Catcher in the Rye

Spoiler Alert: Crazy is relative - especially for the boy that no one sees and who sees everyone.

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Amazing. In short, this story took my breath away. After my second reading of it, I can say with confidence that it is certainly a classic with reason. Catcher in the Rye, was touching, moving, and thought provoking and definitely stands out among my favorites. The storyline had strong and lasting writing that stayed in my head for long after I finished it. It didn't shy away from difficult subjects, and was very progressive and unique to the time. The ending was not a happy one, although hopeful and beautiful in its own right. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, although lovable (and I'll admit fictional crush worthy) - definitely has past trauma he must face- and a definite lack of people to help him get through it. After his brother dies, it is slowly revealed how bad of a state Holden is in. He is slacking in school, detached towards his schoolmates, and even ponders suicide at one point. He is indecisive, alone, quiet, alienated, and numb. I think every readers' heart has gone out to him - he's just stopped trying. He only has three allies he feels he can trust: His former and beloved English teacher, Mr. Antolini, his little sister Phoebe, and his big brother D.B. D.B. is absent most of the story, as a screenwriter in Hollywood. Mr. Antolini turns out to be a part of a rather disturbing storyline, and makes Holden feel the opposite of safe and secure. Phoebe however, is a symbol of love and light - especially in Holden's life. The book shows that for however alienated one might feel -- you are not alone. I think it is important to include here, the beauty, and significance of the title. I think it's best said through his words. Holden says, “Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around - nobody big, I mean - except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff - I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be.” That is not only revealing of Holden, and the good heart he truly has, but the outlook and intention of the story as well. Holden is messed up, and cynical, and judgmental, and broken, and protective, and hopeful. He is the ultimate protagonist, not just because of his interesting outlook, but because of his big heart and capacity to feel. The story ends with Holden and his sister Phoebe visiting a carousel. As his little sister rides around, it begins to rain. And for no particular reason Holden becomes overwhelmed with happiness and ends the chapter with, "God, I wish you could've been there." I loved it - it was the perfect ending to Holden's short story. I have cried every single time I've read this final scene.

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Favorite quotes: “I am always saying "Glad to've met you" to somebody I'm not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.” ~~ “I like it when somebody gets excited about something. It's nice.” ~~ “The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.” ~~ “It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to.” ~~ “I don't exactly know what I mean by that, but I mean it.” ~~ “People are always ruining things for you.” ~~ “All morons hate it when you call them a moron.” ~~ “People never notice anything.” ~~ “Make sure you marry someone who laughs at the same things you do.” ~~ “The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.”