The Catcher in the Rye

I get that this is an important novel in that it was one of the first that really spoke to young adults, and in that sense was one of the first ever young adult novels (even though it was originally written for adults). It also makes sense that kids who are feeling like outsiders, who are riding the teenage manic/depressive waves, would find a kindred spirit in Holden.

As an adult reader I just couldn't shake the feeling that Holden needed to stop being so negative and down on everyone. The only time he liked a person or a thing was when it was in the past, and he could remember it any way he liked. While this is very true to teenage life - I certainly lived that way - it is super annoying to have to hear about it. Glad I read it so now I can get people's references to it, but I probably wouldn't read it again.