Reading Group #1: The Catcher in the Rye

I liked how he tried to pick up his school mates mom, or at least thats what I think is what happened.

 

Ohh, I've been reading this book, I'm near the end. My girlfriend absolutely LOVES this book and is forcing me to read it.

Other than some things he realizes, I don't find what is so great about this book. People over hype it.

 

I'm not sure how much you know about 50s culture, but this flies right in the face of it. Plus, in my opinion, Holden is a really well-written character, especially if you read other works by Salinger.

 

Yeah I mean, I enjoyed his thoughts on things, but the situations and the dry humor that my girlfriend loves, it's not for me. I finished the book tonight and liked it overall because it has a great ending, but I guess i'm just more of a SciFi/Magic/Mystery person.

Only certain books hook me.

 

I have an idea to liven up the reading group thread. How about rather than just discussion we elect sombody to make put 15 questions. 5 True or False, 5 Word Problem Questions, and 5 questions that ask you what you think about the book (i,e questions you can't get wrong!) an example of each category would be

1. T or F jane appears to be the only person that Holden has deep feelings for

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2. Who wrote this book, when was it written and what is it about?

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3. Do you think any of the characters are too flat and not round?

questions in each category . I suck at making them up but I think maybe it could do one of two things, it could end up making the reading group be too much like work and put people off or it could interest some who are fascinated in others opinions and perspectives and such

 

I don't mean to jump on this in the middle of things, but I'd like to share some thoughts.

I read this book last summer and I really expierenced what Dean discribed. I really love this book and the characters.
Somehow from the start I wasn't expecting action, etc. The book showed me exactly what I wanted to find inside the story.

Theories about Holden's attitude towards life: I think you should take into consideration his upbringing and how that made him into the person he is. Maybe even see the book as the point where he gets a real chance to turn things around.
It might be more enjoyable than struggling to reason and blaming him for his actions.

I really need to buy this book and read it again.

 

Just a reminder for discussion: Holden is telling you the story at a Mental institution. if they helps explain anything.

 

Did they say it was a mental institution specificaly? I don't remember, but there's definetly an impression that he's getting some sort of treatment.

That's a good question right there: do you guys think Holden is crazy?

 

well no, but something along the lines of a mental institution or something like that.

 

I don't remember reading that at all.

 

First sentence, he's not explaining it to us, he's explaining it to a therapist probably.


or least, it's what my teacher told me.

 

Yeah.. I just think he's talking to the audience, he doesn't HAVE to be talking to someone about it.

It's a cool idea but I just like to think that he is speaking to the universe.

 

Spoiler:

Spoiler

On the final page it alludes that Holden has been given leave from school to undergo therapy.

 

That I didn't know. Why, though? I don't think he's "crazy". Well, he does have some issues, true...
Yeah, I guess it does sort of make sense.

So, a couple more things I noticed about Holden; he's the glass-half-empty type of person. Everything seems to depress him and he's always feeling sad and sorry for others even if they were actually happy. He also doesn't seem to have that many friends, which I find rather strange because he's a good kid. He's nice, generous and friendly (well, when he wants to be, anyway). And yet he's very lonely. I mean, he keeps asking just about everyone he meets whether or not they'd care to join him for a drink. It's kind of sad.

All in all, I'm enjoying the book.

 

He's not crazy but he has mental problems, if you see what I mean by that.

 

You're right on the money about lonliness. In fact, it's essentially the last sentence in the book.

And you're also right: he's very generous. He always seems to be letting people borrow his stuff. Maybe it's his way of trying to become friends with everyone?

 

Well, if it is then it's not working very well, is it? But I don't think he's got any problem making friends, it's more like keeping them is what he's not all that good at. It seems like every place he's been to, he's managed to make friends. They all probably like him, he just dosen't really care. Once he's left that place they all become history to him. He remembers them and all, but I don't think that he's still friends with them.

He's just so moody and he never does anything unless he feels like it.

 

I found the carosauel part really sweet

 

I know this thread is really old (although it is a sticky) but i think this is a really cool idea. What are the chances of the group starting up again?

 

I'd do it again.