This book was really fun. I don't condone all of Holden's behavior or attitudes, but boy was he an entertaining narrator. I don't know if all of his slang was common in the 50s or if J.D. Salinger made it up to serve the character. Either way, I truly felt like I was reading the musings of a troubled 16 year old kid. I laughed quite a bit at Holden's wild exaggerations, his contradictions, his ability to focus and comment on the quirky behaviors of those around him, and how he refers to everyone as "old so-and-so"; even his little sister is "Old Phoebe." With its smoking, swearing, school hating, and talk of sex, I can see why this was a controversial novel in the 50s, but I adore it. Those elements don't define the story, which in the end is about a depressed and lost teenager finding his way and purpose in life through his wanderings and conversations in New York. It was a quick read and likely one that I'll return to.