The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, is quite the read. I’m only 12 chapters in, and I can’t even put the book down. There are so many things I like about this book. I really like how the way this book is narrated. Holden Caulfield is a 16 year old boy, which is around my age, and it makes it a lot easier to relate to him and the way he thinks. The first person point of view from the teenage perspective makes this book very interesting and entertaining because I can relate to Holden. Throughout the book, Holden always complains about people being “phonies.” From what I’ve read so far, I think that Holden classifies one as a phony is that person follows social norms and will do anything to be part of a group; basically a phony is someone that isn’t true to themselves and their own wants. When he talks about phonies, I can relate to Holden because I sometimes think about why people always have to fit this societal mold, and why can’t everyone just be themselves. Another thing I like about this book is how Holden drifts off into a random thought when telling the reader a story. For example, Holden was telling a story and then completely shifted his focus to wondering where the ducks go when the lakes freeze in the winter. I feel that these random thoughts make the book more pure and real. I feel that it makes the book more human, because humans make mistakes and run off and think of random things and not every single thing they say is perfect and concise. Another thing I like about the book is that Holden doesn’t hold back. He says whatever is on his mind when he wants to, and I think that juvenile characteristic of him makes the book entertaining. Overall, I really like the way this book is narrated and the main character because it makes it really easy to connect to and feel apart of his story.

While there are so many things to like about this book so far, it does have it’s flaws. For example, I really want Holden to explain more of his stories. Holden’s brother Allie, who died of cancer at a young age, was only talked about for one page and it didn’t even have that much about him. AlIie was seemingly a huge part of Holden’s life, yet Salinger left out so much on their relationship and the mourning of Holden after Allie passed. Another thing I don’t like about the book is that Holden’s random thoughts have no meaning at the moment. Salinger doesn’t explain the meaning or even hint at an underlying theme when Holden goes on a tangent, like when he talked about the ducks in the pond. Maybe I need to rad more of the book to figure out Holden’s random references and background, but as of now, it really confuses me. I really wish Salinger shared more about Holden’s life and his background for the reader to get a better understanding of why he is the why he is: life why he doesn’t apply himself in school or why he has this view on the world. I think if I knew more about his family and school life, I would be able to have a better understanding of the main character. I believe that Salinger either did this on purpose or I haven’t read enough of the book yet to find out his story. I think Salinger wants to keep Holden’s like a mystery in order for the reader to make their own assumptions as they read this captivating novel.