I had a bit of a problem with the next book in my project. At this point, as per the list I am working from, it was supposed to be ‘Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers’. Went looking for this book on amazon and it appeared that there was more than one book in the ‘saga’, and they also cost an absolute bomb to buy. I couldn’t see me reading them. I considered going back one and reading number 21 on the top 100 list, but in the end I decided to go back to my original idea and work off the suggestions of other people.
I went back to my original post, looked at the comments and realised my next one would have to be ‘The Catcher In The Rye’ as suggested by my old workmate Dave.
It’s a book I’ve always wanted to read. I remember a few people in my year doing it for their RPR (Response to Personal Reading) at high school and it’s one of those books that always pop up in the ‘best books’ lists.
Holden a Kindle
So aye, this book didn’t take me long to get through, I finished it in less than 10 sittings. That’s fast for me. All things considered I’d freely admit that I’m a pretty slow reader. However, if you are wondering why so long since my last post, I didn’t start this right after the last book in The Project, I read a book called Slaughterhouse Five in between. It was alright. Not as good as I thought it would be after the recommendation from my trusty buddy Steve, but was a decent wee read anyway.
If you didn’t already know ‘Catcher In The Rye’ is a coming of age story set from the point of view of a young lad – Holden Caulfield – who has just been kicked out of school for flunking; he has a bit of a scuffle with his flatmate then, on a moments whim, decides to live it up in New York City and spend all his cash before his parents find out he’s been chucked out of another school.
What we get now is an insight into a young guy who seems a tad confused at the world (although he wouldn’t admit it). Constantly frustrated by those around him, fighting insecurity with aggression. One minute he complains of being lonely then when he gets some company he goes out his way to be back to his lonesome again.
I found myself feeling sorry for Holden. I could kinda relate to his confusion. I thought he was a smart, caring lad at times. Especially when talking about his family. Some of his observations about life were on the money and showed a side that made you wonder how he could be getting on so badly at school. But God help those around him. His outward actions were on a par with Kevin a la ‘Kevin and Perry Go Large’.
The main problem with him, in my option, was that, throughout the book, Holden was unable to understand how his actions affected other people. He spent all his time moaning about how other people’s actions affected him. At the end of the book though, something happens that causes Holden to understand this. And that is why I think it’s a great book.
Rating: 
Next up is Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama. See ya soon!
Payback Yo! 
