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The Catcher in the Rye Mass Market Paperback – May 1, 1991

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 43,033 ratings

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The "brilliant, funny, meaningful novel" (The New Yorker) that established J. D. Salinger as a leading voice in American literature--and that has instilled in millions of readers around the world a lifelong love of books.




"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth."




The hero-narrator of
The Catcher in the Rye is an ancient child of sixteen, a native New Yorker named Holden Caufield. Through circumstances that tend to preclude adult, secondhand description, he leaves his prep school in Pennsylvania and goes underground in New York City for three days.




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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Mr. Salinger we have a fresh voice. One can actually hear it speaking, and what is has to say is uncannily true, perceptive, and compassionate."―Clifton Fadiman, Book-of-the-Month Club News

"We read
The Catcher in the Rye and feel like the book understands us in deep and improbable ways."―John Green

"A contemporary master--a genius...Here was a man who used language as if it were pure energy beautifully controlled, and who knew exactly what he was doing in every silence as well as in every word."―
Richard Yates, New York Times Book Review

"Salinger's work meant a lot to me when I was a young person and his writing still sings now."―
Dave Eggers

About the Author

J. D. Salinger was born in New York City on January 1, 1919, and died in Cornish, New Hampshire, on January 27, 2010. His stories appeared in many magazines, most notably The New Yorker. Between 1951 and 1963 he produced four book-length works of fiction: The Catcher in the Rye; Nine Stories; Franny and Zooey; and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour--An Introduction. The books have been embraced and celebrated throughout the world and have been credited with instilling in many a lifelong love of reading.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0316769487
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company (May 1, 1991)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 7543321726
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316769488
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 790L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.15 x 0.8 x 6.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 43,033 ratings

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J. D. Salinger
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Born in New York in 1919, Jerome David Salinger dropped out of several schools before enrolling in a writing class at Columbia University, publishing his first piece ("The Young Folks") in Story magazine. Soon after, the New Yorker picked up the heralded "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," and more pieces followed, including "Slight Rebellion off Madison" in 1941, an early Holden Caulfield story. Following a stint in Europe for World War II, Salinger returned to New York and began work on his signature novel, 1951's "The Catcher in the Rye," an immediate bestseller for its iconoclastic hero and forthright use of profanity. Following this success, Salinger retreated to his Cornish, New Hampshire, home where he grew increasingly private, eventually erecting a wall around his property and publishing just three more books: "Nine Stories," "Franny and Zooey," "Raise High the Roof Beam, and Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction." Salinger was married twice and had two children. He died of natural causes on January 27, 2010, in New Hampshire at the age of 91.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
43,033 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and addictive. They describe the story as timeless and brilliant. The narrative style is relatable, evocative, and symbolic. However, some readers found the story uninteresting and depressing. There are mixed opinions on the writing quality - some find it straightforward and easy to read, while others consider it poorly written or rough. Opinions vary on the insight provided by the book.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

865 customers mention "Readability"835 positive30 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate its immersive storytelling and its ability to connect with readers across generations. The book is described as a classic read that maintains relevance today.

"...That's probably why the book is so addictive: it's a clean and straightforward writing, which makes it feel real, a very real account...." Read more

"...relevance, evocative storytelling, and its enduring ability to connect with readers across generations, inviting them to ponder the complexities of..." Read more

"...It’s a masterpiece of literature. And I hated it when I read it as a kid." Read more

"...I certainly found the narrative engaging, and I really enjoyed the authenticity with which Holden seemed to speak and express himself, but, while I..." Read more

308 customers mention "Story quality"308 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find the language and storytelling brilliant, with a good idea and timeless coming-of-age tale. The book is described as an interesting plot arrangement with many characters, and considered a classic of American literature.

