The Catcher In The Rye

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE
by J.D. Salinger

 Nomination: National Book Finalist 1952

 Date Read: November 3, 2008

 The Catcher In The Rye is one of those ubiquitous novels that nearly everyone encounters at some point in their life. My first encounter was in high school as compulsory reading. The second was when I was pregnant with my son and enamored with the name Holden. I enjoyed it even more as an adult.

 When I think of this novel, of course I immediately think of Holden Caulfield who has been labeled as angst-ridden, alienated, rebellious. While he may be all of these things, Holden is simply a kid looking for connection and honesty in a world of pretense and distraction. I can honestly remember thinking the same things he does when I was his age and often still do. There isn't a lot of honesty, truth and genuine connection. When you are lucky enough to find those things, you must hold on to them with both hands.

 What makes The Catcher In The Rye relevant all these years later is that it holds up against the teen experience in a way few writers have ever been able to capture. I feel this is a polarizing book - either you hate it or you love it and there is never an in between. The subtlety of the plot, the depth of the characters and the enduring spirit of youth makes this book a lasting classic.

 Ranked #64 in the Modern Library's 100 Best Novels.

 Looking Forward: Franny & Zooey

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