Book Reviews: Catcher in the Rye and Turtles All the Way Down

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:

My first thoughts on reading this book during COVID back in March was that it was adequately fitting. Throughout the novel, the reader sees the character's one track mind, creating the plot as it unfolds. Holden Caulfield gets kicked out of boarding school, and then spends the majority of the book wandering around through New York, asserting himself as an adolescent and young adult and making personal commentary about society. Holden's thoughts demonstrate the book's themes of growing up, isolation vs. society, listening to one's self vs. listening to others.

For characterization, there are a lot of fixed characters within the book, this is partly due to Holden's perspective. His observations and claims are blunt and one sided, leading to many minor characters being an additional part of the story, rather than changing the plot. The minor characters also show the many different roles of society during the late 1940's/ early 1950's. Because of Holden's commentary, many of the characters also demonstrate the challenges faced after WW II, the courtship of traditional gender roles, and the challenges of adulthood.

Because the book is told through Holden's perspective, one could make the argument that Holden's actions reflect back to his personal fable of himself. Holden's attitude of superiority is seen when he is kicked out of boarding school with little regard to his lack of effort towards his academic grades. Holden's one track mind also demonstrates that a strong part of his actions are guided by his desires to seek pleasure, connect with others, and to be independent. Lastly, one could make the argument that Holden is heroic with his inherent drive to protect his younger sister.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, specifically for its use of language and watching how Holden's personal story unfolds through a series of events. The last chapter finishes the book on a reflective note, leading the reader to wonder if Holden will continue his personal commentary for the rest of his life or if he will begin to take a more rational and pragmatic approach as he begins to reach adulthood.

On page 213 he states, "That's all I'm going to tell about. I could probably tell you what I did after I went home, and how I got sick and all, and what school I'm supposed to go to next fall, after I get out of here, but i don't feel it. I really don't. That stuff doesn't interest me too much right now." Holden continues to demonstrate that he is unsure of his future and ends the novel with a justified tone, leading the reader to believe that one day he will take on a more sensible approach, hopefully when he finishes school and finds a passion for a career.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green:

Turtles all the Way Down encompasses the themes of anxiety, growing up and relationships, and thinking ahead while being in the present.

The main character, Aza and her friend, Daisy investigate the mystery of Russell Pickett, the town's billionaire while going to school, having relationships, and trying to navigate their futures. Aza is diagnosed with anxiety and has intruding thoughts, mostly about her health and her fear of microbial diseases. On the contrary, Daisy is outspoken, witty, and blunt. The two demonstrate friendship through the drama, laughter, and memories they experience throughout the book.

It should be noted that even though Aza has anxiety, most of her concerns are valid and express her thoughts of growing up and making right decisions.

John Green uses language to exaggerate the character's emotions and day to day life events. On page 50 there are a series of lines that demonstrate the banter between the two characters,

"I drew the short straw so I have to get inside the fricking Chuckie costume."

"See you later if I survive."

"If I die weep at my grave every day until a seedling appears in the dirt, then cry on it to make it grow until it becomes a beautiful tree whose roots surround my body."

"They're making me go now they're tkaing away my phone REMEMBER ME HOLMSEY."

"Update: I survived. getting a ride to Applebee's after work. See you."

The use of language helps move the plot along while keeping the reader engaged. It also allows the reader to identify with the characters and their struggles throughout the book.

The book itself is plot driven which makes for an easier read than other books. The climax of the book is when Aza is in the hospital and decides to drink hand sanitizer from the automatic pump on the wall, the height of her intrusive thoughts and self realization that she was in need of more self help. Some other key points in the plot include Aza and Daisy finding Russell's body in the sewage system, Aza dating Russell's son named Davis for a brief moment, Aza and Daisy having a friendship fight over loyalty and honesty, and the resolution of the book being that Aza and Davis are just friends and Aza having a better sense of reality and positive self awareness.

Overall, Turtles All the Way Down has the ability to take a serious issue and create insight and awareness around mental health. The book also humanizes anxiety in a manner that is relatable for its audience. For a YA novel, there is a good amount of lessons that can be taken from the book and applied to one's life.