The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye By Salinger

I read this book as a sophomore in high school and have no intention of reading it again.  I remember the general story and have jogged my memory through a Wikipedia synopsis.  Evidently it has been one of the most censored and one of the most required reading books for high school since it was written.  It is censored for it's harsh language and 'adult' situations; it is on must read lists because of it's theme of 'finding oneself''.  I am also on full terms with my being on the minority of thoroughly not enjoying this book.

The book is told through the eyes of a teenage boy, Holden Caulfield, who is trying to find himself in the world.  For most of the book Holden is consumed in his quest to find himself.  This reflects the fallen condition of man; in our sinfulness we view ourselves as the center of everything.  In his writing Salinger has captured completely the brokenness of humanity.  We, like Holden, become to self-absorbed to realize or act on their being something greater than just us.  Life becomes a journey to discover 'who we are' and what mark or legacy we can live behind.  We have already been given an identity, in Christ.  Ever since before the fall of man our purpose was to live in communion with God.  When we are governed by our flesh we see ourselves as the end goal; yet, as seen in Holden's brokenness, there is not a final end to finding ourselves.  We must find ourselves in Christ then we can live wholly.