Book 31 "The Catcher and the Rye"

The Catcher in the Rye

BY

J.D. Salinger

Why in the world would I include The Catcher in the Rye to my reading list?

#1 Because it was a book I probably should have read in High School but didn't bother reading.

#2 It ranks in the top 10 all-time of "banned books".

Banned books?? Come on! Who could resist? I will raise my hand and proclaim from the top of my lungs "Not me!" So, I went out (even at the risk of being monitored by the FBI and CIA) and purchased a copy at the local book store. However...for the record..I used cash so they couldn't trace it back to me. (And just in case the FBI or CIA are reading this....maybe it was me, or maybe it was someone else).

The book was an interesting read. I shouldn't joke about the FBI and CIA interest in the book. It was the hot topic ssurrounding the death of Beatles legend John Lennon. Since the killer used the book as his reason for killing Lennon and was completely obsessed with The Catcher in the Rye. Conspiracy theorist have used the book as a source of hypnosis and brainwashing suggestion used by the FBI or CIA for years.

MY TAKE

It amazes me after reading such a simple little book that it could literally cause such a big stir in our society. The book was literally banned in several school districts and some teachers were fired from using it in their literature curriculum. In addition, some thought it was racist, and exposed children to unnecessary violence. Welcome to 2011, where gangster rap is king. Violence in the book? Seems ordinary to me. Language? Fairly minor compared to Stephen King. Victim to the innocence of the 50's?? Probably.

The book itself showed a change in direction from developing characters more than developing the plot. It's easy to get lost in the main characters ramblings. In the end, the book didn't amaze me as a brilliant piece of work, but more a piece of history.