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The Catcher in the Rye

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Manufacturer: Back Bay Books
List Price: $13.99
Our Price: $7.09
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Average Ratings:

Ever since it was first published in 1951, this novel has been the coming-of-age story against which all others are judged. Read and cherished by generations, the story of Holden Caulfield is truly one of America's literary treasures.


DESCRIPTION:

Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780316769174
ISBN: 0316769177
Label: Back Bay Books
Manufacturer: Back Bay Books
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 288
Publication Date: 2001-01-30
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Studio: Back Bay Books


SIMILAR ITEMS:

• The Great Gatsby
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Catch-22
• Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck Centennial Edition)
• Fahrenheit 451


CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Customer Rating:
Summary: My favorite of all time!
Comment: I do not at all understand the bad reviews on this book. I have read it probably 7 times and I still love it! I think these readers are putting too much thought into the story line instead of the magic of the character. Holden is the most memorable and facinating character in any book I have ever read. He is very likeable and endearing, not to mention, funny. The story line is obviously not much of one, it is just about his life while trying to hide the fact he was kicked out of school from his parents and what he does in the meantime. Although, he has such a good heart who loves his brother, parents and sister so much he will do anything for them. If you read this, read it for the warmth of the story, not the story itself.

Customer Rating:
Summary: not exactly sure why it works, but it does
Comment: I've read Catcher a few times and it still holds up. I'm not sure exactly why it grabs people, but I think the novel has several elements working for it. For one, it's well written. Two, the author has created a unique, interesting, somewhat bizarre character (everyone knows Holden Caulfield!). Also, even though Holden has some serious "issues", I think most people can relate to his struggles on some level, particularly his dealings with "phonies". Besides, you just can't help rooting for the guy. In any case, Salinger's creation of such an iconic character is a testament to his skill as a writer. Paul Gehrman, Author, Kaleidoscope

Customer Rating:
Summary: Don't read this if you're a phony
Comment: I just finished reading Catcher in the Rye. It's not the first time I read it. But the first time was when I was just a kid and too dumb to actually get it and all. I just found it depressing, to tell the truth. But this time I enjoyed it. I'm not kidding. I found it funny, I really did. Especially the ironic parts when Holden says he hates to do something but he goes ahead and does it anyway. Those parts kill me. I have to admit, though, that sometimes the way he repeats certain phrases annoys the hell out me. It really does. And I don't like how he calls gays flits and all. Still, that was a long time ago, when people had different attitudes. And today people still read it and find symbolism and themes in it and all. They probably teach it at the same goddam prep school Holden Caulfield went to. They probably have a goddam wing in the school named after him. And all those phony teachers who didn't understand him now make their students write essays about Holden Caulfield.

It's enough to make me vomit. It really is.


Customer Rating:
Summary: Controversial, yet historically significant novel
Comment: I can see how many young people today don't really understand or connect with this book. For one, the setting and language of the book is outdated, creating a small barrier. But above all is the fact that this book is not an action thriller, which is what more people are more drawn to present day. There are not very many huge plot twists and mysteries to be unveiled in this book. Instead, this book is about an in-depth look inside the mind of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he is a troubled teen looking to find himself. The book has created a lot of controversy as required readings in schools because it is loaded with harsh language, and the main character isn't exactly the best role model as he flunks out of school, smokes, lies, drinks alcohol, etc. On top of this, Holden seems to have a very pessimistic outlook on life. He views everyone around him as "phonies" that he would rather not associate himself with. In fact, Holden even goes on to say that he would be more content if he led the rest of his life pretending he was deaf and mute, that way he wouldn't have to talk to all of the "phonies".

This book is a must read just from considering the role it has played in history. After all, this book is said to have been associated with the shootings of John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. The man who assassinated Lennon, Mark David Chapman (who is considered delusional and psychotic), became obsessed with this book, and actually handed a copy of it over to the police when they arrested him, saying that the book was his statement. Its said that Chapman, who identified with Holden from the book, viewed Lennon as a "phony", and he was trying to protect the rest of the world from his work.

I strongly recommend anyone to read this book, as it has played a lasting role in society since it has been published. Even if you don't find the story exceptionally entertaining, there are enough references to this book that it is at least worth it to see what the fuss is all about.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Never have understood the appeal of this book
Comment: The language is dated, the protagonist annoying. I was assigned this in high school decades ago and reread it recently. Its appeal is still lost on me, but I suspect its fans are readers who came of age in the 50s, a naive and long ago time now, and that young readers today, or even those of us who are not Boomer age, find it outdated and pointless, kind of like its author's disappearing act, tho I liked Salinger's other books.

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