The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger ★★★★

[John]

After reading this book, I was curious why it was banned in some schools. Apparently the reasons according to my research included sexual situations, alcohol consumption, profanity, violence, moral situations. Whether good or bad, I found not much different than what one finds on today's television programming targeting the adolescent market.

The novel plot is fairly simple. Sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield from a wealthy family has been expelled from a boarding school for failing all his courses except for English. After leaving the school, he decides to go on a two day walkabout visiting childhood friends, former girlfriends, his younger children, and current and former teachers while discerning his future. Holden is a fine example of an unreliable narrator as he narrates his view of the world as seen through a traumatic life experience and his negative view of the world and others he encounters.

The emotional atmosphere of this classic emphasizes the angst of adolesence. Holden never seems to find joy for very long in anything he does. I was not surprised to discover that it is semi-autobiographical since Salinger suffered from major depression.

According to the Goodreads tag shelves, a number of people could not finish this book. Although it is true that this is not a feel good novel, it is well written and accurately depicts the unfocused pessimism of many adolescents.

[Theresa]

Interesting thoughtful review, John. I read this for the first time a few years ago and basically didn't like it but also knew I was too old (mid-60s) and wrong sex to really relate to it. I also felt that Salinger's ending was a cop out - sending him to a TB Sanatorium? Really?

However, the writing is beautiful, and I think I would have liked it more had I read it say in my 20s or 30s.

It led me to read up a bit on Salinger and his writing of it. It's meant to be a book for adults, not this classic to be read by teenagers though why not? Also, Salinger refused to option it for adaptation and even took someone to court and won who attempted to create a 'Holden 30 years later' version though the author belatedly tried to claim it was a parody or satire -- which are allowed under copyright law.

Salinger died in 2010 I believe and so far the Estate (his wife and daughter) have aceded to his wishes of no adaptation but Salinger himself once said that if they needed money, they would end of optioning it. It's copyright expires in 2047 at which point it's open and in the public domain.

[Booknblues]

I read this as a teenager and it felt so thrilling and risque! I absolutely loved it!

When I read it a second time while in my 40s, I found it to be slower paced and not very risque.

I am indeed sorry that it is being banned once again.

[Book Concierge]

I read it in high school and hated it. I thought Holden was a whiny brat.

I should probably read it again to see if my mature self has a different perspective, or perhaps even an appreciation for what Salinger was doing in writing this work.