Do you think the book "Catcher in the Rye" has a negative effect to its readers?
@rockstarkooky (12)
Philippines
February 25, 2010 1:12am CST
This is something that I strongly felt three years ago. Holden is a typical teenage guy whom I see myself a lot once. His character is complex. He has a lot of thoughts and emotions going at the same time. This made me like the book more. The character is intriguing. Sadly, I was thinking in a lot of ways, I'm like Holden. I too have inferiority complex, fears and insecurities. At times I would feel angry towards things and circumstances. Having read Salinger's book did not give me relief at all. At the beginning I enjoyed reading the book and was amused by the character. I read the book numerous times. Later on I realize that I clung to Holden's character for wrong reason. To me he was only a security blanket. I was attached to him because he was a reflection of my deep seated thoughts, attitudes and behavior. Three years ago I decided that I let go of my inner Holden and at present I'm glad I made such decision. Although I can say I'm still not halfway there.
3 responses
@carissasbierd (37)
•
18 Jan 12
I think almost everyone can identify with Holden's attitude from time to time.
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
21 Oct 11
I love this book. For me, it's quite addictive. It's true that when you read a good book, you feel like you want to meet the person in that book. In my case, after reading Catcher in the Rye, i had the desire to meet Holden. Of course, he is fictional so I know my thought was insane. Nevertheless, I felt like I've known him for so long. I think that it was because he reflects so much of me. Just like you, I also feel that I'm like Holden or Holden is like me.
After reading the whole book, I felt sad at the end. I wanted more. Bad thing is, I read it when I was really depressed so it did not lighten me up. Good thing is, I felt I was not alone being lonely in this world.
Sort of. :)
@wase09 (21)
• Colombia
24 Jul 10
You let it go and thats ok. I think the book doesnt have a negative effect to readers, when I read it, I certainly identify in some aspects with the character, tha may be normal, some identify more, some less. The thing is that a book can make us feel a diversity of things and reflect in a diversity of ways. But decicions, are own by ourselves. Wheter or not someone identify himself with the character, or the context, or the plot, the feelings, thougts, and actions, are in the end, directed by the man, not the book.
