The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger: Why You Should Read This Book?

Published on July 16^th 1951, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger follows the teenage angst of our 16 year old protagonist Holden. In the classic, Salinger recounts his interesting life at his boarding school while in an institution, preparing to go to a brother’s house. However, he ends up running away to New York where he has a series of encounters with prostitutes, pimps, old dates and more. He then spends a day full of joy and simple beauty with a friend, Phoebe. At the end, he alludes to meeting his parents and joining a new boarding school. There are infinite reasons you should read this beautiful book, and here are a few.

The book is a coming of age story

This is a coming of age story of Holden, and tracks his journey  into adulthood. As with so many coming of age novels, it has a tender, delicate feel to it, even when it gets harsher than ever. The trajectory of Holden’s life is lovely to follow, we want to explore every nook and cranny of his existence. And every time you come back to it, at different ages, you will derive something different from it.

The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger has themes of rebellion and teenage emotion

This point kind of blends in with the first. As with every coming of age story, there are themes of rebellion and teen angst. Holden revolts against, not a person but, a way of life and against his own emotions. This rebellious attitude without a guiding figure or presence is a beautiful exploration of how our teen rebel phase shapes us into who we are. The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger is intensely emotional, and that enhances its appeal.

It’s a cool classic

When we think of classics, we usually think of long, dwindling sentences and a Dickenesque biographical style or an Austenesque light, Elizabethan novels. But this is not what this book is like. It is cool (not that Dickens or Austen aren’t) in the way that millennials are. That is its timelessness – it stays relevant throughout. The punchlines, the characters and their dialogues and the language – it is all cool. Right from the first sentence.

It feels like teen-you has a telepathic connection with Salinger

Reading this book, you will immediately feel a connection with Salinger despite your age and gender. The book transcends all this, because it tackles real, raw emotions. Salinger doesn’t mince his words, and that is why his words have a genuineness and relatability to them. The feeling and essence of this book is all pervasive, and you will connect with the author, irrespective of whether or not you connect with the protagonist.

J.D. Salinger is a prolific writer

The main reason to pick up this book is that it is a wonder of literal architecture. The way J.D. Salinger twists words to his advantage, without being overly lyrical or flashy. He is witty and clever while also being emotional and heart-touching. His words touch you, move you and change you.

The plot of The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger Is perfectly paced

The plot of The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger is perfect – it’s neither too fast nor to slow. It just flows – it doesn’t meander, it isn’t sluggish, it isn’t torrential. Every single incident that takes place in the book is a feat of wonder, and blends into the overall narrative. All of it is essential to the book, and no scene takes away or adds to the pace of the book.

It has brilliant usage of symbolism

Salinger uses the device of symbolism sparsely by effectively, such as in Holden’s Red Hunting Hat and Jane’s checker playing technique. So many little things in this book are imbued with more than what meets the eye. He is also great at carrying out these symbolisms – everything it’s the bull’s eye.

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