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The Catcher in the Rye

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1951

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Book Brief

J. D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1951
Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1950s

Publication Year

1951

Publisher

Back Bay Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

790L

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Super Short Summary

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield, a teenager narrating his story from an institution, recounts his internal struggles and picaresque adventures after being expelled from Pencey Prep. He navigates encounters with various people in New York City, including a date with an old fling, a meeting with two nuns, and time spent with his younger sister, Phoebe. He also visits an old teacher and eventually finds solace watching Phoebe on a carousel. The book includes discussions of depression and mental illness.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Gritty

Nostalgic

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.1

3,663,442 ratings

65%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye has drawn polarized reviews. Many praise its authentic depiction of teenage angst and rebellion, highlighting Holden Caulfield's relatable and candid narrative voice. However, some criticize the protagonist's incessant negativity and the novel’s ostensibly aimless plot. Its enduring appeal lies in its honest exploration of youthful disillusionment.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Catcher in the Rye?

Readers who appreciate The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger often enjoy introspective, coming-of-age tales with complex, relatable protagonists. Fans of J. D. Salinger's work may also appreciate novels like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

4.1

3,663,442 ratings

65%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Character List

Holden Caulfield

Holden is the narrator and main character of The Catcher in the Rye. A teenager navigating a mental health crisis, he feels disillusioned by the adult world and struggles with the death of his younger brother Allie. His story is deeply subjective, offering a view into his internal conflicts and perceptions of those around him.

Phoebe is Holden's younger sister, known for her intelligence and precociousness. She is someone Holden deeply cares for and connects with, representing the innocence of childhood that Holden longs to protect.

Allie is Holden’s deceased younger brother, whose loss profoundly affects Holden. He is remembered fondly by Holden, and his baseball mitt, covered in poems, serves as a symbol of Allie's spirit and goodness.

D. B. is Holden’s older brother, a World War II veteran-turned-writer who has found success in Hollywood. While he does not appear in the narrative, his life decisions and cynicism influence Holden's views on adulthood.

Jane Gallagher is an important figure from Holden’s past, with whom he once shared a close, innocent friendship. Although she does not appear in the story, Holden's memories of her highlight his feelings about lost innocence and unfulfilled connections.

Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1950s

Publication Year

1951

Publisher

Back Bay Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

790L

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