#4: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger 

I can’t believe I hadn’t read this book before! It exceeded my expectations and I loved reading it while living in New York City. Holden Caulfield was by far the most well developed character out of the books I’ve read so far this year and the story flew by. Salinger’s writing was insightful, even as some of Holden’s thoughts were confused or angry. However, I think he was relatable and honest. It was refreshing to read a book not focused on a quick series of events, but on the multidimensional nature of human beings. My favorite quote is from Holden’s teacher, Mr. Antolini:

“Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You’ll learn from them – if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It’s a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn’t education. It’s history. It’s poetry.”