I first tried to read Catcher in the Rye last fall, when several unpleasant events forced me to live without cable or a working computer for a month or so. I had heard it was one of those books, a classic, a life-changer, required reading for a adolescent.
I wasn't impressed.
I didn't think much of Holden. He seemed whiny, and with his 1940's slang and rambling style of speaking, half the time I had no idea what he was talking about. There seemed to be no interesting plot, no conflict or excitement or even emotion, from what I could see. I abandoned the book after a few days, unfinished.
This time around, I feel myself liking it a bit more. For some reason, I can relate to Holden. I'm interested in his life, his growth. I want to know if he'll ever see Jane again, and if he'll end up going back to school. I'm invested in this foul-mouthed, red hat wearing delinquent.
And I like it.
(I missed the midnight mark. Oh Noez!)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are liking the book, Cassie! I had a similar experience the first time around too, not impressed and quite frankly, uninspired by Salinger. Then I read it for a second time and I found myself appreciating Holden Caulfield on a new level. I agree with you...Holden is the utmost symbol of adolescent angst. It's interesting to think about what makes him so timeless or if he is slowly becoming outdated in our society. I'll be anxious to hear how your reactions change throughout the remainder of the book!
ReplyDeleteHAH this is EXACTLY how i felt when i first read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
ReplyDeleteyeah, i was sad when i found out i had to read it again X___X