J. D. Salinger - The Catcher in the Rye

Pros: The words in J.D. Salinger's classic coming-of-age novel are like an infectious drumbeat.

Cons: Salinger's a hermit and has stopped sending out his words to be published.

The Bottom Line: If you've never read this book, do it. If you've already read this book but it's been a while, do it again.

Review: On July 16, Holden Caulfield--arguably the most talked-about youth in literature (get in line, Huck Finn and Harry Potter!)--turned 50. That same day, my own mother turned [ edited for delicacy's sake ]. So, Holden and Mom share the same ...

Pros: A slice of life which remains true even in these fast-paced times

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: Sex, lies, but no videotape are narrated by one of the most unique characters in fiction

Review: I'm going to start this with a generalization. The trouble with generalizations is that there are, of course, exceptions to the general. This is my generalization: Teenagers today (and adults too) do not read as much as teens (and adults) used to...

Pros: compelling, witty, coming-of-age story told by sensitive hero, Holden Caulfield

Cons: sad under the humor

The Bottom Line: This book won't go out of style...

Review: J.D. Salinger’s 1945 book, Catcher in the Rye, told to us by the main character Holden Caulfield, begins the night before he leaves Pencey Prep after being kicked out for not applying himself to any subject except composition. It’s at ...

Pros: Holden Caulfield will stick with you for life just like Darth Vader.

Cons: Course language may be too much for some.

The Bottom Line: The tale of a phony exposing all the phonies. This banned book is a classic. Some of the greatest character development in all of literature.

Review: Warning:The following review contains SOME coarse language to give the reader a better understanding of how this book actually reads. I am doing this because I want the potential buyer of this book to have a full understanding of what he is...

Pros: Holden Caufield has become my new favorite fictional character!

Cons: People might be offended by the language

The Bottom Line: I know this is clichéd, but Holden Caufield really kills me!

Review: "Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody."

These are the last words in J.D. Salinger's classic book, The Catcher in the Rye. When I say this book is a "classic book", I really do mean that. I...

Pros: Long on wisdom delivered in Great American Humor.

Cons: Age is beginning to slow it down a bit.

The Bottom Line: It's A Class Act on Salinger's Part.

Review: If there is a book to rival HUCKELBERRY FINN as the "Great American Novel," it is surely J.D. Salinger's "Catcher In The Rye".

This book has been lauded to the high heavens and banned to the brimstone of hell, but it keeps on selling...

Pros: I love it...

Cons: I want MORE, MORE, MORE...

The Bottom Line: no way could I make this one 500 words or less - sorry EP: Hey, this is like that song, REBEL YELL... I cried, MORE, MORE MORE

Review: “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...” begins Chapter Three of J.D. ...

Pros: easy style, amusing social commentary, character complexity/simplicity, length, language

Cons: some content may seem inappropriate, not a traditional classic—written more mature than similar themed works

The Bottom Line: It's a darn fine book, for literature lovers as well as casual readers.

Review: Since its publication in 1951, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye has been deemed as a classic both in literary quality as well as in its narrative, storytelling appeal.

In short, the novel tells the story of teenager Holden Caulfield,...

Pros: A good hard look at elitism

Cons: language?

The Bottom Line: I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Review: .. but I still liked it a lot. I have read this book twice within a gap of two years and I am well past my teenage (so I feel this teenage anger is not carrying me away). Actually I identify with the atmosphere in the book. The kind of self-importance ...

Pros: Good writing, eternal theme

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: Easy and, in a way, comforting read for every teenager.

Review: Recently, I’ve found The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger on a bookshelf in my local library. I know it’s considered to be a classic, so I was curious as to what made it a classic. I was curious to find out why it was banned, too. Well,...