Published in 1951, J.D. Salinger's debut novel, The Catcher in the Rye, was one of the most controversial novels of its time. The book has received a lot of criticism, good and bad. While Smith felt that the book should be "read more than once" (13), Goodman stated that "the book is disappointing" (21). All eight critics had both good and bad impressions of the work. Overall the book did not reflect Salinger's skill due to the excessive vulgarity used and the monotony Holden imposed on the reader. Stern agreed with Smith, saying "the book should be reread." There are many reasons to accept this comment. Peterson, for example, believed that Holden Caulfield's "spirit was intact", while Stern appreciated Phoebe's good personality. Phoebe was important because she "preserved Holden's innocence" (Jones). Ultimately, he keeps Holden at home with his family - after all, who knows what Holden might do, living alone? She has “tried to live up to her height, to drink with men, to understand mature sex, and why she is still a virgin at her age” (Smith 13). It is thanks to this personality that Salinger manages to "make the reader laugh" (Breit). Phoebe is also important to Holden because he "finds a human warmth in [her]" (Engle). Despite all these positive aspects, many critics felt the book was lacking a lot. The reasons given for not liking The Young Friend were many: the vulgarity, the monotony and the immature personality of the protagonist. To put it bluntly, “one expects something more” from Salinger (Goodman 21). Throughout the book, Holden, as well as his "friends", use foul language. For this reason, Longstreth believes the book is "not suitable for children". Although foul language is used in the real world, it is very rarely encountered in literature. Other critics agreed with Longstreth, Peterson said the book was "obscene", while Smith warned readers to "be advised to leave the book alone" if they are bothered by this language. Jones believes that this language could only be uttered by a "disturbed teenager" and that Holden is "immoral and perverted" (Longstreth). Language was only part of the problem. The book, in the eyes of many critics, was monotonous.

Topic > Published in 1951, J.D. Salinger's debut novel, The Catcher in the Rye, was one of the most controversial novels of its time. The book has received a lot of criticism, good and bad. While Smith felt that the book should be "read more than once" (13), Goodman stated that "the book is disappointing" (21). All eight critics had both good and bad impressions of the work. Overall the book did not reflect Salinger's skill due to the excessive vulgarity used and the monotony Holden imposed on the reader. Stern agreed with Smith, saying "the book should be reread." There are many reasons to accept this comment. Peterson, for example, believed that Holden Caulfield's "spirit was intact", while Stern appreciated Phoebe's good personality. Phoebe was important because she "preserved Holden's innocence" (Jones). Ultimately, he keeps Holden at home with his family - after all, who knows what Holden might do, living alone? She has “tried to live up to her height, to drink with men, to understand mature sex, and why she is still a virgin at her age” (Smith 13). It is thanks to this personality that Salinger manages to "make the reader laugh" (Breit). Phoebe is also important to Holden because he "finds a human warmth in [her]" (Engle). Despite all these positive aspects, many critics felt the book was lacking a lot. The reasons given for not liking The Young Friend were many: the vulgarity, the monotony and the immature personality of the protagonist. To put it bluntly, “one expects something more” from Salinger (Goodman 21). Throughout the book, Holden, as well as his "friends", use foul language. For this reason, Longstreth believes the book is "not suitable for children". Although foul language is used in the real world, it is very rarely encountered in literature. Other critics agreed with Longstreth, Peterson said the book was "obscene", while Smith warned readers to "be advised to leave the book alone" if they are bothered by this language. Jones believes that this language could only be uttered by a "disturbed teenager" and that Holden is "immoral and perverted" (Longstreth). Language was only part of the problem. The book, in the eyes of many critics, was monotonous.