This feels silly to say but what inspired me to read this book was that one Family Guy clip where Quagmire chastises Brian for thinking Holden is an intellectual. That made me wary of liking the book. Still, because someone recommended this to me, I tried to approach with an open mind.

I understand the critical acclaim. Above all else, this book is a depiction of a struggling teenager. Holden is immature and doesn’t mature much further by the end, but that doesn’t matter. The core message of this book to me was “you’re not alone”. That’s nothing special, but the way Holden interacts with people and the genuineness of his internal monologue is what sells it. I relate to Holden, and was like him as a teenager in many ways. I still am. It’s nice to read this book because it communicates how widespread these issues are. 

Holden as a character is, again, nothing special. He’s deeply flawed, but his concern for Jane Ghallager and his care for his siblings highlight his good side. 

Above all this book is an opportunity to reflect on one’s own teenage life, and likely would resonate with many age groups, including those who are currently teenagers.