The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger focuses on the experiences of Holden Caulfield as he travels around New York alone. After Holden is expelled from Pencey Prep, he decides it's best to escape to New York for the last few days he has at school before heading home to face his parents. He jumps from place to place in New York, from hotels to bars; he never seems to stay in just one place. Along the way, he meets with old love interests, friends of his brother D.B., and more. Holden mentions how the people he meets and everyone around him are phonies and dishonest. These people are a manifestation of everything he hates about society, like adulthood which he absolutely despises.

The novel gets readers interested and drawn to the story of Holden Caulfield. It riles up various emotions in readers, leaving them on the edge of their seats. Holden's character is very childish and hypocritical, which many readers hate, but others resonate with his character because of this.

Overall, this classic is a great read; I recommend this novel to teens ages 14 and up.

Review by: Jasmine M.

Jasmine is a volunteer at Sylmar Branch Library. She is a 12th grader at Sylmar Charter High School.

—Dana Eklund, Sylmar Branch Library