Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (1991, Paperback, Reissue)

Holden Caulfield, a teenager growing up in New York during the 1950s, has been expelled from yet another school. (This time, it's Pencey Prep.) His teachers had found him to be incompetent and an underachiever. After coming to the conclusion the so-called "friends" he had made were phonies, Holden decides he has no reason to stay. He packs his bags and leaves, deciding to "take a vacation" in New York before returning to his parents' inevitable wrath. Told as a monologue, The Catcher in the Rye not only describes Holden's thoughts and activities throughout these few days, but it also goes back to his past. He describes some of his true friends, how his parents and childhood were,and gives reasons for his actions. (Like deciding not to have sex with a prostitute.) These few days can probably be best described as a developing nervous breakdown, a result of his unexplained depression, impulsive spending and generally odd, erratic behavior. However, life continues on around Holden as it always has, with the majority of people ignoring the changes that occur in him- until it begins to get them seriously ticked off. Progressively through the novel we are challenged to think about society's attitude to the human condition - does society have an 'ostrich in the sand' mentality, a deliberate ignorance of the emptiness that can characterize human existence? And if so, when Caulfield begins to probe and investigate his own sense of emptiness and isolation, before finally declaring that the world is full of 'phonies' with each one out for their own phony gain, is Holden actually the one who is going insane, or is it society which has lost it's mind for failing to see the hopelessness of its own existence? This is a timeless classic, not to be missed.

A very fast paced story about a troubled youth with sarcastic views & observations of "the phonies", people he encounters while on vacation in NY City. Some interesting facts to know before reading: Thirty years after its first publication in 1951 "The Catcher in the Rye" was both the most banned book in America as well as the second most taught book in public schools.

Mark David Chapman,murderer of musician John Lennon,was carrying the book when he was arrested immediately after the murder and referred to it in his statement to police shortly thereafter.

John Hinckley, Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was also reported to have been obsessed with the book. Both compare themselves with Holden. This is a recommended read just for the character study alone.

I read this book in jr. high and still have the same copy. It is an incredible book that I think every young adult should read at some point. Holden Caufield is such an incredible and complex character...three cheers!

Catcher in the Rye is a wonderful piece of literature that is easy to read, funny and wise. I loved it!

While not very plot-driven, Catcher in the Rye tells the story of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, a cynical, jaded teenager who is expelled from boarding school for his bad grades and lack of classroom attendance. The story spans the two days after leaving his school and follows Holden on his journey home via hotels, bars, and bus stations. And while the premise of the story doesn't sound like much, reading this book was a lot of fun and some may even being able to identify with Holden's attitude toward life.

Having read this for the sheer pleasure of it, I'm now pondering the reasons Catcher in the Rye has reached its "classic" status. Possibly it broke new ground with all of its cursing and sex-talk, which was most likely unheard of in the 40s, much less from a novel written through the point of view of a teenager. Whatever the reason is, undoubtedly readers will have fun with this novel and will find intelligent topics of discussion regarding its contents. A must read for every book fanatic. One of the best classics I've read.

Book was in great condition and received promptly! We were very happy with the service we received.

Likely the most timeless and influential book of the last 100 years. No teenager should neglect reading it (several times). The saga of Holden Caufield is as relevant to the angst of this generation as it was to those past. Parents, if your generation Xer is complaining about how this era has it so tough, get them a copy of this book, then send them to go see "Saving Private Ryan" with a WWII vet.

I bought the Catcher in the Rye because it is was my favorite book in Highschool. I wanted to buy it and read it again to get the joy that I had gotten while reading it before. The book I got was a paper back and in pretty good condition for its age. Unfortunatly there is not much to say about a book. I know that I can say that the story is wonderful and will keep you wanting to read more. I think a lot of people can realate to Holden Caufield, the main character in this book.

I read this book in high school, and decided that I wanted to re-read it as an adult. I liked it in HS, but even more as an adult. Although I think the surface of the story is a whiny, bratty, rich high school student, as an adult I saw some of the deeper psychology, which was fascinating. What I saw this time was a young man with a unique sensitivity to evil in the world, who begins to bear these burdens until he crashes. I believe it also has interesting insight on the darkness of the upper classes. I think the storyline is unique, the characters realistic, and an easy, fascinating read.

