Just finished this book- again

The Catcher in the Rye will always hold a special place in my heart.  I read it in High School, and I can remember thinking "when are we going to get to the point of this story!?"  Then I read it again, in college, and saw so much more.  In the few years between readings, I watched so many people experience some of the same frustrations as Holden Caulfield; the story finally made sense.



My favorite character every time I’ve read this book has been Phoebe.  Phoebe is a young woman who is wise beyond her years.  As the youngest child and only girl, Phoebe had to grow and mature more quickly than many children.  At nine years old, Phoebe could see how troubled her brother was becoming, and ended up being the only character who could finally help him overcome his angst.

The writing is so descriptive and graphic that I can see myself as Holden Caulfield.  I can see myself pretending that I’m shot in the gut at the bar and playing games that nobody realizes I am playing.  
Most children play “make believe” games, as they should.  But how many 17-year-old boys still have such an active imagination?  At what age do we lose that spirit?

After J.D. Salinger passed, I purchased a copy of this book, "in memory" of a man who wrote so spot on about a teenage boy.  

I would recommend this book not only to teenagers, but to adults with teenage children, siblings of teenagers, and anybody who is looking to be reminded of a different time.