The Catcher in the Rye was my first exposure to a novel written in the "stream-of-consciousness" style. I understand the literary merit of writing in such a style, but the thoughts of a disgruntled teenager were perhaps too disjointed for me as my first attempt reading a novel fashioned in this way. In addition, I find certain dialects confusing and tiresome to read. Such was the case with this novel and I found myself being distracted by the language used by Salinger. Apart from these personal observances, I think there is much good to be said about The Cather in the Rye. I love the character of Holden Caulfield in all his obscene and confused angst. I think it is easy for any teenager to identify with his experiences. I like that he is skeptical and judgmental of those around him. Although some may view it as a vice, I think it is important to set standards for those you wish to associate and then hold new acquaintances to those standards. Sure, Holden might complain a lot, but he's a teenager. That's what teenagers do. Throughout the course of the story Holden learns many lessons, especially one of humility. As he learns, so does the reader, and for that I give it a B.
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"I am a kind of paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy." (J.D Salinger)
