Wow.........

I don't know about you, but that was probably the most RANDOM book/novel I have ever read. Not that it was terrible but.... what? What was that ending about? The book was pretty good though; when I first got it, I thought I was going to hate it. Catcher in the Rye was enjoyable to read.
Anyway, a few things I thought about. One, I feel sooooo bad for Holden! Hs depression is so sad and terrible! At first I was a little confused because it seemed every single second he was depressed about something he saw or depressed about what someone said. I wondered how one person could be that depressed. But as I read on, I thought maybe his depression is caused by something other than his younger brother Allie. And then I found this quote from when Holden visits Mr. Antolini; " Among other things, you'll find that you are not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior." And this, in a way, relates back to my previous post. Holden depression, I believe, is because he is maturing. Holden is still an immature guy, but he is starting to pick up on the way people act towards each other and their world. And as he changes, he wonders why everyone else is still in a standstill. I definitely think Holden has some mental issues, but I believe that the reason for his behavior through the book is because he himself is growing and changing and trying to discover the world around him. He is doing it while on a downward slope, but I believe that- if a sequel was ever written- Holden would pick himself back up.
A connection I made with the novel was when Holden said he used to go with his parents to Allie's grave to bring flowers. Holden mentions that he sees other people at the cemetery and how they will keep living their lives, going to work, going out to the movies, etc. It reminds me of how I feel sometimes when I think about my cousin Ben. He died this past January, and at he wake and even now I think sometimes of the things he won't be able to do, and that I wish he was still here with us.

Holden, O Observant One

When I first started this novel, I wondered "wow, does this guy shut up?" But as the novel progressed, I found Holden's character very intersting and complex. For one, I find it intersting how observant he is. This next statement is and observation, not a criticism; most teenage boys are not the brightest, nor do they pay attention to thier surroundings. It amazes me how much he thinks, and about everything; his likes and dislikes especially. I enjoy this and how he formulates his own unique opinions. I read some of the posts, and there were comments of him being critical, but isn't everyone? The important thing about Holden's observations is that these are extrememly private; he never tells Ackley that he is gross or anything. Holden's observation make this book a fascinating read because even the most random stuff on the planet, he has his own opinion. His views on the poeple and the world around him make him appear as though he has gone through more than most teens. He acts like a normal teenage boy, but on the inside he seems much more mature than most. His perspective on most anything seem much more though out than most. Perhaps it is due to Allie?

Also, I found Holden's character similar to Henry in A Farewell to Arms. Holden sort of displays an older-than-he-is persona, acting towards others and appearing as though he is older than 16 (although, he does seem childish with his interactions with Stradlater). Also, Holden seems indifferent to the happenings in his life, such as grades and flunking out of school. Henry's character is very flat (not in the literary sense) because he seems disinterested in what happens with the war. The two both act like they're, as they say in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, " like dry toast" to those around them; formal and stoic. When they are around those that they know do they start to show their true personalities So..... 9 more weeks (?)..... yippeee.......