BOOK REVIEW: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

"How do you know what you're going to do till you do it? The answer is, you don't."

These words on the very last page of the 192-page novel indicates the very nature of the unpredictability of the human condition. 

This book is one of the best books I have read regarding adolescent angst. And it reads like a suspense novel where the reader is constantly left to wonder what would happen when the 16-year-old protagonist Holden Caulfield returns home after yet another eviction from a school. Salinger doesn’t describe what happens when Holden returns home and readers are left to wonder what kind of reactions his parents emote when he in fact returns home. 

I am not sure why I listen to Linkin Park's "From the Inside" every time I am frustrated and angered at the injustices of society whether it's Maldives or the rest of the world. 

This book makes quite an impact on humanity. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's (AACAP) Catchers in the Rye Humanitarian Award was established to recognize people who make significant contributions to child and adolescent mental health. 

The book’s title is a symbolic reference to children trying to avoid the loss of innocence as they grow through the rites of passage to embrace the world of adulthood. 

I did some research on the enduring qualities of this book. 

Here are some salient points: 

Alienation and Disillusionment:  Holden Caulfield, the protagonist, is a cynical teenager who feels alienated from his peers and the adult world. He views adults as "phony" and struggles to find genuine connection. 

Loss and Innocence: The novel explores Holden's grief over his brother Allie's death and his longing to preserve childhood innocence. He sees adulthood as a loss of that innocence. 

Rebellion: Holden's behavior can be seen as a rebellion against societal expectations. He rejects traditional values and institutions, like his prep school. 

Search for Meaning:  Through his cynical lens, Holden grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. He searches for authenticity in a world he views as superficial. 

Unreliable Narrator: The story is told from Holden's perspective, making him an unreliable narrator.  His cynicism and emotional state color his perception of events.

Coming-of-Age: Despite his rebellion, the novel can be seen as a coming-of-age story. Holden's journey, though fraught, is a search for self-understanding. 

These are just some of the key points of the novel.  "The Catcher in the Rye" is rich with themes that continue to resonate with readers today.

"The Catcher in the Rye" is widely considered a classic, though opinions on whether it's a masterpiece can vary. 

Here's why it holds such a prominent place in literature: 

Strong Arguments for a Masterpiece: 

Enduring Popularity: Published in 1951, it continues to sell millions of copies every year and is assigned reading in many high schools. 

Critical Acclaim: It's included on lists of the greatest novels of the 20th century by organizations like Modern Library and Time Magazine. 

Literary Innovation: Salinger's unique voice and portrayal of a teenager's angst through Holden Caulfield's narration were groundbreaking. 

Universal Themes: The novel explores timeless themes of adolescence, alienation, loss of innocence, and the search for meaning, resonating with readers across generations. 

Points to Consider: 

Controversial Elements: The book's use of profanity and Holden's cynicism can be off-putting to some readers. 

Unreliable Narrator: Holden's perspective can be biased and judgmental, making it challenging to discern objective truth at times. 

Overall, "The Catcher in the Rye" is undeniably a classic with a lasting impact on American literature.  Whether you consider it a masterpiece depends on your individual taste and how you connect with the themes and characters.