"...very book, The Catcher in the Rye, which is considered a classic of USA's literature, being in Times list of 100 best books since 1923...." Read more

"...I rate 'The Catcher in the Rye' with four stars for its timeless relevance, evocative storytelling, and its enduring ability to connect with readers..." Read more

"...I certainly found the narrative engaging, and I really enjoyed the authenticity with which Holden seemed to speak and express himself, but, while I..." Read more

"...This book is worth it and maintains its relevancy to the modern day with the themes of alienation, adolescence, and isolation..." Read more

138 customers mention "Narrative style"108 positive30 negative

Customers find the narrative relatable and meaningful. They describe the book as an impactful story with symbolic elements. The psychological study of a person facing depression is interesting for history enthusiasts. Readers have fond memories of reading this classic novel.

"...classic, “It’s one of few novels written from a first POV that actually tells a story”, and author J.D. Salinger did a phenomenal job with his..." Read more

"...it's an exploration of the human condition, an invitation to reflect on the universal themes of pain, pleasure, and the human quest for authenticity...." Read more

"There is no novel like it and it captures the modern world and its challenges so subtly and insightfully. It’s a masterpiece of literature...." Read more

"...The writing in this novel is very strong, but the story is moderate at best to this reviewer...." Read more

289 customers mention "Writing quality"200 positive89 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality. Some find the straightforward and readable prose wonderful, with a smooth flow of descriptions, emotions, and situations. Others feel the language is rough, with foul language and unnecessary swearing.

"...That's probably why the book is so addictive: it's a clean and straightforward writing, which makes it feel real, a very real account...." Read more

"...His eloquence, a blend of simplicity and complexity, offers a deeply personal insight into his world...." Read more

"This book is so poorly written, yet in such a consistent way, I can only conclude that the author could have been a great writer if he actually..." Read more

"...The binding seems strong, the paper quality is sufficient, good font and overall a quality print." Read more

115 customers mention "Insight"77 positive38 negative

Customers have different views on the book's insights. Some find it insightful and understandable, touching on important themes and mental health. They also appreciate the questions it raises about society and culture. Others find the character whimsical, nonsensical, and lacking self-awareness.

"...This novel is not just a story; it's an exploration of the human condition, an invitation to reflect on the universal themes of pain, pleasure, and..." Read more

"...and it captures the modern world and its challenges so subtly and insightfully. It’s a masterpiece of literature...." Read more

"...a seventeen year old which is contradictory, whimsical, funny, mad, nonsensical and at times very funny...." Read more

"...To me, it is the ability to learn from mentors (he has a few which he respects but thinks critically of them)-check, learn how we can make it in..." Read more

104 customers mention "Character development"69 positive35 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development. Some find the main character relatable and engaging, especially for young adults. They appreciate the voice and internal monologues. However, others feel the main character is unspectacular and negative.

"...I have never read, in my whole life, such a descriptive and well-developed character...." Read more

"...Imagine that! This thought alone helped me understand the main character and his voice while reading the novel...." Read more

"...He's still a kid in this, so the character flaws are welcome, especially with the lack of self awareness...." Read more

"...Holden Caulfield emerges as a character both relatable and enigmatic, his yearning for authenticity and genuine human connection palpable throughout..." Read more

88 customers mention "Humor"55 positive33 negative

Customers have different views on the humor in the book. Some find the commentary humorous and touching, describing it as an engaging comedy that introduces ideas through symbols and humor. Others feel the humor is goofy, vulgar, random, and repetitive.

"...Holden's story is shared with us - the readers - in a very conversationsl style; as If Holden and I were sitting in a coffee shop somewhere and he..." Read more

"...in the mind of a seventeen year old which is contradictory, whimsical, funny, mad, nonsensical and at times very funny...." Read more

"...First, I loved the voice in which it was written. Holden is sarcastic, snotty, and just way too cool for almost everything -- just like I was when I..." Read more

"...is replete with encounters and episodes that are at once both hysterical and touching...." Read more

257 customers mention "Boredom"12 positive245 negative

Customers find the book unengaging and repetitive. They describe it as a depressing, formulaic read with no intriguing plot or suspense.

