Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)

I had to read this in high school, when I was about fourteen years old, and it completely went over my head. Having now read it in my twenties, I get why I didn't understand a single concept.

I won't say that you need some form of "life experience" to "appreciate" Salinger's novel, but I don't believe this is a piece for someone who has yet to know true independence, or figure something out by looking only at themselves for a solution. I think that's why I didn't previously understand it.

Without spoiling anything for those who may not have had the chance to read it yet, the novel is morbidly fantastic in its telling of a young man who absolutely despises responsibility. Everything seems to annoy the living hell out of him, and that isn't an exaggeration. I found myself annoyed at him, because he was so irritated at all people, all places, and almost all words. And despite multiple helping hands, of which he does recognize, his laziness persists and he cannot - will not - change his habits.

It's like a bildungsroman but without the satisfying conclusion of success and gallons of appreciation for life. He's still moody.

To me, he lacks purpose throughout the entirety of the novel, until the end when he understands for whom he should try harder for, and how even the seemingly naive or unexperienced can give you the most reason to be better, try harder, and do what needs to be done for yourself and those around you. You can tell that he is someone capable of happiness and recognizing the good in his life, but alas, prefers his front.

8.5/10