The Thrill of the Banned

So, I was consistently getting scolded for never having read The Catcher in the Rye. I decided that now was the time to fix that. Here it is:

Title: The Catcher in the Rye
Author: J.D. Salinger
My start date: 8/27//10
My finish date: 8/28/10
Book count: 45/100

As soon as my grandmother mentioned that this book had been on the banned list for many a year, my curiousity was even further piqued. The copy I had purchased was the one with the typical period red and yellow design featuring a carousel horse over a cityscape, but which had no book summary on the back. This is a pet-peeve of mine. I like to know what I am getting. Further, I had no intention of wikipedia-ing (yes, that is, in fact, a verb) the plot. So I went in blind.

I now understand why it was banned! Do you remember how I mentioned that I subconsciously pick up every dialect I read because I spend so much time mentally invested in the text? How, just the previous day I was thinking in a lovely Scottish accent? Yeah. This book was NOT good for that. There is so much profanity that I really had to keep strict watch on my tongue for a couple days to prevent sounding like an angst ridden rebellious teenager, overly eager to spout dirty words. Sheesh!

However, this was a really fun book. It was very easy to read and I covered the first half in one sitting. The plot is interesting and, I have to be honest, it reminded me of a much more intense and a much dirtier version of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Complete with the half-hearted proposal to the pretty girlfriend. Fortunately, Ferris limited his profanity a little better.

I loved the little sister, Phoebe. She was a vivid character for me and felt very well written. I kept picturing her as played by the young actress in the recent movie, Remember Me, who played the lead's younger sister. She would have been perfect here.

Anyway, I am really glad I finally read it, although I think I would like my Scottish accent back now please!

Keep Reading!
Sarah