Since high school, this book is always mentioned in our literary discussions. I remember that it is one of the many choices of books that we can write a review. But, I chooe to write a review of Five People you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom (super favorite book in the whole wide world, aside from Have a little faith). I really wanted to read Catcher in the rye but I was really hooked on other genres at that time.
It is one of the most controversial books of all time. It was even included in the banned books and now, that I have read it, I know why. *smile*
Super thank you to my awesome friend Airiz for letting me borrow the book when I told her that until now, I haven't read it.
Honestly, I got bored on the first few pages but I kept in mind that there's a reason why everybody loves it. Holden Caulfield is such a badass! I love him. Especially, his relationship with his sister Phoebe. I really felt that Phoebe is the reason why Holden is still sane. The last few pages of the book is very heartfelt. Full of life lessons.
I love Phoebe. I wish I have a sister like her but at least I have an awesome big brother! :) It will inspire anyone who is lost with life.
Some of my favorite quotes & parts from the book.
Source: fuckyeahliteraryquotes
"What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though."
"Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them—if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry."
"This fall I think you're riding for—it's a special kind of fall, a horrible kind. The man falling isn't permitted to feel or hear himself hit bottom. He just keeps falling and falling. The whole arrangement's designed for men who, at some time or other in their lives, were looking for something their own environment couldn't supply them with. Or they thought their own environment couldn't supply them with. So they gave up looking. They gave it up before they ever really even got started."
"The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one." -Wilhem Stekel :)
To be able to appreciate the book, one should have an open mind. Well, all the people I know who loves to read different genres of books are open minded people. I'm just glad that I have read this book now. Maybe, when I've read it in high school I would not appreciate the book as much as I do now. I have a different mindset back then. Haha!
Okay, next book please. :)
I just finished that book last week, and yeah, I know what you're talking about. He's really crazy in a way, and I agree that Phoebe is the only thinking that'e keeping him sane. The language was soo vulgar, yet teenagers can really relate to it. haha. :)
ReplyDelete@Riza Yes! teenagers can really relate to it. The stage we are on our rebellious side! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I have never read this book and I'll be 37 in March. It was a choice in my high school classes too. However, I stayed with love and epic tales like Tess of the Dubervilles and The Pearl. I guess maybe I should dust off my husband's copy in the basement. :)
ReplyDelete@Sock Monkey Mommy Hi! hmm. Maybe, I should also try to read the books that you said. HAHA! Read the book, it is a good read. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, The Catcher in the Rye is a pretty controversial book...I read it awhile back, and though I don't remember too much about it, I remember bits. I thought it was a bit sad/depressing, but I'm glad I read it. :)
ReplyDelete@Taylor Lynn It is on the list of banned books because of its liberal use of profanity and teenage rebellion. Though, in the last pages of the book, I really thought that it is kinda heartwarming. I mean the part with his sister. :)
ReplyDelete@Kristina Noelle Andaya
ReplyDeleteAgreed, when I was reading it I kept thinking, "Oh, so this is why it was banned!! And yeah, I don't remember too much about his sister, but I remember her being sweet. <3 Hugs!
I will always love this book and I plan on going over it again to marked up the lines that I like much.
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