...Did it change your life? I know it did mine. That was such an amazing book. Just the way it's written. Holden reminds me of so many people, including myself. I wish he was real, and actually 16 or 17 or whatever. He would be so hot! Who agrees?
2006-11-12 14:04:29 · 15 answers · asked by ღღღ 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Yes, it is a very rich and rewarding book. On the surface not much happens. He leaves Pency for New York. Goes to a couple of bars and then spends the afternoon with his sister before succumbing to his insanity.
The way the author wrote the book just killed me. He wasn't like one of those phony writers who just tells you what you want to hear. No he told it like it was - even if he was the greatest liar you ever met.
I have to admit that I have known some Stradlaters, Ackleys, and even a few Holdens in my day.
Oh well I guess a few things that I learned from the novel is that the ducks always fly away for winter but they will return. And when playing checkers, never leave all your kings on the back row. Take a chance and move!
2006-11-12 14:13:11 · answer #1 · answered by Rtaylor32 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Catcher in the Rye is my favorite book! From the moment I read the first page until now it has always been my favorite. The writing is fantastic and Holden also reminds me of myself. I would marry him if I could, too bad he only exists in the mind of J.D. Salinger! I have read it about 5 times and I love it every time, it is my "feel happy" book.
2006-11-12 17:20:03 · answer #2 · answered by sunday girl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I totally identify with what you are saying. I read the book when I was around your age and I kind of developed a crush on Holden too! lol I think when the book is written in first person you get to read the character's innermost thoughts. As a girl I love it bc I feel like I am getting a glimpse into the strange, confusing, and yet intriguing mind of males. And when you identify with the things that character is thinking and feeling. You become attached to the character. I almost always get a crush on the characters of the books I am reading and fantasize that I could meet them one day. if peeps think that is weird than whatever, they can get over, that's what makes reading fun in my eyes.
2006-11-12 15:46:17 · answer #3 · answered by Whit 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know that a lot of people think this book is great. I however don't. It is a good book, but it didn't stick with me.
I like "Ordinary people" by Judith Guest ten times better. It also is about a young man trying to make sense of himself, people around him and the world. But this book made a much bigger impression on me than "Catcher in the rye".
2006-11-12 22:48:56 · answer #4 · answered by simply_improvising 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For me this, what i take away from this book totally depend son my mood - if i'm happy while reaing it, i feel like Holden needs to just suck it up, deal with it, etc etc, but if i'm feeling rather blue, or underapprecited i find that i have someone to relate to, and someone although fictional that i can grasp onto, So in that sense, yeah, that book has changed my life - it's sad that some people get so lost/caught up in the style/tone that they dont finish the book, or get as much out of it.
2006-11-12 14:47:23 · answer #5 · answered by canuckgal49 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had to read for my high school English class last year. I DESPISED the book. The fact that there were SO many grammatical mistakes in it made it hard for me to concentrate on the actual content. Once I DID get past that though, I found Holden to be a brat. I could not get attached to his character, and found myself thinking that if he were to die, I would not care. I can't enjoy a story if I can't care about the characters. But, he complained too much, and wouldn't take responsibilities for his own actions. I hope I never read the book again, and I'm giving my copy to a friend soon.
2006-11-12 14:18:18 · answer #6 · answered by miakay141 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I read the book. What made it special is that you heard clearly the thoughts in his mind. I am surprised to find that many people who read the book deny that they have thoughts similliar to Holden's. I have had periods where I thought just like Holden (there is nothing wrong with it too). Thoughts are private. Society is not used to hearing them.
2006-11-12 14:17:18 · answer #7 · answered by David M 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I just can't relate to that book! The mind of the serial killer can though...! Mark David Chapman had a copy of this book on him when he killed John Lennon. He was convinced that he was Holden....he just wanted to be somebody. Other serial killers have also gotten something to cling to from this book...I tried to read it...! Holden is childish and violent....how can that be attractive? What...you must be a teen!!
2006-11-12 14:46:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hmmm.
I heard so much about it so I bought it. But when I started reading it, I fell asleep. Tried again, fell asleep again. This is the only book that has ever literally put me to sleep!
I guess I'll try one more time...
2006-11-12 14:10:18 · answer #9 · answered by Trust no 1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i've read the book about 5 times and have 4 copies of it...i write myself, and i just love salinger's style.....holden's attitude was so like mine..
2006-11-12 14:14:44 · answer #10 · answered by jstrmbill 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