I have always been a reader. From looking over assignments for school, to finding new books to devour, reading has been a big part of my life. No matter what I read, I found myself getting attached to whatever reading I decided to pour myself into. I learned that books can make you feel a multitude of emotions. They can make you laugh, or they can teach you important life lessons. Books can make you into a better person, and they have the power to impact your life tremendously. One book that had an noticeable effect on me was "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D Salinger.
One part of the book that impacted me was Holden Caulfield. Holden is the main character of "The Catcher in the Rye," but he is anything from perfect. Holden is a misanthropic young man who has a negative attitude towards the world. Holden reveals that he got thrown out of school for poor grades, and he looks at people with disdain. Holden is clearly a troubled person, but he showed me that perfection isn't necessary to be memorable. Holden's flaws made him into a compelling character, and his comments are insightful and witty. Holden demonstrated what it is like to be a troubled teenager, and he felt like a real person to me.
Additionally, I was changed by the unique narration of "The Catcher in the Rye." The book is told from Holden's perspective, and he tells the story in an interesting manner. Holden uses words such as "crumby" to describe the world around him. He rambled on about events that he experienced, and it looked like not much happened for the entire book. Holden's narration is so natural and honest, and I felt as though he was talking to me throughout the entire book. He described the world in a way that felt incredibly realistic, and his aimless tales are similar to how people talk in real life. "The Catcher in the Rye" feels like a snapshot of Holden's life, and the book sucked me into his world every time that I read it.
Finally, the book had an exceptional amount of depth. Despite the seemingly mundane nature of the book, "The Catcher in the Rye" had so much meaning behind it. Many parts of the book dealt with growing up and losing your innocence, and they were communicated in powerful ways. Common items such as a museum and a baseball mitt were utilized in ways that felt perceptive and sad at the same time, and they filled the book with wisdom. "The Catcher in the Rye" is dripping with layers of meaning, and I find significance in the minor portions of the book.
In conclusion, "The Catcher in the Rye" had a huge impact on me. Holden Caulfield is an extremely fascinating character whose flaws made him more compelling, and I embraced him for who he is. Holden narrated the book in a manner that felt authentic to me, and I loved his approach for perceiving the world. "The Catcher in the Rye" is meaningful as well, and I am able to analyze so many parts of the book. "The Catcher in the Rye" is a great book that still resonates with me today.