"...This book tells a rather uninteresting story of this sixteen-year-old character Holden Caulfield and his wanders through New York for a couple days..." Read more

"...Or at least I got something. Overall, enjoyable, but nothing particularly amazing. At least I can now say that I've read it." Read more

"...I understand the potential value, but thought it was the most boring book on the planet...I really did...a godddam bore for chrissake...with a bunch..." Read more

"...I found it depressing and I’m wondering how a teacher could have taught this book." Read more

Baller 🤨
5 out of 5 stars
Baller 🤨
About my only favorite book...the only book that'll ever make me cry and the only book where I feel connected to the main character in some way.It's a good read and doesn't really deserve the amount of criticism it gets..sure it's provocative to people who don't really understand it, but personally, it's just a book about a 16 boy who is struggling to grieve properly and doesn't want to let go of the innocence of childhood and lose the innocent image of the ones he seems "close to him", struggles to overcome depression, and has a hard time trying to grasp the concept of adulthood, only assuming it's filled with perversion and phoniness.It's just about the struggle of coming to terms with life through the eyes of a 16 year old boy who has lost so much in such a short span of time and not knowing what to do about it because he feels he has no real connection with adults and the outside world so he has to face it all on his own.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2011
    "Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around - nobody big, I mean - except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff (...)"

    J. D. Salinger is an American novelist and best known for this very book, The Catcher in the Rye, which is considered a classic of USA's literature, being in Times list of 100 best books since 1923.

    This book tells a rather uninteresting story of this sixteen-year-old character Holden Caulfield and his wanders through New York for a couple days, after his expulsion from his boarding school, exposing the real face of teenager's life, in which the main character is also the narrator. What is perhaps more interesting is that he has such a depressed and lonely way of life that it is almost impossible not to have anything in common with this global character, who is supposed to represent the transition from childhood to adult life.

    When I started reading this book, I found out that I was addicted to it, even though it had no plot at all. It really doesn't, it's just a dude telling about his life. But it is Holden who you are actually reading. I have never read, in my whole life, such a descriptive and well-developed character. You actually feel that you are reading a teenager's book who has failed in about four schools, not an intellectual like J. D. Salinger. That's probably why the book is so addictive: it's a clean and straightforward writing, which makes it feel real, a very real account. I do have a lot against writers and philosophers who are claimed to be wonderful and swell, but they can't write clearly such as Salinger does. This book may be read by anyone - in fact, it is aimed to teenagers and I do recommend them to read - and anyone who reads this book will understand what it is talking about. Some of them may not like, but they will surely get the least of it.

    Holden Caulfield is this teenager that wanders around New York and lives a very teenager life - don't forget this book was written in the 50's - and finds himself in the transition from child to adulthood; facing problems like an adult - and that's probably why Salinger set him alone in NY - but still with a mind of a kid. While he tries to evolve, starts to find out that everybody looks fake and lousy, but he turns out to be a complete hypocrite, which is probably the main purpose of the book.

    The title deserves five stars just for itself. Although you read the book until about the middle without getting where the author is trying to get you to, when Holden hears a little boy singing this song about a catcher in the rye - which he actually misspelled -, everything starts making sense. Holden flies through the book trying to find a shoulder to lean on, someone that will hold him while he's passing through his puberty, sexual life and depressing times of adolescence; and that's what he searches, even unaware of what's actually happening.

    While he's not getting anything that's valuable from his current relationships - which are represented by his Pencey school and his friends in there -, he goes way back to the innocence of childhood and brings back his old memories and relationships in attempt to survive the hard times that is entering the adulthood. But when he actually gets to those memories, he is not a kid anymore and his mind has changed. In this quest of finding "a catcher in the rye", Holden even unburies his dead brother Allie and contacts people who are still in their innocent times - such as his sister - and people who are really in the adulthood, like his old teachers.

    This transition is easily seen in every sense. From trying to drink being a minor to a massive change of his views on the world, contrasted by what he remembered things to be and what they really are right now. I highly recommend this book to anyone. This is surely one of the best - if not the best - novels I have ever read in my entire life. Although aimed to teenagers, this story is surely universal.

