by: J.D. Salinger
Publication date: 1951
Pages: 277
Genre: Adult books for young adults; Coming-of-age stories; Modern classics; First person narratives; Psychological fiction
Setting: New York City
Time Period: Post-WWII era
Synopsis: After flunking out of Pencey Prep, sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield decides to leave the school before Christmas break commences. Over the next three days, Holden wanders around New York City attempting to overcome his loneliness by interacting with various people. He fails to connect on a meaningful level with any of these "phonies." His musings on his young siblings and general disdain for his peers and adults reveal his struggles with the reality of growing up and losing the innocence of childhood. Originally written for adults, J.D. Salinger's classic novel has become a staple for young adults who can identify with Holden's discontent and angst. However, Holden's unchanged attitude and seeming unwillingness to face adulthood defies the typical "coming-of-age" story arc present in a large part of young adult fiction.
Tone: Darkly humorous, reflective, moving
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing Style: Conversational
Subject Headings:
Caulfield, Holden (Fictitious character)
Runaway teenagers
Alienation in teenagers
Sixteen-year-old boys
New York (N.Y.)
Read-a-likes:
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
Look at Me by Jennifer Egan
Washington Square by Henry James
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