Catcher In The Rye, The
Salinger,J.DA sixteen-year-old boy's values, thoughts and feelings portrayed with understanding. [Small font]
Comments from Groups
We enjoyed the book very much. Fascinated by the validity of a book written 60+ years ago. Discussion lively, much about whether or not teenagers could be like Holden Caulfield. Nelson 007 We all enjoyed this book, many for the second time, and those people still found it entertaining and insightful. The author captured the world of the disenchanted teenager so well. Ngongataha 001 Good to read a modern classic. Gore 007 The group appreciated the authenticity. Holden's character was convincing, his awareness of the 'phoniness of society' and situations, and on the other hand his judgements with a tolerance expressed of 'how things are'. A well rounded discussion and lively. Picton 002 Some didn't like the book at all until after the discussion, where they gained a better understanding of the time it was written and a deeper understanding of the character of Holden. Gisborne 011 Everyone enjoyed reading this book. No wonder, it's still speaking of adolescents in today's world. Havelock North 005 Mixed reviews. Wasn't what we were expecting but can see why it is so popular. Was a case of 'waiting for something to happen'. Whangarei 016 Some found it funny, some found it sad. Thought that it could easily have been written today. Easy to read and we all generally enjoyed it. Rakaia 002
Pages
220
220
Year
1951
1951
Reviews
27-02-2023
An enjoyable read with some genuinely funny parts. Although a very different vernacular from today's teens, still with relevant themes (frustrated/annoyed at society). Surprising insights to 1940s New York - for a young teenager to, relatively safely, wander about at night and not see many people! (Central Park)
05-09-2022
We didn't 'like' it, but we're glad we read it!
05-09-2022
This prompted excellent discussion, as some thought it absolute rubbish while others thought it was exceptional. Wide and meaningful discussion. Relevant to today's youth.
05-09-2022
Few "enjoyed" it, but it prompted more discussion about teens, mental health and practical "help" than any other book this year.
05-09-2022
One or two of us loved this book - appreciated the characterisation and language. Others did not feel much sympathy for Holden Caulfield so were ambivalent.
05-09-2022
Reactions to this book varied wildly from enjoyment to real dislike. Are teen-agers still like that
05-09-2022
This book was enjoyed by everyone who persevered to the end - one didn't! It is a slight novel, written in the 'stream of consciousness style", and in the vernacular of the day. This took some members a while to accommodate, but all of us felt the read was worthwhile. The detailed description of the characters was noteworthy, and we were all pleased we had read this classic of American literature, some of us for the second time, with the advantage of additional maturity plus life experience. Would recommend to serious students of literature.
05-09-2022
A witty story. Writing style quite unusual. A classic book yet still felt relevant today!
23-08-2021
Great to re-read an old classic.
21-10-2020
Only 3 out of our 12 members managed to read entire book. Very mixed reaction and after our discussion we scored it from a 1 to a 3. Definitely our least favourite book of the year.
24-06-2020
This sparked a lively debate, reflected in the scoring which ranged from 1-4.5.