Book Review: Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

A depressing story about of troubled 16-year-old boy who is leaving another school after being asked to leave. The young boy writes in the first person and contemplates his repeated lack of desire to do anything meaningful. He aims at a menial task and will end up changing his mind at the last minute. Suicide is discussed although isn’t the primary focus of attention. Holden doesn’t really like anyone too much apart from his little sister and dead brother. The author picks up on a human emotion displayed by many but less frequently spoken about - frustrating pointlessness.

I’m a little surprised by the degree of global acclaim Catcher in the Rye receives but It is a definitely a good book and worth a read. I’ll certainly read again to recapture its portrayal of this emotion.


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