J.D. Salinger was born in 1919 in New York to an upper middle class family.He attended many prep schools before being sent

to a military academy. After graduating, he attended several colleges where his interest in creative writing grew. His first short story was published in 1940.

Salinger joined the army and continued writing, even while fighting in World War II. In 1951, Salinger’s only full-length novel, The Catcher in the Rye, was published. Today it is still considered an American classic.

He died in 2010 at age 91.

This book isn’t for you. You can still read it, of course, but it may

be a struggle…

However, if you don’t mind a cynical central character, then stay put!

The Catcher in the Rye is one of America’s most classic and beloved novels.

The central character, Holden Caulfield, is known in literature as one of the most relatable

and iconic characters for young adults.

Holden’s voice and narration are what people remember the most about The Catcher in the Rye.

He is wise, innocent, ironic, immature, and an old soul all at the same time.

Holden is said to be “the spokesperson for EVERY teenager (even 60 years after the tales

publication)”.

1950s

Present

“And I have one of those very loud,

stupid laughs. I mean if I ever sat behind

myself in a movie or something, I'd

probably lean over and tell myself to please shut up.”

“I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It's awful. If I'm on my way to the store to buy a magazine,

even, and somebody asks me where I'm going, I'm liable to say I'm going to the opera. It's terrible.”

“It's funny. All you have to do is say

something nobody understands and

they'll do practically

anything you want them to.”

“The Catcher in the Rye”

J.D. Salinger

“I'm quite

illiterate, but I read a lot. ”

“I can’t explain what I

mean. And even if I

could, I’m not sure I’d feel like it.”

The book begins as Holden is kicked out of his latest prep school.

Not wanting to face his parents yet, Holden sneaks out and experiences various adventures

and misadventures spanning a few days in 1950s New York City.

In the next three days of Holden’s life, he discovers and narrates to us his loneliness, the painfulness of growing up, and the “phoniness” of the adult world in his hilarious, cynical-yet-

relatable voice.

“I am always saying "Glad to've met you" to somebody I'm not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.”

Holden’s various escapades include but are

not limited to:

Getting beat up

(twice)

Going on a date with a girl that Holden thinks is “stupid” and doesn’t like, despite the fact

that he is still attracted to her

Sneaking into his own home to see his sister

Overall, this is a coming of age story about a rebellious, naïve boy whose narration touches

people’s hearts and minds.

Because:

Salinger takes the most random and mundane situations and turns them into something hilarious, fascinating, and heartfelt. While reading this book, I

had so many mixed emotions. Salinger makes you feel love, hate, pity, and envy for a fictional character!

I recommend this book, especially if you are a teenager. Even if it is hard to get into at first, it is

well worth it!!!! Reading about a fictional character created 62 years ago has made me think deeply

about my own life! This book WILL make you think!

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