Book Review - The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

If I were to describe this book in one word, I would use “Honest”. Even though most people in this book are “phony”, walking a mile or rather a day in Holden’s shoes was interesting and quite unexpected. If I were to compare my life when I was a teenager to that of Holden’s, I think we are apples and oranges. It showed me a sort of alternative reality to what could happen in a person’s life.

It is a classic coming-of-age story with a twist. The protagonist comes off as lazy, arrogant, rebellious, and someone who doesn’t care about consequences. But, as you read on and understand him, we slowly realize that what he does is genuinely tries. He tries to keep up his appointments as with Mr. Spencer, and Mr. Antolini, and always shows up for Phoebe, his sister. He is very accepting of his flaws and calls himself out(and of course others) on his shortcomings. He seems to have very low confidence and self-esteem - calls himself a madman and a moron on several occasions.

I see a guy who struggles to understand himself and his behavior (which is the definition of coming of age!). He struggles to relate to his peers and can’t quite place himself with them. Ackley is too messy for him and Stradlater is too uptight.

I love how Salinger has described his bond with his sister. He is a devoted brother who is always admiring her. He thinks of her all the time and makes a lot of effort to make her happy. He buys her that record and takes her to the zoo. It is apparent that he hates most people but she is definitely not one of them.

The use of profanities in this book is justified as most teenagers do talk that way. The problem with authority is a common feeling. Holden is a great example of a kid who is falling off a cliff and struggling with his day-to-day and to do something simple like not get expelled from a school. He sees things for what it is and is very aware of human behavior. He repeatedly predicts what people would do - the waiters not passing on his messages, how a girl would react.

So what does “Cather in the Rye” actually mean? This world is made for adults and designed by adults. It even functions for adults who have forgotten their jolly old days. Adults, who do not understand children and adults who do not make room for children. Adults expect children to exist in their world and navigate the complexities of life which they are not equipped to do. Holden dreams of being the guy who prevents the children from falling off the cliff (which he is already). He wants to prevent them from entering the harsh realities of adulthood. Maybe he would be better off living with the lost boys in Neverland.