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dbrousseau14's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book because it's considered a classic and I had never read it. From page one you get pulled in to the thoughts of Holden Caulfield, a drifting student who can't/won't find his way. I went back and forth during the book between believing Holden was highly intelligent and just not applying himself out of boredom or a sense of superiority and believing he was in some way mentally challenged. My favorite character, and the only one who I could even remotely relate to was Holden's younger sister Phoebe. This book is great for a glimpse into the mind of a student in this time period. I write this review before I look into other reviews or discussions about the topic. It's a fun read, but I'm not sure there's really a point.
frankimaddock's review against another edition
5.0
that book killed me. it really did.
what really annoyed me while reading this was all of the kids in my class. they were always complaining about Holden, about his pessimism and cynicism and all. they're all goddamn phonies, especially when they found out about Holden's abuse. they acted sad and all, like they weren't just bitching about him two goddamn minutes ago. He sure as hell isn't perfect, but I thought he was okay. He didn't depress me. Well, sometimes he did but he really didn't.
it's funny how everyone who doesn't like the book complains about all the complaining. they don't realize they're missing the whole point.
what really annoyed me while reading this was all of the kids in my class. they were always complaining about Holden, about his pessimism and cynicism and all. they're all goddamn phonies, especially when they found out about Holden's abuse. they acted sad and all, like they weren't just bitching about him two goddamn minutes ago. He sure as hell isn't perfect, but I thought he was okay. He didn't depress me. Well, sometimes he did but he really didn't.
it's funny how everyone who doesn't like the book complains about all the complaining. they don't realize they're missing the whole point.
kikilovestoread23's review against another edition
5.0
Moved to New York so I thought it only fitting to revisit the first book I read for boarding school about a quick trip to the big apple.
Frightened yet deeply comforted that I seem to be in the same headspace as a 17 year old boy in the early 1950s. I swear to God I’m a madman too, Holden.
This book was so much better than I had the capacity to understand and acknowledge when I first read it 13 years ago. I laughed out loud, nearly cried, and felt such a deep sense of being known. I know it will give me a whole new experience when I read it another decade from now. Until then, gonna do my best to stay away from all the goddamn phonies out there - 5
Frightened yet deeply comforted that I seem to be in the same headspace as a 17 year old boy in the early 1950s. I swear to God I’m a madman too, Holden.
This book was so much better than I had the capacity to understand and acknowledge when I first read it 13 years ago. I laughed out loud, nearly cried, and felt such a deep sense of being known. I know it will give me a whole new experience when I read it another decade from now. Until then, gonna do my best to stay away from all the goddamn phonies out there - 5
a_clifford's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
eshtonstwins's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
meli3s3s's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
3.5
vmusing's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book a lot! While Holden could definitely be unlikable, I found myself relating to him on the level of sensitivity and lost childhood innocence. Really liked his relationship with Pheobe!
sigridhhh's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
frescapades's review against another edition
Holden Caulfield is a very sharp, though sometimes lazy boy who gets kicked out of his boarding school, but before his family finds out/he goes home, he goes to New York City for a few days. Through his experiences, we come to learn that he is a deeply sympathetic boy who is struggling to transition to the adult world.
Some people think this book is boring, but it's probably because they read it in high school and didn't talk about it/analyze it enough. I'm glad I read it when I was older, as it had a profound impact on me. I had never read this book before, and it is now one of my favorites. I have never really identified with a character as much as I relate to Holden, so it was really great to read about him and learn more about myself in the process.
Some people think this book is boring, but it's probably because they read it in high school and didn't talk about it/analyze it enough. I'm glad I read it when I was older, as it had a profound impact on me. I had never read this book before, and it is now one of my favorites. I have never really identified with a character as much as I relate to Holden, so it was really great to read about him and learn more about myself in the process.