I’ve been sick for what seems to be the last decade, but a calendar suggests it’s only been about eight days. Nevertheless, illness has been cramping my style. For a while, I was too miserable to even read, which is a new low for me.
(You know how when you go to the doctor and she asks you to rate your pain based on a set of faces ranging from happy to grumpy? The lowest one should just be a book with an x through it. That’s my low.)
Anyway, I’m kind of back, and I started reading again last night. I’m re-reading an old favorite for a directed studies group I’m leading. After all these years, I still adore Catcher in the Rye.
What about you: Love it or hate it?
Christine Seifert 
Hate it! I’ve read it three times in my life: when I was a teenager, then in college after my ex said it was his favorite book ever, and then again after my favorite teacher told me I should give it another chance. THREE times I’ve read it and didn’t just get it or love it. Actually, I think I get it. But I don’t love it. It didn’t change my life, it didn’t move me, and it didn’t open my mind to things I never thought of before. I was a depressed and lonely teenager too, and dealing with issues of social anxiety, peer pressure, and suicide, but I still could never relate to Holden.
(you asked!)
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Oh, I get it. I really think it might be a book that you have to read at a certain point in your life. Maybe I was young enough when I first read it that I didn’t know any better! You aren’t alone in your hate. I was surprised, however, that two of my students loved it and I fully expected them to hate it. So go figure.
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Love it! The voice is so strong. I think it doesn’t resonate with adults like it does with teens, which is a great time to read it. But I still appreciate it!
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Right? I’m just blown away every time I read it. I’m finally feeling less sick–after two long weeks–so I think I can start reading again.
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