holden. He really had a hold on me. I loved hanging out with him. I think I'll read it again.

Eight or 10 is too young. Maturity may vary. However, my guess is they will either be bored, or ask lots of questions. But they will understand it. I personally don't think this is a book you should explain to anyone.

The proper age is when they start rolling their eyes, and are too embarrassed to be seen with you. Then tell them this book is strictly off limits. But "accidentally" leave a copy out.

No Ed your not the oldest person to read it. I think it could be me. Im 65 years old . This is one of my favourite books. Ive read it a few times and I know, I will read it again. I would love to be able to read the unpublished book I think im correct in saying its called The Sea Is Full Of Bowling Balls. Not to be published until 50years after the authors death. Im with you on this I didnt like the book! I loved it, even though I feel a bit down and upset after Ive read it.

13, teaches what not to do when you're older

I was 16 and liked it; we studied it alongside A Separate Peace.

My 16 y/o daughter had it in lit this year and didn't care for it.

8 and 10 is way to young. They won't understand it. I'd say 14 and up.

I read it in my early teens. This book discusses rather frankly many things I'm not sure an eight or ten year old would want to read about or, depending on who they are, even know about. I'd wait till the younger one is at least 13.

I read it while I was in high school and then read it again when I was in my mid-40s and I still loved it. Maybe somebody can explain to me why these so-called "book nazis" want to ban it and why it turns up on the bookshelves in conspiracy and spy movies.

My kids are 10 and 11 and I do think they're too young to read it. High school age might be better.

read it at 15 did not get it 20 years later same response. what is the big deal about this book. This is the Bob Dylan of books. Everybody says it is great I don't see it

>13

15 and up.

I think you have to be around the age of Holden to really connect with him. Or at least remember how you felt at that age :)
I read it at 17 and it was the perfect age for me.

13-up. I was in middle school when I read it so that would have been around 13-15.

I hardly think 8-10 is an appropriate age to read this book. Children need to be children they don't need adult-content shoved in their faces.

I read it when I was older, around 21 or so, but I teach it to high school sophomores who are around 15-16. They enjoy it and can relate to the storyline. Sometimes, I've had parents comment on the use of offensive language. So older is definitely better.

I'd agree with the above. It is a book about adolescent rebelliousness which has an perennial appeal to teenagers. Wouldn't think a ten year old be that interested nor for that matter anyone over the age of 25.

I was 13 when I first read it. I think that's an OK age.

For the record I read The Catcher in the Rye for the first time earlier this year and I am in my 60's. Am I the last person in the US over the age of 15 to have read this? Maybe. Did I like it? I loved it! I think this is a timeless classic.

it's a teenage story, so anywhere between 13 and 21 i'd say

i tried to re read it as a 30 year old and had completely lost the in road to that mindset