[Francis McClobber]

"You have to be just the right age when you read Catcher."

I agree. I was in the teen age angst period when I was forced read it. I have a sister who was Phoebe's age at the time and I adored her the way Holden adored Phoebe. Holden became my hero.
I was so impressed, that I ran out and bought "Raise High the Roofbeam". What a piece of crap.

Another book that must be read at precisely the right time is "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac. Great reading for one right out of college or smack in the middle of a midlife crisis.

[durasell]

I read Catcher too late, at 18 or 19 (don't ask why) and shrugged it off. I agree with you on On The Road, but would add that Desolation Angels should be read a few years later.

[CDHart]

'"On the Road" by Jack Kerouac. Great reading for one right out of college or smack in the middle of a midlife crisis.'

I thought (at the age of 18) that Jack Kerouac was the one to follow. Now at age 60, I wonder where my brain was.

Carolyn

[Sir_Ed]

I liked Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Ed