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armpit2204's review against another edition
2.0
1.5/5
I don't think I've been more bored by a book than this. It's just a series of indecision and inaction. I know there's themes and layers but I don't care this book sucks.
I don't think I've been more bored by a book than this. It's just a series of indecision and inaction. I know there's themes and layers but I don't care this book sucks.
tackles_steals's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
em_mcfar_olie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jmcdermeit's review against another edition
4.0
Whiney, but ultimately a great story about a boy learning about himself. You are immersed in the mind of the main character, and it is an interesting way to read a story.
newmoonmars_reads's review against another edition
2.0
So I've marked this one with two stars, which I'm realizing is a very unpopular view, but it is mine and I'm sticking with it.
I'm sure in its time Catcher was revolutionary in its style and content, but I read it in my thirties and I found the main character, Holden Caufield, quite irritating and repulsive for the most part. He's a typical teenager for goodness sakes. This novel is like many others - the struggles and strife of a teen. Battling the frustrations and fears with transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Feeling that those around you are pretentious and "phony" as Caufield uses repetitively in the novel. Holden does have some redeeming qualities - his love for his siblings as one. Another is the fact that underneath his ridiculous attitude, he does reveal in his narration that he has a heart and a mind. After all he is quite accomplished in his English classes and he has an understanding (though conflicted) about sex and that it should be between two people who love each other and shouldn't be just a casual encounter.
No one gets you - no one is as good as you - everyone is irritating - everyone is out to get you...predictable.
The one consistent theme in the book that kept me interested was the fact that in several instances a reader is aware that Caufield isn't just another teen. He does seem to have some deeper, more serious issues and that is resolved/eluded to in the end though never fully disclosed, explained, or detailed.
I'm sure in its time Catcher was revolutionary in its style and content, but I read it in my thirties and I found the main character, Holden Caufield, quite irritating and repulsive for the most part. He's a typical teenager for goodness sakes. This novel is like many others - the struggles and strife of a teen. Battling the frustrations and fears with transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Feeling that those around you are pretentious and "phony" as Caufield uses repetitively in the novel. Holden does have some redeeming qualities - his love for his siblings as one. Another is the fact that underneath his ridiculous attitude, he does reveal in his narration that he has a heart and a mind. After all he is quite accomplished in his English classes and he has an understanding (though conflicted) about sex and that it should be between two people who love each other and shouldn't be just a casual encounter.
No one gets you - no one is as good as you - everyone is irritating - everyone is out to get you...predictable.
The one consistent theme in the book that kept me interested was the fact that in several instances a reader is aware that Caufield isn't just another teen. He does seem to have some deeper, more serious issues and that is resolved/eluded to in the end though never fully disclosed, explained, or detailed.
kennedyallyse's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Props to the author for spanning a few days into an almost 300 page book … but overall there wasn’t much plot. It was good — well written and witty, and representative of the teenage mind. Something everyone should read, but not worthwhile more than once.
mightgetintobooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
iggy63's review against another edition
4.0
As a 16 year old, I was probably thrilled by Holden's escapades. As a 47 year old, the story is poignant and heartbreaking. And timeless. Not much sinks in when you're 16. Everyone should read this book again as an adult.