Catcher in the Rye (Barron's Book Notes) (Paperback)

by J.D. Salinger (Author) "Who is this person talking to us so casually in the opening sentences of the novel?..." (more)
Key Phrases: madman stuff, Jane Gallagher, Central Park, Radio City (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A guide to reading "Catcher in the Rye" with a critical and appreciative mind. Includes background on the author's life and times, sample tests, term paper suggestions, and a reading list.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (October 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812034074
• ISBN-13: 978-0812034073
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #460,877 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This item is part of The Barron's Book Notes Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing glimpse into mental illness, September 5, 1999

By A Customer

I read this book at 16 because a teacher told me I would relate to the main character. This was soon after I had been diagnosed with manic-depressive illness. I am now 21 and have read the book several times and the more I experience and live through the symptons of my illness, I see how the entire book seems to show that Holden might have been experiencing a manic episode. And it is amazing that it was written so long ago, before much was known of the illness. I adore this book because the thoughts and emotions I sometimes have that seem to be so terribly painfull and unexplainable are all stated crystal clear right there in the pages. I reccomend this book to anyone who has manic-depression, or anyone who wishes to understand such a person's emoitional obstacles. I also highly reccomend all other works by Salinger, particularly "Raise High the Roofbeam, Carpenters and Seymour, an Introduction".

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars xxxxxxx, December 26, 2006

By	J. M. Harms (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I won't continue the string of how I liked the book, what it meant to me, etc. After reading several reviews, it would serve no purpose. What is interesting is that I just read the book for the second time, at 60, the first time I was 17. That was 1964. Many of the reviews stated that it was required reading in school....I have to laugh. The book was banned reading in my high school, and we risked school punishment if we were caught in possession of _The Catcher in the Rye_.

Think about it.....Vietnam was just two years later, and the world changed forever for us. And we were not allowed to read Salinger's book in 1964.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Masterpiece, July 22, 1999

By A Customer

When I first read this book, I had no idea where it was heading, as the writer just jumped straight into the plot. As I continued through the story, I began to think that Holden was just as phony as the many people that he hates, though soon, I began to realise that his negative attitude is a result of being let down too many times, thereby, he seeing no point in making an effort himself. I find his protection of Phoebe incredibly sweet, considering the type of person he is, and the fact that he wants to protect her from the 'real world'shows that he is scared that she might one day become like those 'phonies'. This is an amazing book, which will captivate your mind. An extremely positive recommendation comes from this girl.