Hello dear friends! How have you been? I am sorry I haven’t been posting for a while, but life has been a bit hectic. I have just come back from the most amazing ‘Dance Battle’ experience, and I am ready to get back on track.
How do you all like The Catcher in the Rye so far? I’ll have to admit I am enthralled. I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m enjoying J.D. Salinger’s writing style so very much. The book’s rhythm and dynamic are extremely engaging, and I guess it’s safe for me to say that this makes The Catcher in the Rye a real page-turner. It was probably naive of me, but I honestly wasn’t expecting to be so bewitched by a ‘Classic’ that had been thrown at me for years by my High School teachers. I’ll admit my bad.
Here are a few reading questions for you to answer. They will only focus on the first 14 chapters of the book. So, if you’ve read beyond that, please mark your comment with “SPOILER ALERT” when answering the questions in the comments below.
Questions:
- Which of Holden’s encounters and interactions fascinated you the most?
- What do you think of Holden’s attachment to his baby sister Phoebe?
- Why do you think Holden was expelled from so many different schools?
My Answers:
- I personally was very fascinated by Holden’s interaction with Sunny the prostitute. It somehow exemplified the essence of the protagonist’s appeal. An incredibly smart and pure hearted teenager with only the façade of a tough guy. A lonely and bright spirited soul longing for company, but unwilling to cave in to something fictitious.
- I think that Holden’s attachment to his baby sister Phoebe is a great representation of the teenager’s unapologetic search for authentic relationships. At an age in which most of his peers are unable to pursue and perceive deep meaningful connections, Holden knows perfectly well where his ties lie, and has great awareness of the value of his strongest relations.
- Holden is the perfect epitome of the ill-suited brilliant teenager. He is curious, sharp and astute, but has a wandering mind not fit for the rules and formalities of a conservative prep school. Although it seems like his talent and smartness are clearly acknowledged, even the most caring and supportive of teachers could nothing against Holden’s total lack of application.
Leave your answers in the comments below!
Our next Instagram Live Book Club Chat will be on the 6th of May at 7 pm (GMT+1). Mark your calendars, and do make sure you finish reading the book before then! During the Live Book Club Chat you’ll have the opportunity to talk to me directly about the book and the blog. Don’t miss out! I’ll provide you with more details soon.
Bye for now, and happy reading!
Love,
Elly, XO
PS: If you haven’t already, you can get your copy of The Catcher in the Rye here.
Affiliate links have been used in this post.
Elly's Diary 
Catcher in the Rye was one of my favorite required books for school. I need to revisit it now that I’m older to get a different perspective. This book is actually banned in many US schools so I felt fortunate to be able to read it.
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Wow! I had no idea it could be banned! Thanks for the information! ❤ xx
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Geez, I haven’t thought about this book in forever! I loved it growing up, my grandma was an English teacher, and our home was always filled with books. This post got me thinkin’ I may need to pick up a copy soon!
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I am glad it evoked such a great reaction in you! ❤
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I am a HUGE bookworm, but I haven’t read this one. I’m usually more of a YA/New Adult fantasy or sometimes scifi reader but I am totally going to give this a go! Thanks for the book inspo ^^♡.
Have you read The Giver? That was probably one of my favourites from school. Such an interesting classic. 😊
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Dear Ms. Healthy-Esteem! Thanks for stopping by! ❤ I have not read the Giver, but I will look into it for my future book clubs! ❤ Thanks for sharing! ❤ xxx
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I hope you enjoy it hun ♡
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