I honestly hated this book. It ended just as abruptly as it started. I would not suggest this book to anyone. It is depressing and full of profanity.
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The Catcher in the Rye
(1965, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by J. D. Salinger)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
One of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
Themes in this book include: growing up
updated 09.25.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–15
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Catcher in the Rye
Parents need to know that this book is chock full of mild to moderate swearing, and "f--k" is used several times. There are also lots of sexual references, and everyone smokes and drinks -- including the underage protagonist. Holden refers to homosexuals as "flits." Still, it's an American classic that everyone should read.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the ways in which the content of the book, which is set in New York City in the early 1950s, might be considered dated by today's standards. How are Holden's experiences different from those of a modern teenager? If there are differences, are there also things in Holden's world that have largely stayed the same in terms of teenage life?
- Do you relate to Holden in any way? Do you admire him, or do you pity him? Or is it a little of both?
- Why do you think this book is considered so important -- and why do you think it's been one of the most frequently challenged books when it comes to censorship?
Our Members Say
See all 33 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Just don't
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
For older teens
Poor Holden is a depressing character that I want to help get better. No one seems to care about his behavior to help him.
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Unbelievable
This is such a disappointing piece of work. I am all for self expression through literature but one has absolutely no need for revolting profanity an continuous sexual reference to do so. Catcher in the Rye is a highly unenjoyable piece and I wish I hadn't been forced to read it through my school's curriculum. What a waste.
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
Nostalgia
Remember the past… Imagine you were a child, what kind of life did you have? What kind of childhood did you have? Do you remember? The book The Catcher In The Rye runs through a variety of experiences that you could have experienced. It starts out with an average 15-year-old boy who is our protagonist. He gets kicked out of school. He had decided to go back home, along the way meeting a few quirky characters that you may have met. The book is aimed at teenagers of this time or people who would have had a similar childhood. Readers would be allowed to compare their childhood to this. Teenagers would be able to see the hardships of earlier years and what they could or have already experienced could be examined. The story itself has a strong alcohol and smoking influence. Parents who would want to teach their kids to act responsible with the 2 factors are advised to read the book. Teen family issues are also addressed, as the protagonist does not want the parents to know about him getting kicked out. Whether this is an issue or is relevant to teenage pride today is your own opinion. Holden has a lot of ideas on society at the time, about language and phonies. Holden says most of this directly “… With Dr Thurmer some weeks ago. They’re Grand people”. “… Grand. There’s a word I really hate. It’s a phony.” The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger runs through the basic stereotypical ideas of a teenage life. The story stars off slow, but it grows stronger in the middle till the end. It is a good read.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 50% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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For Your Family
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