Delivered before said time, packed well, description of condition accurate. Smaller than I thought it would be.

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The order was handled fast. The product was as advertised, and received in good condition. I will use this site again in the future when and if I need a book.

A wonderfully well written book, classic story. If this isn't in your personal library, it should be.
If you love reading, you will enjoy the story line and the manner in which it is written.

LyonZPath

I loved this book from the very first page. It was an eye opener and i really think all who feel they have little OR NO DIRECTION IN LIFE, should at least give it a chance. It won't solve problems but it will give you insight.

This book is a fast read. Very insightful of details as being a kid who cares not to much for an adult life. Thankful that was never required reading for me!

Very nice to read. What a way to realize how different people can be. A way to learn about the way life really can be. Thanks, Peggy

I did not like this novel. It was immature, depressing and filled with foul language. There was, however, exactly two redeeming qualities, which I will get to.

First of all, something is terribly wrong with Holden. I suspect that the entire novel is based upon a first alcoholic binge. Holden is a drunken and stupid extrovert. He knows that he is fairly stupid (not as brilliant as either his dead brother Allie, his prostitute writing brother D.B. or his young sister Phoebe), yet he knows he is more intelligent than most other people.

Holden recognizes "phoniness", or superficiality everywhere but within himself. He is incessantly on the phone setting up meeting after meeting with girls and friends. He would probably go insane if he had to spend one day alone with his own thoughts. The entire novel takes Holden's encounters with others one after another in a crazy break-neck speed. It is a bit ridiculous.

The beautiful thing about Holden is his youthful cynicism and his sensitive intelligence. Holden seemingly by chance stumbles upon many epiphanies. He sees through the material world into the heart of reality. He feels sorry for everyone. Everything depresses him. Nothing attracts him in the material world. In his rebellion and cynicism he unwittingly finds wisdom and sagacity—fairly useless things in a modern society.

I must give an answer to Holden's statement that Jesus' disciples were as useful to Jesus as a hole in the head before crucifixion (afterwords they of course built the Body of Christ), and that Jesus picked the disciples at random.

Holden said that he likes anyone in the Bible better than Jesus' disciples because they kept letting Him down. Arthur Childs only response to Holden on this matter was that he didn't read the Bible or go to church and that if he didn't like the disciples, he didn't like Jesus. That is not an answer!

My response to Holden would have been that nothing is random and everything is random. Jesus picked His disciples so that they might be an example. They mirror all followers of Christ—we are useless to Him as they were. If we don't like the disciples, it is not Jesus that we don't like as well, but it is ourselves.

No doubt the disciples realized their erring ways after His crucifixion (especially after He visited a few of them through the walls) and tried as best they could to mend their uselessness.

Now. It was well worth wading through all the nonsense adventures that Holden had, with his little witticisms now and then, to come to the speech of the "flit" and intellectual, Mr. Antolini (whose wife was obviously standing in as a mother-figure). Mr. Antolini could plainly see the heart of Holden's rebellion. He recommended education as the tool for Holden to explore himself. I'm not sure if I agree or not. Certainly for some people, but I doubt we should have Frank Herbert's "Dune" had he not dropped out and and pursued his own interests...

Listen now to Mr. Antolini's words, and beware of him standing over you in the dark, salivating...

"This fall I think you're riding for—it's a special kind of fall, a horrible kind. The man falling isn't permitted to feel or hear himself hit bottom. He just keeps falling and falling. The whole arrangement's designed for men who, at some time or other in their lives, were looking for something their own environment couldn't supply them with. Or they thought their own environment couldn't supply them with. So they gave up looking. They gave it up before t

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This is a great book that was in like new condition when delivered.
An excellent read. I have heard of this book for years. The seller described it perfect. no better anywhere..............................

good book and i liked it. sometimes i got bored though..haha. however, the main character Holden is absolutely related to myself since we are both at the same age level. again,great book.,!

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Was a good book. I always wanted to read it but never had the time. I personally think that all the hype is overdone for this book. I think it was a good and quick read but a Classic? I'm not so sure.

I recommend this seller. Product was in great condition and shipping was timely. Nothing to dislike. Loved the condition. Online description matched the quality of the product.

I bought this for my granddaughter for a book for high school. I personally have never read the book, but it has to be good to be used for school.