Catcher in the Rye?

Question

What's your opinion on it?

It's the most banned book in American history.

A few assaasians have been obsessed with it.

Just curious. Certainly a 'controversal' book.

Currently reading it myself.

Peace.

Answer 1

Great book. I don't think it's a book to analyze for insight into the human psyche, but I hate it when people say that's what good books are for. Good books are a way to sit down, relax, and escape the real world for a short time. "Catcher in the Rye" is good at this because it takes situations and people that are normal in every sense of the word, and creates an unexpected series of events that are both entertaining and tragic.

Answer 2

I read it when I was in high school 40 years ago. It's still probably the number one novel which all high school students must read. The book certainly deals with teenage problems, war and peace, courage, loyalty and maturity. Here's the problem I have with it. People should read a whole lot more books of different types. I think there is too much focus on this one book.

Answer 3

I read Catcher in the Rye many, many years ago and I remember that I loved it.

I identified with Holden. I liked his disgust with phoniness and his crazy rebelliousness.

Guess what? Even now I can identify with him. Society still likes to put straitjackets on the people who are different - that's why this book can be universal and timeless.

Answer 4

Excellent, excellent book. I read it in high school and several times after. It's banned mostly becuz of the language I think, but that adds to it. There are so many great things about that book....that Holden's name is only mentioned a few tines, the symbolic red hunting hat, Phoebe.....Love it

Answer 5

I read "Catcher In the Rye" when I was in the 7th grade. I LOVED it. I thought it was the greatest thing, it was so liberating. The strange thing is that I went to a strict Catholic school with nuns and everything and they didn't have any reservations about letting me check it out of the school library.

Peace to you as well.

Answer 6

I personally liked it. I had to read it for school recently and it was very interesting. I know it has lots of swear words in it. Many killers have been known to like that book. It is also Gerald Way of My Chemical Romance's favorite book. But yes I liked it.

Answer 7

I read the book in 1957. I realize that some people are disgusted with it but I didn't have that reaction. Regardless, I do think it is a highly overrated book. I don't think it is that profound or important.

Answer 8

Fantastic book. The 'boys' version of "The Bell Jar". Holden Caufield is the definition of anit-hero. Plus it has lots of sex...enjoy.

Answer 9

Its just alright if you ask me. Its an interesting novel among thousands of interesting novels and neither deserves to be banned nor worshiped. I don't get what all the fuss is about...

...not that there's anything wrong with that.

Answer 10

I read part of it in high school but I didn't finish it because I was never hooked into the story. It bored me to sleep-literally so I never finished it.