Catcher in the Rye

[Rilla]

I've just been looking at the Pulse thing on facebook, and this book is consistently in the top 10.
I've read this book, and I really don't see the appeal. Is it a book people really love, and re-read, or is it one that people put in their profiles to sound intelligent?
What's so good about it?

[hr]

Be good to yourself because nobody else has the power to make you happy.

[the reason for the word w]

I have no idea. I read it last summer and got so annoyed at this stupid, petulent boy. Either it really is a stupid book or I missed something...

[hr]

Are you a terrorist?
- Depends! Are you terrified?

[amore vincit omnia]

I absolutely love it - it's one of the few books that I can read over and over again. Not only that, but every time I re-read it, I find something new that I'd missed before.

Personally speaking, I like it because it's so different to most other books, in terms of the way it's written, the language it uses and the issues it tackles. To me, it's more real and relevant than a lot of other literature, and I can really relate to Holden in a lot of ways. Also, I love the fact that it's not patronising (or at least, I don't see it as such) and that there's no real moral to the story. It really is just "about this madman stuff that happened to me around last Christmas"! Having said that though, I think it works on more than one level, and it can really make you think about life and relationships differently if you stop to consider it.

At the end of the day though, I can see how a lot of people wouldn't like it, especially as it's such an unusual style. Each to their own...I still think it's fab though!

[hr]

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle

[Anon.]

It's ages since I've read it, I'm slightly tipsy still and probably wildly prejudiced, but here goes:

Lots of people like it because they feel they can relate to the central character - feeling alienated from the world, probably on some sort of medication, sense of superficial superiority over mere "normal people" though insecure underneath, that kind of thing. Liking The Catcher in the Rye is a statement to oneself that one is culturally distancing oneself from "the mainstream" rather than just getting on with your life like everyone else, and is just a step down from being a Goth.

The book is extremely good at evoking that particular sort character, though.

[bubbles]

I love Catcher. It really is different to every other book I have read and is one that I never tire of reading. I guess its not just about reading something but unerstanding it and using it to help you understand your own life. I guess a lot of people may find Holden annoying or spolit or something, but if you really do understand where the character is coming from you get beneath the surface and not just read the book but really read into it. I guess its not a book for everyone but is better written than a lot of other ones.

[hr]

There is no dream and no waking up. This is today.

[LadyLincoln]

Its really weird that i was thinking of buying this book yesterday but wasnt sure i would like it, and then low and behold there's a post on the sinner...spooky...still not sure i'll read it though...

[hr]

I Say Who, I Say When, I SAY WHO!!!

[Rufus]

If you're no longer under the morose umbrella of adolescence, the level of angst within the book will induce profuse vomitting. Probably.

[Chain Mailer]

I tried to read it after being told about the conspiracy that most one hit wonder killers (like Lee Harvey Oswald and the guy who shot Lennon)had the book on their person after they'd shot their victims. Of course I didn't get far through it, it was obviously too superior for my simple mind that is swayed more easily by a film then a boring book Sure most people would enjoy it though

[hr]

Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious

[maenad]

I think this is the only apparently "decent" book I've read that I've absolutely, thoroughly loathed. I could see how it could appeal to other readers, and it is a classic. I hated it though. I only kept reading to see when the actual story would start (it doesn't), then thought I might as well finish it as I'd struggled so far anyway.

[hr]

Tommy can you hear me?