The Catcher in the Rye

How it Begins

The Catcher in Rye is a famous book written by J.D Salinger. The novel is set in the 1950s and is narrated by a young man named Holden Caulfield. The story begins with classes ending at Pencey prep school. He failed everything except English due to his lack of applying himself.  This is Holden’s fourth school as he has been expelled from the others. He is told on a Saturday that he is not to return after the fall term. Great. How will he tell his parents that he got expelled… again? Even though Holden’s story only spans over a few days,  the author’s use of stream of consciousness, leaves the reader wanting more. This is a funny, intriguing, and at times emotional novel about a young man, trying to find his place in the world.

Holden’s Story

One problem Holden faces is that he is not to return home until Wednesday. He can’t stay at school and he can’t go home early. Where will he go? He decides to leave Pencey after having a heated fight with his roommate over Jane, the girl he likes. Holden decides to go to Manhattan three days early, stay in a hotel, and not tell his parents that he’s home yet. Over the course of several hours, he manages to tell lies, get himself in bad situations, and have strange encounters with many different people. Holden is depressed and often contemplates whether to call people he knows and ask if they want to hang out but, usually, he decides against it.

The Catcher in the Rye is a classic novel that I enjoyed reading. I recommend this book to people interested in fast-paced, fun, and interesting novel with crazy events happening around every corner.

Written by Emily Mack