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.
The Catcher in the Rye
(1965, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by J. D. Salinger)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 |
Have you read it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- 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 13 and give it
An excellent book, but not for every teen
The two reviews below describe how this book is so objectionable and challenged. They don't talk about how great this book is and that it has good undertones in it. Yes, this book is not for every teen, but this book really is a masterpiece and modern teens can actually relate to this book. In regards to sexual content, there are no actual situations, but many suggestions, gay men are called "flits", and in one scene Holden has a prostitute in his hotel room (no sexual situations). This book is very objectionable and controversial, but it's an excellent book.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Disappointed my child was reading the book for a class!
I did not know that teachers could require my children to read such trash without my permission. For my son to read God's name being taken in vane over & over was disturbing. He wanted another book to read & we are waiting to receive it. There should be an alternative book offered from the beginning.Parents should be informed of the adult content in books. I am doing a book review to a committee at the school to band the book or at least have alternative books to read.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Never let a child read this! Terrible!
This book was FULL of profanity and innuendos. The main character lives an immoral few days in the city thinking of nothing but sex and lying his way through everything without consequences. The writing was so poor that the only new vocabulary your child could pick up are things their teacher's will call you about when they use them at school. Worst book ever!
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
One of the best novels of all time.
The Catcher In The Rye is one of the best novels of all time. I myself have read it about 4 times. It may not be appropriate for kids under the age of 14, but all teenagers should read it at one point in their life.
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- 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.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
A Boy's Hectic Life
If there was to be a book written for the enjoyment of young teenagers, particularly one written in a teenage boy’s point of view, it would have to be ‘The Catcher in the Rye’. Here J. D. Salinger places in words, the thoughts and feelings that run through a 15 year old boy as he encounters certain events in a fraction of his lifetime, particularly the issues that branch off adolescence, including feelings of love and infatuation, school issues and family relationships. Also to note, the book is written quite colloquially with a fair use of rude language, since it is the view of life through the eyes of a mid-teen. ‘The Catcher in the Rye comfortably suits the young teenagers who read it, since similiar perspectives are to be found throughout the work. Also throughout are sometimes found comments on life that are quite surprisingly found to be true after a little pondering. Salinger has put in the effort to include the boy’s feelings in words that invite the reader to feel sympathy for Holden Caulfield, the main character. “You know kids when they’re sore at you. They won’t laugh or anything.” He comments on his little sister. Overall ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ is found to be quite connective with the teenagers it is aimed toward, being awarded 4 out of 5 stars for its demand in common book stores and its relevance to society
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
You should know your kid
I've read this book, and sure there's sex, underage abuse of alchohol and tobacco, and other bad stuff; but if you look past that part and really enjoy the book, it isn't so bad. If you as a parent think that after reading the common sense media review are completely against the book, try it for yourself. It is the best book I've read in my short lifetime. After reading it yourself, think about: your kid's maturity, how "bad" the book was, and then did I really enjoy this book? Make your choice from there. Awesome book!!:)
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Awe-inspiring...
This book is one of my favorite of all time. I read it in the beginning of sixth grade and it was a bit confusing but it got a lot better and very interesting. Worthy of being in the top ten of all literature of the past century. Incredible satisfying.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A often challenged and misunderstood book.
For most kids, even in today's era, this book can be easily relatable yet can be scrutinized by more conservative people. The main character often uses God's name in vain and drinks and smokes. But, despite his questionable morals he often seeks to protect others from the same vulgarity that he is exposed to. Because this book is often required reading in high school, go into reading this book with an open mind. Otherwise you will get only what you seek for.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This Book Shouldn't be Banned Anywhere!
This was one of those hard books to put down. It was well written. Holden Caulfield could be a pill in some situations, but I could relate to him sometimes. I strongly protest the banning of any books unless they are pure garbage in a literary sense and use sex, drugs, and violence without proving a point. Book banners ban knowledge!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
i hated this book
this is one of the most pointless books i have ever written, and the protagonist is not in the least bit endearing or enticing. he is just incredibly annoying, and i did not care in the least what happened to him. i realize he is supposed to be annoying and hypocritical, but all that this book manages to do for me is make me wonder why i am wasting my time with this garbage. also, i wonder how this has come to be know as fine literature, whereas an entertaining book such as harry potter is considered a children's book. i honestly 100% do not understand why everyone obsesses over this book. but i guess a lot more people like this book than me so if you are reading this i would actually suggest you read it because the odds are that you will enjoy it because so many others have.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Best Book Ever Written
Okay, parents who think this book is full of profanity and sex and destructive behavior, it is. But the thing is that kids by age 12 know everything there is to know about that stuff. The main character "Holden Caulfield" is very easy to relate to especially as a teenager. Feelings of loneliness are a big theme in the book and really explains what its like. Everyone should read this book at one time in their life.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
amaing but not for my age
this is a great book but it's violent and talks about sex the whole time. Holden also swears many times. He doesnt say it but the f word appears a few times. I say this is for kids 12 and up
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
i am not done with this book but it is really goood so far
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Catcher in the Rye
I read it it 6th grade and then again for my linguistics class in 9th. Honestly, i loved this book! Holden Caulfield, as irritating as he may be sometimes, is a universal figure most people can relate too. Holden epitomizes the feelings of loneliness and insecurity. Does he ever make it alright? its up to the reader to decide. Personally, i think he will (:
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
BEST BOOK EVER!
i love this book because i feel i can relate to the character "Holden Caulfield" in alot of ways, and so can many other teenagers! it is a must read book and i suggest you get a copy.
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
CRAPPYIEST BOOK
i h8ed this book. it was totaly pontless and no very well writen at all. in all honesty it sucked and and my school, i havent met one person that has liked it and all 10 graders have to read it. its totaly pointless and i dont know why anybody even likes it?
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A surprising read
I was startled by this book. Written in an intensely frank manner and a style that could be almost labeled as stream of consciousness, it certainly stands out from other books of its time. I must admit though, that despite Holden being seemingly the embodiment of all teen angst, I couldn't relate to this volatile character in the least. However, I consider myself in the minority in feeling this way, and so I still recommend it to all the rebels of my generation.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
The best book I've read in a LONG time
I absolutely loved this book. It's one of the best books maybe ever written. I am in seventh grade and that is the perfect age to read it. The bad parts could be that they curse a lot, but mildly most of the time. The only violence is that in one scene Holden gets punched really hard in the nose. They talk about sex, but there isn't much in it. I love it, READ IT.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
good book
i read this book hearing that it was amazing, well as much as i think the book is overrated i still recomend teens to read it. through out the book there were times when it would be so boring but i kept reading because i could relate to Holden a lot
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
a must read!!!
i loved this book. i identified sooo much with it. it really tell the truth about life and so many thing in general. i espicially recomend this book for any ppl out there who dont really fit in, or think that the world is out to get them...this book was the bomb!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great Book
This is an amazing book and should be read by everyone!! regardless of age. Great from the 1st page until the last.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
A classic that I never wanted to end
This was, by far, the best book that I ever read. I am a pretty active reader and I have a read a lot of books, but this one was my favorite. I was so disappointed when i was on the last page and there was no more to read. Truly a terrific book, everyone should read it before they die.
