I read it when I was around your age, and loved it.
The Catcher in the Rye- do you like it or not?
by Chemical Emotions 38 Replies latest jw friends
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Band on the Run
If it weren't for the adolescent angst and the NY setting, I don't think Catcher in the Rye would be a great book. When I read it, the book was legendary not only for its text but its appeal to the younger generation. It was not assigned in school. I kept reading all these musicians referring to it and newnspaper reporters would describe the 60s protest movements in context w. Catcher in the Rye. I felt pressure on me to be cool and like it.
I don't think it is bad. Just overhyped. And Lennon's assassin is so clear in my mind. The Dakota and Central Park are part of my DNA now. It isn't just a story on the news.
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hamsterbait
it gained a lot of notoriety because it openly discusses adolescent boys obsession with tits and masturbation, at a time when to do so was TABOO.
NAked lunch was another that did the rounds in its time, along with "Lessons In LOve" a lesbian novel set in a brothel.
I honestly think that if Salingers book came out now, it would flop, in comp[etition with the sexual sadism in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
HB
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Band on the Run
Hamsterbait,
Precisely! Take away the shocking naughtiness and is this a literary masterpiece?
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Chemical Emotions
I think it actually has quite a lot to offer other than "shocking" material. Most authors during that time portrayed adolesence differently, far more inaccurately. Not all, but most. Most Young Adult authers nowadays (that I've read) also do this. Salinger and a few other writers were far more honest and accurate. Sometimes that included sex, drinking, smoking, swearing, selfishness, disrespect, etc. For it's time it was shocking, not just for those reasons, but for it's questioning of religion and it's questioning authority. It's a classic because PEOPLE, not just teens, can identify with it. You have to look past the purely teenage elements( there's not that many) and see other "layers". Holden's thoughts on sex, and about "phonies" are two interesting aspects that older, more mature adults could relate to. I find interesting his adversion to "phonies", even when he hypocritically acts like "phony" himself. And Phoebe is wonderful!
Oh, and I've never been a huge fan of Call of the Wild, but it's good.
I've been meaning to read The Hobbit for years!
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Chemical Emotions
I must admit that the nietzschean qualities of Call of the Wild depressed me a bit, yet intruiged me!
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palmtree67
I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy.
Very good, looking forward to the movie March 23.
You might also enjoy some of the Wilkie Collins novels.....The Moonstone, and The Woman in White are very good.
Nugget from here likes Wilkie Collins, too.
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mrsjones5
I think you would like The Hobbit CE.
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Chemical Emotions
Cool, thanks Palmtree and Mrs Jones. I'll check those out at my library.
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palmtree67
If you are on facebook, I'm part of "Bookworm Discussion Haven" started by a friend of mine in Australia.
I think Talesin is on there, too.....
I've gotten really good book suggestions from there.
Right now, several of us are reading/have just read "Neverland" by Douglas Clegg.....if you like creepy children, you will like that book, too....