Catcher in the rye - a classic?

[throwedmind]

I recently decided to read what I have been told is a "classic" and bought "Catcher in the Rye." I can not believe this is considered a classic. If it weren't for the fact that I actually paid for it myself I would not have read it. In reading it, it made me wonder if the manuscript would be sent to an editor today that has never read it and with no title whether it would be rejected.

[charlesp]

I rather enjoyed it, though I can see that it was certainly a product of its time. It would almost certainly be rejected now, but then again so would Moby Dick.
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"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C Clarke
"Coffee is sufficiently advanced technology" - Merlin Mann
One day I realized that sadness is just another word for not enough coffee." - Wally (Dilbert)

[*Elle*]

I really liked Catcher In the Rye. One of my favorite books actually but alot dont like it. I think it depends on your views on alot of life aspects.
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[bfsooner]

This is one of my favorite novels. I break it out about once a year to re-read it, and usually in one setting. I agree with CP, you need to look at within the context of when it was written.

However, I also believe that "classic" literature is a "to each their own" kind of thing. It took me over a year to read "The Hobbit" and I have no plans of reading the LOTR series. Although, I really did like the movies. That flavor of "classic" literature is not my preference. But I will not take anything away from Tolkien, and the legacy he has left with these novels.
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Rebecca

"The name's Kaknockers...Vod Kaknockers." ~~ Jake, Two and Half Men

[Jamie Ford]

I love it when I was 16, but I think you helps to be an angst-riddled teenager to really enjoy it. My teenage daughter is reading it now and absolutely loves it. But definitely a product of its time.
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