Catcher in the Rye - Book Review

Stepping into controversy after it was banned in America after its first publication, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger, is sure to keep you thumbing through the pages. The story of a young man’s journey through life with obstacles such as: his brother dying, being expelled from numerous schools, suffering from depression, and the intolerance for the world around him; The Catcher in the Rye is told from one man’s reflection of his place in society and the world around him. Holden Caulfield, a teenager growing up in New York during the 50’s, has been expelled from Pencey Prep due to poor academics. In attempt to cope with his expulsion, he goes to New York City to take a break before returning to his parent’s house. He ultimately decides to enroll into a school while living there and tells his sister, “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing anybody.” While staying in New York in cheap motels, Holden is troubled by the death of his brother due to leukemia, and the suicide of his classmate, being alone in New York only weakens Holden’s fragile state of mind. Told by the protagonist, the story describes Holden’s vivid emotions and thoughts; eventually leading to Holden’s erratic behavior, odd depression, and later on nervous breakdown.