    100/100
    67 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2024
    “Catcher in the Rye” is more than a classic, “It’s one of few novels written from a first POV that actually tells a story”, and author J.D. Salinger did a phenomenal job with his character, ‘Holden Caulfield’. I know most people don’t know this tidbit, but Salinger wrote most of his novel while in the trenches of war. Imagine that! This thought alone helped me understand the main character and his voice while reading the novel. I’m an author, and I realize how circumstances affect our writing process and styles, and many times there are stories inside of us waiting to be written. That’s the Catcher in the Rye, “A story about a young man trapped in society who is longing to find his purpose.”
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
    J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a timeless classic that takes readers on a poignant journey into the mind of its young protagonist, Holden Caulfield. The novel presents a raw and introspective narrative, centered around the disillusioned yet perceptive sixteen-year-old navigating the complexities of life in New York City.

    Salinger's masterful storytelling unfolds as Holden Caulfield embarks on a three-day odyssey after leaving his prep school, delving into the heart of New York City. The novel artfully weaves the voices of children, adults, and the underground society, but it is Holden's voice that resonates the loudest. His eloquence, a blend of simplicity and complexity, offers a deeply personal insight into his world.

    Holden Caulfield emerges as a character both relatable and enigmatic, his yearning for authenticity and genuine human connection palpable throughout the narrative. Salinger beautifully captures the tumultuous emotions and inner turmoil of adolescence, making the character and his experiences incredibly genuine and evocative.

    The novel's brilliance lies in Salinger's ability to transcend vernacular while maintaining an authentic portrayal of Holden's unique voice. The contrast between Holden's attraction to beauty and his internal pain creates a compelling duality that resonates with readers. Holden's self-imposed isolation and his struggle to grapple with life's complexities evoke both empathy and admiration for his resilience.

    'The Catcher in the Rye' is a testament to the human experience, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and the search for meaning. Salinger skillfully delves into the complexities of the human psyche, capturing the bittersweet essence of adolescence and the struggle to preserve innocence in a world filled with hypocrisy and disillusionment.

    This novel is not just a story; it's an exploration of the human condition, an invitation to reflect on the universal themes of pain, pleasure, and the human quest for authenticity. Holden Caulfield's journey is a mirror reflecting the turbulence and genuine emotions that shape the adolescent experience.

    While some readers may find the themes and Holden's perspective challenging, 'The Catcher in the Rye' remains an enduring classic that continues to captivate audiences with its richly textured narrative and its unflinching portrayal of youth and society.

    I rate 'The Catcher in the Rye' with four stars for its timeless relevance, evocative storytelling, and its enduring ability to connect with readers across generations, inviting them to ponder the complexities of the human condition.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024
    There is no novel like it and it captures the modern world and its challenges so subtly and insightfully. It’s a masterpiece of literature.
    And I hated it when I read it as a kid.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024
    I'll focus only on the quality of the product itself, not the literary work as I assume most are familiar with it by now. The binding seems strong, the paper quality is sufficient, good font and overall a quality print.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • V
    5.0 out of 5 stars L'attrape-coeur
    Reviewed in France on October 18, 2024
    Un classique de la littérature. A lire absolument.
  • MrBajen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Klassiker...MR Chapman...
    Reviewed in Sweden on June 28, 2024
    Bra kvalitet på boken, alltså själva trycket.
  • Beatriz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entrañable
    Reviewed in Spain on May 21, 2024
    Libro que engancha desde el principio. Narra en primera persona unos días de la historia de un adolescente. Sus dudas, miedos, sus inseguridades. Entrañable.
  • Sudarshan Kumar
    5.0 out of 5 stars 'The Catcher in the Rye' hardcover edition redefines the reading experience.
    Reviewed in India on March 31, 2024
    "The Catcher in the Rye" hardcover edition impresses with its high-quality paper, enhancing the reading experience. The thick, creamy pages provide a luxurious feel, while the durable hardcover binding ensures longevity. This attention to detail elevates the classic novel, appealing to book enthusiasts who appreciate both the content and the physicality of their literary collections.
  • valle
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Catcher in the Rye
    Reviewed in Sweden on February 27, 2024
    It's as advertised. I have also attached pictures of how the book looks without the cover for those interested.
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    valle
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Catcher in the Rye
    Reviewed in Sweden on February 27, 2024
    It's as advertised. I have also attached pictures of how the book looks without the cover for those interested.
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