10 July 2012

A Book a Week #3


I thought I would write a little about a more classic book, that I'm sure a lot of you will have read. It just so happens that its 61 years next week since it was first published! Perfect timing for a quick review. The Catcher in the Rye is another book I picked from my Dads book shelves when I was about 14-15 and never gave him back. From what I can gather it was printed about 1967 too, pretty old. Its quite battered, as you can see.

It's quite a memorable book for me as I bought a copy for my ex whilst we were still together when I was 18, thinking he would relate to the character of Holden and realise that he over reacts dramatically to the slightest things, and that he is distancing himself from everyone who cared about him. I don't think he ever read it, or at least he didn't whilst we were still talking, and that's what made me realise I was better without.

The majority of the novel is set in December of 1949, it is narrated, and surrounds, Holden Caulfield. Holden is an overly cynical, angsty teen, trying his hardest not to grow up and hating almost everyone he encounters. At the start of the book Caulfield is expelled from prep school, and from then on you read through his often childlike ramblings leading back to his family, and little sister. The whole thing is quite ironic as many of these characteristics he is so quick to judge are mirrored in his own manorisms. I really fell in love with Holdens innocence and wished he would stop being so destructive.

I'm really really struggling to describe this to you without going into major depth and writing you a high school essay. The whole thing is only 220 pages, for such a short book there is so much that happens, and it really leaves you thinking, so just go read it, okay!
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I put together a list of all the books you have all recommended me along with the ones I' m planning to read, have a look, and don't forget to recommend me your favourites so I can add them on.

6 comments:

  1. I have to confess that I have never read this, although I would love to! From the way you have portrayed it, it sounds like it could be a good read. Especially for only 220 pages too! I might download it after I have finished reading the books I have on the go at the moment :) x

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    1. Oh you should definitely read it! You'll fly through it its amazing. Let me know what you think if you get a chance to read it.

      chloex

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  2. One of my fave books! I haven't read it in about ten years though. I'm currently reading the Hunger Games Series and am on book three, very good books if you get through the current ones on your reading list! I read every night on my kindle so I get through so so many books. Loving reading your book reviews! :)

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    1. Amazon keeps recommending me the Hunger Games, but I always dismiss it. I'll put it on my wishlist!

      Thank you!

      chloex

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  3. I first read this when I was 17 & read it in one afternoon. It's a cannot put down book for me!

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    1. Wow, fast!! It really is a super quick read, but so amazing!

      chloex

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Thank you so much for leaving your thoughts. I love to hear what you all think and I do read every single one soooo if you have a question, feel free to ask!

chloe x

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