The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, ISBN 978-0316769488, Little, Brown and Company 1951

Plot Summary:

The book centers around Holden Caulfield, a prep school student in Pennsylvania. Holden is the manager of the fencing team and loses their equipment while on a train back from New York City, He’s been expelled and has multiple run ins with the some of the other boys at school, so Holden decides he’s had enough and leaves his prep school for New York City until his parents expect him to return home for winter vacation. While in the city, Holden is confronted with loneliness and trouble. He returns home and connects with his little sister, Phoebe, the only person he feels that he can be truly honest with.  Holden confesses to Phoebe about his fantasy of being a “catcher in the rye,” and wanting to save children from losing their innocence. Holden must discover for himself what kind of life he wants to lead and how his actions effect the only person he truly cares about.

Critical Evaluation:

This novel is a classic for teenagers. The story is told in first person narrative, so the reader only has access to Holden’s thoughts and perspectives. The narrative can seem a bit disjointed. Even the small action of picking up a book can lead Holden into a discussion of a certain experience. Because of this, however, some readers might find this a difficult read. This novel is more likely to find a heart with older readers, especially those at the cusp of adulthood. Holden is one of the ultimate ideals of teenage isolation and alienation. He represents the experience that almost every teenager goes through, making this book relatable to young adults even today, more than 60 years after its initial publishing. Holden is a keen observer of the people around him. He can discern people’s motives right away and judges them sometimes too quickly, but nonetheless is almost always correct in his observation. One of the aspects of the novel that really make this story stand out is that Holden doesn’t seem to change much during the story, which differs from so much other young adult fiction. Usually, the main character in a coming of age novel is changed by his/her experiences and becomes a better person for it, but Holden seems unchanged. If anything, he seems to be even more convinced that he’s already the kind of person he’d like to be.

Reader’s Annotation:

Holden Caulfield is an average teenager with average problems. Can he figure out a way to overcome adolescence?

Information about the author:

From the author’s Biography.com entry:

Born on January 1, 1919, in New York, J.D. Salinger was a literary giant despite his slim body of work and reclusive lifestyle. His landmark novel, The Catcher in the Rye, set a new course for literature in post-WWII America and vaulted Salinger to the heights of literary fame. In 1953, Salinger moved from New York City and led a secluded life, only publishing one new story before his death.

Genre:

Coming of age, realistic fiction

Curriculum Ties:

Coming of age, alienation, isolation

Challenge Issues:

This book has been challenged since it's publication. Challenge issues include smoking, lying, graphic imagery and language.

Creating a Defense:

• Make sure you have thorough knowledge of the library’s selection policy as well as a copy on hand. Your insight as well as pointing out specific portions of the policy will be helpful in discussion with the patron.
• Always have the library Bill of Rights close to show the patron your library’s commitment to providing all kinds of information.
• Have some reveiws on hand, both good and bad, from respected sources like YALSA or Amazon so both you and the patron can gain an understanding of both sides of the issue.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the books that might be challenged. Be prepared to discuss the book’s intended audience, its educational significance, purpose, and also some alternative titles to read.
• Don’t get defensive. The librarian can’t take the challenge personally and either party getting upset will cause the discussion to devolve into a fight.
• LISTEN. Even if you don’t agree with the patron, their views are as valid as yours and should be respected.

Reading Level:

Grades 10-12

Booktalking Ideas:

Are there any ways in which you can relate to Holden? Do you think he learned anything or not?

Why is the material included?:

This novel belongs on any list for young adult readers. It’s a classic and the epitome of the “teenage experience.” 

Image via Google