The Catcher in the Rye is one of those books I looked forward to reading my whole life. But I always stood away from it as I gave so much importance to it.. I was just scared that it might not turn out to be as good as I imagined it to be, and I could get disappointed. And it's not even because I knew the story, I guess I just had high hopes because everyone seemed to suggest the book to eachother and chat about how amazing it is. Anyway. I just bought the book last week and started reading it immediately- and I couldn't even drop it off my hands! Overall I think it was a good book, but I feel like I have to review this book in 2 aspects: first of all, the value of the book (in my opinion) just as a novel, and second, Holden Caulfield and his story.
When I was in highschool I was pretty much interested in experiencing different kinds of literature. I had to read some of the classics as they were class assignments but I never really liked the idea of being forced to read them. In fact, the obligation pushed me further from that kind of books. So in search of something different, first I found myself reading underground books, and later Charles Bukowski. Need I say how impressed I was? I was so used to reading official language everywhere until then, same word-patterns and metaphors everywhere, and when I started reading the underground books (the first one I read was Fight Club, no surprise) I was so shocked; at first I thought people wouldn't be comfortable if they knew how anarchical the language used in these books were but they could also manage to be so sincerely beautiful. That's why I often felt the need to hide the back covers of the books when I was reading them in public, and at night when I came back to my room I hid them behind the other books in my bookshelves. Briefly stated, the books I read at that time widened my viewpoint and I could feel there was a connection between me and the writers from our hearts.
I didn't read any other works of J. D. Salinger yet, but as far as I am concerned, the Catcher in the Rye was the author's first novel and it was published in 1951. For the time it was published at least it wouldn't be wrong to say that it's a very original book. But for me, perhaps because I was already reading the underground books and Bukowski in particular, it didn't seem very unique. And unfortunately, it didn't even stand out between the books that I read and feel that shares the same language and technique. Structurally speaking, it was very well depicted and warm-language, but I don't feel like I might want to read it again.
What I found more interesting about the book is the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager doubting adulthood and valueing childhood in contrast. That is also what being a 'catcher in the rye' is about; Holden wants to prevent children from growing up, or as he calls it, falling from the cliff. I think many of us went through inner conflicts as he does when we were adolescents, that's why I think it is a book everyone can simply relate themselves to. And the language the book is written in is also very warm and welcoming.
To sum up, although I'm not as impressed as I expected to be, I would suggest this book to everyone. Did you read The Catcher in the Rye too? If so, what do you think?
Rate: ✒✒✒✒ 4.0/5
