J. D. Salinger: "The Catcher In The Rye" // Review

So today I'm tackling a book review of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye, which worries me considering it's such a well-loved book. Truth be told, I hated it. Really hated it. Honestly, I would not flinch if someone were to set my copy on fire.

I had been recommended this book by pretty much every single person in my English Lit class, and seemed to see the gorgeous cover (as seen above) everywhere. Not only it would be good preparation for my comparitive coursework next year, it was completely enticing. Whilst reading the first page, I was hopeful. It seemed like a book I was going to like. Then, I got to the second. All I can say is, thank God it was such a short novel because the hours... my, did they drag. I lost a tiny bit of respect for everyone who'd bothered to recommend it to me, to be honest. The main character, despite the insistence of just about everybody in the real world, is so unlikeable. He's repetitive, he's weird, selfish, arrogant, annoying... the list goes on. If I hear "it really is," "you really are," or anything similar for the next week or so, I think I'll just weep.

For those of you who don't know, The Catcher In The Rye is the story of a troublesome, young, American boy named Holden, who seems to spend the majority of his formative years getting kicked out of schools; mainly just for flunking. When he learns he's being kicked out again, he decides to leave before the end of term and gallivant around New York, although nothing really happens. Despite his situation there's nothing badass or even endearing about Holden; in fact, I think I preferred his younger sister. Nope, I definitely prefer his little sister. She's more bad-ass than Holden.

If you're thinking about picking up this book (and I implore you not to) bare in mind that you'll either love it or hate it. Although I consider it to be one of the worst books I've ever read, you might like it - if you don't mind the absence of a plot. Not worth your time at all.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (One star at a push.)

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Ned Vizzini: "It's Kind of a Funny Story" // Review

~~~CONTAINS SPOILERS~~~

I was introduced to this book by my friend Jack (whose blog you can find HERE) some time ago when I was looking for a book from Waterstones. There was only one copy left in stock and it was a bit battered but, after considering a couple of other book suggestions, I decided Vizzini's book was most different from what I usually read. Predominantly it's about learning to live with depression, and finding your 'Anchor'. It's Kind of a Funny Story is as truly inspirational for sufferers as influential in changing the mindset of parents with depressed children and teenagers.

Something I really admire about Vizzini's writing in this novel is the simple terminology he is able to apply to such massively complex emotional states, which other people would no doubt struggle to describe. For example, an 'Anchor' is/can be something you enjoy which keeps you stable and grounded amidst your emotional turmoil. In contrast, 'Tentacles' was the name given to all the chores you have to endure which can worsen your mental health. (Simple, yet genius.) Craig's depression begins when he's accepted into a prestigious school, where he finds that all the classes and homework (his Tentacles) are just too much, and, after discontinuing his own medication, begins to sink even lower until he hits rock bottom; contemplating suicide. At the start of the novel I empathised and identified with Craig, although I didn't really connect with him because the reader only ever sees him when he's miserable or horny.

You do begin to connect with him, however, when his almost-suicide-attempt leads to him being admitted onto a psychiatric ward, where his personality begins to shine through thanks to all the eccentric and similarly troubled patients he meets there. Craig becomes likeable, or at least, more so. This point is definitely the best in the book; it's so uplifting to read about him finding friends and his love of art, which is enough to make him change his lifestyle and realise that his school was the problem all along. Importantly, It's Kind of a Funny Story was a semi-autobiographical novel detailing Vizzini's own teenage experience during a short stay in a psychiatric ward. At the end of the novel, Craig, who closely resembles Vizzini in many ways, certainly finds some kind of peace of mind. The same was true for Vizzini after his stay, up until his unexpected suicide in December 2013. I knew about the author's death prior to reading the book, so as well as being Craig's story, it also became Ned's. It was a saddening, bittersweet tale of a life salvaged and lost again, from my point of view.

What this book has done for awareness and understanding of depression is unparalleled. It also taught me about the importance of not making other people too important - not making a boyfriend/girlfriend/friend/family member your Anchor - which is something I really value. People are spontaneous and unpredictable; hobbies are stable and familiar. Rely on yourself more, guys. I can only wish that Vizzini was still around to see it touch the hearts and minds of parents and teenagers like me. RIP, Ned.

Rating: ★★★★☆