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A few weeks ago I read The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I read over the course of two cold, rainy days, and honestly, I wasn't terribly impressed with it. I mean, I know that it's become iconic over the years and after reading it I can see why, but I found the whole book rather pointless, really. I couldn't identify with the main character, Holden Caulfield, very well--he was much too moody for my taste--and by the end of the book I just wanted to shake some sense into him.
Don't get me wrong, I don't regret reading it; I appreciate the themes woven throughout the book, especially this one...
"But I do say that educated and scholarly men, if they're brilliant and creative to begin with--which, unfortunately, is rarely the case--tend to leave infinitely more valuable records behind them than men do who are merely brilliant and creative. They tend to express themselves more clearly, and they usually have a passion for following their thoughts through to the end. And--most important--nine times out of ten they have more humility than the unscholarly thinker.
"Something else an academic education will do for you. If you go along with it any considerable distance, it'll begin to give you an idea what size mind you have. What it'll fit and, maybe, what it won't. After a while, you'll have an idea what kind of thoughts your particular size mind should be wearing. For one thing, it may save you an extraordinary amount of time trying on ideas that don't suit you, aren't becoming to you. You'll being to know your true measurements and dress your mind accordingly."
I confess I've been ready to be done with school for awhile now, but that passage really encourages me to keep on going. School can seem pointless, especially when you're in a creative field, but honestly, there's nothing bad that can come out of a good, well-rounded education.
If you've read it, what are your thoughts on The Catcher in the Rye?
Happy Friday!
I've never read The Catcher in the Rye, (though it is on my reading list) but I can really identify with what you're saying here. A well-rounded education can give your mind whole new opportunities, and I think that even if someone decides not to go to university, it's still important for them to keep learning. :) Great post, Carlotta. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorite books. I love that it never had a plot, but it seemed to capture inexplicable human emotions so incredibly accurately.
ReplyDeleteOh I love this. I visited my first college a few weeks ago, and I was struggling to accept the fact that college was in my future. I'm obeying my parents by going, and I know that it will be incredibly good for me. But as a photographer, it's a struggle to determine whether further education is necessary. Thank you for this quote! :)
ReplyDeletecurrently reading catcher and i feel the exact same way you do. i'm only on chapter three, but it's as though mr. caulfield is basically spending the whole book complaining and cussing and i don't really like that, but i will keep reading so i can get to the part you're showcasing here. and who knows? maybe i'll like it then. we'll see :)
ReplyDeleteThis is super encouraging. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis too was one of my favorite passages but like you, I didn't understand what the fuss was about? A great coming of age novel? Not in my opinion. It never seemed to have a plot or any real character development, just not my thing.
ReplyDeleteActually, The Catcher In The Rye is one of my favourite novels of all time. It does have a plot, and does have a moral - it's just harder to identify. Holden Caulfield has this image of being the good guy who catches all of the bad guys, but as he watches his sister on the carousel at the end, he sees his lesson. I do identify with Holden; he sees the world through good or phony, corny or intelligent.
ReplyDeleteOne of my best-loved parts of the story takes place in the cab when Holden asks the taxi driver where the ducks go in the winter. It's wonderful.
I adore J.D. Salinger's style of writing, and his collection of short stories is definitely something to look into, as well.
Rude much? It's just her opinion.
DeleteOh, I didn't find Grace rude! I appreciate another opinion. Like I said, I know that some people LOVE the book! It's interesting to see the other side :)
DeleteIt's some years since I read The Catcher in the Rye but I too remember being a bit underwhelmed with it
ReplyDeleteI really like this passage you picked out though
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/
I have never read it...but good for you to say what you think. :) Not caring what anyone will say.
ReplyDeleteI have never read The Catcher in the Rye but it sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing that specific part! I find that very encouraging...to push through the hard times no matter what. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like the book, it might be because you're mentally too young to appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteNot that that is a bad thing at all! Enjoy your youth!
I remember reading this my sophomore year of high school. (over 3 years ago now...eek! Time flies) Anyways, I remember like you thinking there were some themes that were universal, but I didn't like the profanity and sexual content and I found the whole story to be a bit unrealistic. Maybe I'd enjoy it now more though if I reread it!
ReplyDeletexoxo Miss ALK
http://missalk1994.blogspot.com
This is definitely an encouragement to me...maybe I will read The Catcher in the Rye to see what it's like! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never read it before, but it's definitely on my reading list. :)
ReplyDeleteDude. Don't get me started on this book. Holden Caulfield brings out the absolute worst (and vulgar) parts of me. I could easily go on a profane rant for an hour about how much I hate this book, and how much I hate Holden Caulfield.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever feel like venting, I'm here.