Review of Catcher in the Rye

Review of Catcher in the Rye
By: J.D. Salinger
Catcher in the Rye is a modern classic of literature that was written in the 50s, and now has a movie coming out that tells the story of the author, JD Salinger.    Some readers probably studied it in school, novel for the time it was written.
The Catcher in the Rye is narrated by the male protagonist Holden Caulfield a 17-year-old boy, who has once again been kicked out of another school.  He is failing almost every subject, except English.  Holden decides to go ahead leave campus and head into New York City. He spends the weekend in the city not wanting to go home to early or deal with his roommates.  He provides commentary on his peers, his teachers, how much he hates phonies and the movies, his family, and his experiences.   He goes to bars to try to get alcohol, uses the same curse word constantly, and almost has sex with a hooker.  

            If this book was rated like a movie it would probably be PG13 for foul language and some mature content such as drinking and a little bit of sexual content, though no sex actually happens.  As I said, this book is appropriate enough to be studied in High Schools, but I would not recommend it for readers under sixteen.  It is an easy read, because the chapters are not super long it only has up 26 chapters.  The character is relatable to teenagers, because teens can potentially relate to Holden’s feelings.  Though his immaturity turns him into an annoying character at times that you roll your eyes at.  He thinks Pencey is a bad school because did not like what he had to do in most of his classes.  He uses the same curse word constantly and does not seem to like anything.  I do enjoy the relationship he has with his little sister Phoebe, which is the one positive thing about his character.  The novel is well written and paced in a way that makes for a quick and easy read.  It also has a good message about holding on to your innocence, because the world could change you. I rate this a C+.

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