
“I am always saying “Glad to’ve met you” to somebody I’m not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though” (Salinger, 52).
‘The Catcher in the Rye’, is a novel written by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. Salinger wrote the book while fighting in WWII, leaving him with post-traumatic stress disorder, which many believe had an effect on his powerful and influential writing. The story is narrated by sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield, who is expelled from an exclusive boarding school and decides to run away to New York City. The novel is a coming-of-age story that takes place over a few days and follows Holden's experiences as he interacts with various people, explores the city, and reflects on his life. Salinger explores themes of adolescent angst and the challenges that come with the transition from youth to adulthood, making the novel an American literature classic that remains relevant in a timeless manner.
Holden, a complex character who is disillusioned with the adult world, feeling disconnected and alienated from society, values authenticity, genuine laughter and kindness, and the innocence of children, which is unaffected by the phoniness he has come to find all around him. The author skillfully explores these themes in a moving way, evoking deep emotions that lead us as readers to contemplate our own lives. We are prompted to question those who surround us, and their impact on adding meaning and value to our lives. Salinger accomplishes this in only 234 pages, making it a relatively short and fast read. Those who appreciate novels like ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ should find ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking read, as these works share common perspectives and thematic elements.
Salinger’s novel is not for everyone, however. It has held some degree of controversy over the years as many feel that it includes vulgar and offensive language, sexual content, suicidal thoughts and themes, and violence. This led to many parents objecting to the novel being read in high school; however, while the story does involve said elements, they help us understand Holden’s point of view, adding depth and realism to his character, which ultimately makes ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ a classic and “inspiring read” (Aiman).
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