Review from a Transgressive Fiction Fan
I first read ‘Catcher’ about 20 years ago. I didn’t know what it was about; I just knew that it was one of those modern classics that everyone should read. I never knew that it would become my book. The character of Holden Caulfield is one of the most polarising characters out there; you either love or hate him. I was firmly on the side of love. Holden’s words spoke to me, to the lonely kid dealing with a serious illness. He got it. He knew what it felt like to be lost and confused, to be sad, to feel like every situation was life or death… He just got me. And this book became a part of my soul.
“Insightful” Review from a Mainstream Reader
If I could give this book a zero, I would. I absolutely hated it. Generally, I don’t hate books, either. Usually it’s a very strong dislike, and generally, I give them a second chance. But no, I will never be reading this book again.
In my opinion, Holden is the worst character in the English language. Salinger tried just too damn hard to make him ‘universal’, to the point where he becomes unrealistic. His train of thought is annoying and repetitive, and God, those catchphrases of his. Can someone shut this kid up? Holden is almost the anti-Gary Stu. Nearly every thing’s wrong with him. The one good thing about him being his love for his younger sister.