The Catcher In The Rye: J.D. Salinger

-
In the same way as I didn't warm to Nelson Mandela in his writing, I found it hard to warm to Holden Caulfield. I guess thats the point to some extent! The book is superb. It leaves you wondering what on earth is going to happen pretty much the whole way through. I can imagine why it caused such a stir in its original context. Salinger uses rough, aggressive language so much that it gives you that slightly edgy reaction to what hes writing.. Its great!

I wonder what today's equalivalent book is?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Vision and The Vow: Pete Greig

-
So this is weird... reviewing a book born out of a movement I work for, and written by my kind of boss I guess... Its good.. I'm not saying its the best thing that Pete has ever scribed but its good. If you haven't ever read anything on what it might mean to follow Jesus this is a very good place to start. It is a challenge to stop just saying how amazing grace is and start living in the light of the call to "take up the cross". Its accessible, its well thought out, and it has an invitation at the end that is so counter to our culture that its quite tough to read.. Friends: read and lets talk!
Read more

The Magician's Nephew: CS Lewis

-
I reread this and was surprised by how little I remembered from teh time before (onoy 4 years ago!).. Bizarre. I love the whole creation of Narnia thing... very lovely Am a tad gutted that they haven't gone for this as a film.. but well thats Hollywood!
Read more

Sorting Out Billy: Jo Brand

-
This is Jo Brand's first novel: and I have to say that it is significantly more amusing when read in a Jo Brand, droll, style. Its not bad- it has pretty clear characters, is funny in places.. but its not a great. I think a part of me has gotten to the point in reading where I really want something that will engage me. This book didn't do that. Sorry Jo, stick to stand up.
Read more