que libro tan genial

Hated it

I am very impressed with this book. I've made it my goal to read classics and some of them I haven't found the appeal. Until now.

I wish I had read this book during the peak of my adolescence as 16 year old me would have gained so much more than I did reading this as someone on my way out of adolescence. Salinger understands in every sense of the word what it's like to be a teenager. What it feels like with the angst and alienation and doing things and not understanding why. Holden Caulfield epitomises all the traits of a typical troubled teen, much like I was. Death obsessed and fearing, impulsive, hot headed and most importantly cut off from others by his own doing. Yes, others authors have attempted to create the teenage tension but it mostly comes across as self satisfying, pathetic and very annoying yet Salinger makes Holden charming through the fact he hates most things but when he cares about something, it's charming and lovely to see. Such as his relationship with his siblings.

I don't think Holden particularly changes between the beginning and end in sense of anagnorisis but I think that's the point. He caught in the adolescent battle between childhood adulthood, when is appropriate to stay young and fun? When is i crucial to grow up? He has a peter pan complex. Nobody wants to grow up but this novel is about how Holden is struggling to find a balance and so rather teeters on the edge of childish and immature to compensate. Its the main reason he keeps calling adults phoneys, nobody wants to grow up and the fact they did, makes them a phoney to him.

There isn't much in terms of plot it's more of his stream of consciousness but I cannot describe how much I enjoyed this book and the profound effect it has had on me. I'll definitely be recommending this to my 15 year old sister. Very rewarding read, a type of read I've missed.

Pretty much my favorite book as a teen. :)

This is the book that, whenever I'm feeling down, I can pick up and read. Everything seems so familiar. I can't even begin to guess how many times I've read it over and over. I know that there's a lot of people out there who consider CitR overrated, cliche, the list goes on... but you guys can go fuck yourselves, because to me, this is an awesome book and I can't even begin to describe how much it's meant to me. ...So there! hah :P

I kept waiting for something more poignant than teenage angst; a revelation, a new sense of self awareness, a conclusion? but I guess that's it. a cult classic, either you get it or you don't. I understand why some do, but it didn't hit me in the face as a life changer.

I hate this book. From start to finish I couldn't find anything redeeming about this "classic." Maybe I am too old to identify with Holden, or maybe I don't have enough sympathy for what he is going though...either way, I just couldn't stand it.

I am happy to strike another "must read" book off my list.