"The Catcher in the Rye"

The novel, The Catcher in Rye by J.D. Salinger, has served as a topic of both controversy and debate, but also praise. Many critics have distinguished it as a “classic” because “it captured the mood and sensibility of its era.” It is a favorite of many people, by the influence on young readers even a half-century after it was published. However, it has also suffered much negative criticism for the portrayal of Holden, a depressed, nervous, impulsive, sexual, and vulgar teenager, has attributed to the controversial nature of the novel.

            J.D. Salinger has had much criticism from The Catcher in the Rye, some of it good however. Commentators praise his informal diction, his use of symbolism and also an unusual perception of an adolescent experience. After this book was published, it rocketed to the NY Times #1 Best Seller list and J.D. Salinger became very well known. Later, Salinger became a recluse and stayed at his house with his family for about 20 years. In an interview with him, Salinger stated that he “liked his privacy.” He also said he writes for himself and not for others, that is why he does not publish many books.

            In the 1950’s, The Catcher in the Rye became a best seller instantly. Ever since it was published, about 250,000 copies were sold every year. Today, 60 million copies of the book have already been sold. Over the years its popularity has declined slightly but people are still buying the book. The novel has had its ups and downs however. It was banned in many schools and book store because many believe Holden’s behavior encouraged teenage rebellions, undermined to family values, and used blasphemy.

            The Catcher in the Rye has influenced our pop culture today in many ways. There have been references to Holden in movies such as “Kicking and Screaming”, “Big Fat Liar”, “Wedding Crashers”, and in “Tropic Thunder”. There have also been multiple references in TV shows like “Family Guy”.

            In my opinion, I think that it is good to read this book because it puts a different perspective on things and I believe that it is very important in the lives of many teens.

http://holden.wikia.com/wiki/In_Popular_Culture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catcher_in_the_Rye

http://www.levity.com/corduroy/salinger1.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/09/13/specials/salinger-speaks.html

http://www.opednews.com/articles/My-Exclusive-Interview-Wit-by-John-Blumenthal-100129-990.html

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1902376_1902378_1902428,00.html

http://www.bookrags.com/criticisms/The_Catcher_in_the_Rye

http://www.gradesaver.com/author/j-salinger/