Although there have been many controversies regarding “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, it was one of my favorite junior required readings.

Holden Caulfield, the main character of the story, is extremely sarcastic.

In one scene, Caulfield compliments a girl in a bar for being really good at holding a conversation when, in reality, she doesn’t answer any of his questions.

Part of the reason this book is an interesting read is Caulfield’s honest perspective.

He is far from a perfect character and that’s why it’s so intriguing to read about his experiences.

It’s nice to know that there’s someone else dealing with problems growing up, and his account is very amusing.

A hilarious scene in the book is when Caulfield finally calls out Sally, a girl who deserved to be apprehended by him for her very bratty behavior.

After the many times he imagines yelling at her, it finally happens and it’s awesome.

In the novel, Caulfield says, “I am always saying ‘Glad to’ve met you’ to somebody I’m not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.”

It’s basically saying you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.

This quote really stood out to me because it can be applied, not only to high school, but also to life beyond.

The story ends with an optimistic tie-in of a conclusion.

Caulfield realizes he is going to miss everyone no matter what and that’s definitely a tear jerker.

He comes to appreciate the good and the bad caused by the unfortunate events in his life. He knows that he’ll miss the little moments in the end.

I really enjoyed reading this fascinating book.

I already thought I was going to like it, but I relished it more than I thought I would.

Worst Novel

When it comes to literature, I use the triangle system.

There’s the good.

There’s the bad.

And there’s the ugly.

And Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” was pretty ugly.

What was the point of this play? I honestly don’t know.

Did they want to show us how awful life is when we’re adults?

We already know all about it, trust me.

Did they want to reveal the perils of focusing on work?

More than likely, the people who are going to be doing that won’t change our minds.

Did they want to teach us not to stress about life?

Because stress is a major part of a high schooler’s life, and a crappy play isn’t going to give us a sudden epiphany.

Not only that, it was boring. Like, I’d-rather-wait-in-line-for-three-hours boring.

I could barely get through this play without gouging my eyes out like Oedipus.

“Death of a Salesman”? More like Death of Entertainment.