The Catcher in the Rye

Finished 21 February 2020

I recently re-read this novel for a podcast that I am following.  I vaguely remember reading this book when I was in high school or college.  It wasn't a class assignment.  I read it because I was trying to read the "great books".  I was not impressed with the novel the first time.  But reading it again 25 or more years later, I was able to discern much more of the issues going on under the surface.  The contrast between a young person's perspective and that of an adult makes a significant difference in what TCITR is really about.  Rather than just the selfish, petty rantings of an adolescent, we are given insight into the wounded psyche of a lost, lonely young man.  Holden's struggles to reach out to those around him, to overcome the loss he feels from the death of his younger brother, these struggles are heart-breaking to witness, and to not be able to reach out and help him.