This week I continued reading J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. As I read, I noticed that most of the story is found in the main character, Holden's memories. The story itself takes place in the span of a few days, but Salinger adds more depth by describing Holden's past through the narration of his memories.
The main character Holden Caulfield reminds me of Charlie from Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Both Holden and Charlie seem to be very indifferent towards things usually filled with more excitement. In Chbosky's novel, other characters even tell Charlie that he is a wallflower. In The Catcher in the Rye this characterization is more subtle, and told through Holden's thoughts, actions, and words. This characterization is also realized since Holden seems to always be lost in thought. A key difference between the two characters is that Holden seems to reject society, and desires one more suited to him. He is extremely introverted, and perceives society to be filled with 'phonies'. Charlie on the other hand seems to find himself naturally fitting in with a crowd of outcasts. They face similar struggles, but have different approaches when it comes to dealing with them.
I am a third of the way through the book, and I'm finding the story to be very interesting. There is no real action, since the conflict is more internal than external. Holden often refers back to the death of his older brother Allie. Through this the reader can recognize that Holden is still coping with Allie's death, and seems to be coping with growing up in general.
I am a third of the way through the book, and I'm finding the story to be very interesting. There is no real action, since the conflict is more internal than external. Holden often refers back to the death of his older brother Allie. Through this the reader can recognize that Holden is still coping with Allie's death, and seems to be coping with growing up in general.
From what you said about this book it sounds like an interesting story. I like how you connected Holden to Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. That helped me understand Holden's personality a little better. Also, what you said about the story being fill with memories, the author of My Sister's Keeper does the same thing. I am currently reading it, and many of the chapter are flashbacks to several years before. I think that is helpful, because you can see the thoughts of the characters at different times.
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