I’m not sure if it’s because AP Exams are approaching, or because half of America is banning books in some kind of strange throwback to the 1930s, but for whatever reason, my Replacing Required Reading series has been getting a lot of traffic lately. And since this is a series I’ve enjoyed writing, I am excited to add to it and provide more options for replacing outdated required reading texts.
The next book on the chopping block is Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. Now, for full transparency, I will confess this is my least favorite Salinger work. I’d gladly trade it any day. But it has earned its spot in high schools, and for many is an important book. But before I get ahead of myself, a little bit about Catcher in the Rye.
“The Catcher in the Rye,” is a classic tale of teenage angst and rebellion. It’s a book that’s been loved, hated, and debated for generations, but there’s no denying its impact on the world of literature. So, let me regale you with a synopsis of this renowned novel by J.D. Salinger. (Beware, spoilers lie ahead!)
Our story centers around Holden Caulfield, a seventeen-year-old boy who’s just been expelled from his prestigious prep school, Pencey Prep, for poor academic performance. With a few days to kill before his parents find out about his expulsion, Holden decides to head to New York City and experience a bit of life on his own terms.
Holden’s adventures in the city are a whirlwind of experiences, encounters, and emotions. He checks into the shabby Edmont Hotel, where he grapples with loneliness and contemplates calling his beloved younger sister, Phoebe, or his old friend, Jane Gallagher. Instead, he ends up inviting a sex worker named Sunny to his room, only to find himself unable to go through with any sexual encounter. This leads to a rather unpleasant altercation with Sunny’s pimp, Maurice.
Throughout his time in the city, Holden meets a variety of characters—some old acquaintances, some new faces. He spends time with Sally Hayes, a girl he used to date, only to become frustrated with her superficiality. He also encounters a former teacher, Mr. Antolini, whose intentions he ultimately misinterprets, leading to another abrupt departure.
In between these events, Holden reflects on his life, his relationships, and the phoniness he perceives in the world around him. He’s haunted by the memory of his deceased younger brother, Allie, whose death has left a lasting impact on Holden’s view of the world. He also dreams of becoming the “catcher in the rye,” a figure who saves children from losing their innocence and falling into the corrupt adult world.
As Holden’s mental and emotional state continues to deteriorate, he finally reaches out to his sister, Phoebe. In a heartfelt conversation, he shares his dream of being the Catcher in the Rye, but Phoebe points out the flaws in his plan. Realizing the impossibility of his dream, Holden decides to return home and face the consequences of his actions.
“The Catcher in the Rye” is a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, shedding light on the challenges of growing up, the search for identity, and the struggle to find meaning in an often confusing and hypocritical world. It’s a story that resonates with readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate and provoke thought.
Holden Caulfield, the novel’s protagonist, is a troubled teenager with a penchant for criticizing the adult world around him. Throughout the book, he wrestles with the transition from childhood innocence to the responsibilities and challenges of growing up. Despite the novel’s memorable voice and compelling exploration of adolescence, I can’t help but wonder if it still resonates with today’s students.
Holden’s constant complaints about “phonies” and his inability to connect with others is definitely something that resonates with many of the students I’ve taught. In this world of constant connection, of picture-perfect social media lives, and of never being able to get away from the pressures of society, students are able to identify with the way that Holden feels. You can’t know who’s being real and who’s worth investing in, so connection is hard.
A reflection of its time, however, the book’s exclusion of diverse perspectives and the heavy focus on Holden’s privileged background could leave some students feeling alienated. This is a common problem amongst books included on the required reading list. There is no diversity. There is no representation. The voices are limited. The experiences are limited. And, as such, students have a difficult time connecting with what they read.
These themes are explored in The Catcher in the Rye:
- Alienation and loneliness
- The loss of innocence
- The struggle for identity and self-discovery
- The phoniness and hypocrisy of the adult world
- The search for authenticity and meaning
- The complexity of human relationships
- Mental health and emotional instability
- Fear of change and the passage of time
- The importance of preserving childhood innocence
- The power of memory and the impact of the past on the present
And looking at this list, these are absolutely imperative themes for students to read and be exposed to. They feel important and timely, and students would benefit from talking through these things with a safe adult who has their best interests at heart. But, maybe from books with a modern perspective. So here are my three picks to replace Catcher in the Rye.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the world of a high school freshman, Melinda Sordino, as she grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic event. The book is an honest and raw portrayal of the struggles many teenagers face, tackling topics such as isolation, self-expression, and the long-lasting effects of trauma.
The story begins as Melinda starts her first year at Merryweather High School. She’s immediately ostracized by her classmates, including her former friends, due to an incident that occurred during a summer party. Melinda had called the police, leading to the party being raided and several students getting in trouble. However, the reason behind her call to the police remains unknown to her peers, resulting in their resentment and dismissal of her.
Throughout the novel, Melinda struggles with the burden of her secret – she had been sexually assaulted by an upperclassman named Andy Evans during the party. Unable to voice her pain and fear, she withdraws from her friends and family, retreating into silence as a coping mechanism. Melinda’s emotional turmoil is palpable, and her isolation is compounded by her inability to communicate her feelings and seek support.
As the school year progresses, Melinda finds solace in her art class, where her teacher, Mr. Freeman, encourages her to express herself through her artwork. This creative outlet becomes a lifeline for Melinda, allowing her to slowly regain her sense of self and her voice. She begins to form new friendships, particularly with a girl named Ivy, and eventually confronts her attacker, Andy Evans, after discovering he has victimized another girl.
Speak is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking story that highlights the importance of speaking up and standing up against injustice, no matter how difficult it may be. The novel encourages open communication, emphasizing the power of speaking out in the face of adversity and the need for empathy and understanding. In exploring themes such as trauma, the healing power of art, and the complexities of adolescence, Speak provides a valuable platform for discussing the challenges many young people face as they navigate the often tumultuous journey of growing up. Speak addresses all the same issues of growing up as Catcher in the Rye, while addressing timely issues that students are, unfortunately, experiencing today.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a deeply moving coming-of-age story that follows Charlie, a socially awkward high school freshman, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence. Told through a series of letters (I love an epistolary) written by Charlie to an anonymous recipient, the novel provides an intimate glimpse into the mind of a teenager grappling with a range of issues, including grief, mental health, self-discovery, and the search for connection.
As the story unfolds, we witness Charlie’s struggle to fit in and find his place in the world. He’s haunted by the death of his beloved aunt, as well as the recent suicide of his best friend. These traumatic experiences leave him feeling isolated and unsure of how to cope with the emotional turmoil he’s facing. However, as he begins high school, Charlie is befriended by a group of older, unconventional students – Patrick, Sam, and their friends – who open his eyes to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives.
Throughout the novel, Charlie’s newfound friendships help him confront and overcome various challenges. With Patrick and Sam’s guidance, he explores the intricacies of friendship, love, and the highs and lows of adolescence. As he becomes more involved in the lives of those around him, Charlie learns the importance of empathy, honesty, and self-acceptance. Through various experiences, such as attending parties, participating in the school’s production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and engaging in deep conversations, Charlie gradually emerges from his shell and starts to find his voice.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a powerful and authentic exploration of the human experience, touching on themes such as the struggle for identity, the power of friendship, and the importance of self-acceptance. It also tackles more sensitive topics, like sexuality, abuse, and mental health, in a raw and honest manner. By shedding light on these issues, the novel encourages open dialogue and promotes understanding and empathy.
Ultimately, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as it captures the essence of what it means to be young, vulnerable, and navigating the uncharted waters of adolescence. Its poignant portrayal of the teenage experience serves as a reminder of the transformative power of friendship, love, and self-discovery, and the significance of embracing one’s authentic self.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a profound and heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores the lives of two Mexican-American teenagers, Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana. The novel delves into themes of friendship, identity, love, and the complexities of adolescence, all set against the backdrop of the vibrant culture and landscape of the American Southwest.
The story begins when Ari, a loner with a difficult family life, meets Dante, a sensitive and intellectual boy, at a community pool one summer day. Although they seem to be opposites on the surface, the two boys form an instant bond that grows stronger as the summer progresses. Through their shared experiences, Ari and Dante learn from each other and begin to challenge their preconceived notions of who they are and who they can become.
As Ari and Dante’s friendship deepens, they explore various aspects of their identities, including their cultural heritage, their place within their families, and their burgeoning sexuality. The novel sensitively addresses the boys’ struggles with their Mexican-American heritage, as they grapple with the expectations of their parents and the wider community, as well as their own desires for self-expression and belonging.
Ari’s complicated family dynamic, including an incarcerated brother and a war veteran father who struggles with PTSD, adds another layer of complexity to his personal journey. Meanwhile, Dante’s close-knit and supportive family provides a contrast, as well as a source of guidance and love for both boys.
The novel also tackles the topic of self-discovery in the context of sexual orientation, as Ari and Dante come to terms with their feelings for each other. Sáenz’s sensitive and authentic portrayal of this aspect of their relationship serves to break down stereotypes and open up conversations around love and acceptance.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a powerful exploration of the human experience, celebrating the importance of friendship, love, and self-acceptance in the face of adversity. By touching on themes such as identity, culture, family dynamics, and sexual orientation, the novel provides a valuable platform for discussing the challenges that many young people face as they navigate the often-confusing journey of adolescence. Its honest and lyrical storytelling serves as a reminder of the transformative power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit.
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