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Reader Experience of Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

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The Catcher in the Rye

The first text that significantly impacted me as a reader was The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Reading it in high school profoundly affected me as a reader. This coming-of-age story follows the adventures of Holden Caulfield, an angst-ridden teenager grappling with the world around him. Through Holden’s experiences, I could relate to the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany adolescence.

Reading this book gave me a sense of companionship in my difficulties, and I gained a greater understanding of the rewarding aspects of coming of age. “I can’t explain what I mean. And even if I could, I’m not sure I’d feel like it” is a quote that summarizes my feelings as a teenager (Salinger 58). The Catcher in the Rye serves as a great example of literature, as it captures the teenage experience in a vivid manner that many readers can relate to.

Frankenstein

Another novel that significantly affected me is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, which I read during college. It engaged readers in reflecting on the potential risks of unchecked scientific progress. The tale provided an example of the consequences that can arise from an unbridled pursuit of knowledge and left me with a feeling of apprehension. It also highlighted the need for caution when utilizing science, demonstrating the importance of responsible application (Shelley 211). This work is a classic piece of literature, as its characters and themes remain relevant today.

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald impressed me significantly when I read it for my high school English class. This novel aims to investigate the concept of the American Dream and its consequences if it is unattainable. Upon reading, the tragedy that the characters’ ambition can cause resonated with me deeply, leaving me feeling sympathetic toward their hopes and dreams being crushed. This book gave me the insight that while striving for one’s goals is commendable, maintaining a realistic perspective is essential (Fitzgerald 119). As an example of literature, this writing is timeless and evokes thought-provoking topics, as demonstrated by its themes, characters, and style.

Summary

In conclusion, all three novels have greatly impacted me as a reader. They evoke a wide range of emotions and provide valuable life lessons. I would argue that these texts can be classified as literature, as they demonstrate timelessness and captivating storytelling.

Works Cited

Fitzgerald, Francis Scott. The Great Gatsby (1925). Na, 1991.

Salinger, Jerome D. “The Catcher in the Rye [1951].” Boston, MA et al (2001).

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Broadview Press, 2012.

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StudyCorgi. (2026, January 12). Reader Experience of Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. https://studycorgi.com/reader-experience-of-salingers-the-catcher-in-the-rye-shelleys-frankenstein-fitzgeralds-the-great-gatsby/

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"Reader Experience of Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby." StudyCorgi, 12 Jan. 2026, studycorgi.com/reader-experience-of-salingers-the-catcher-in-the-rye-shelleys-frankenstein-fitzgeralds-the-great-gatsby/.

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StudyCorgi. (2026) 'Reader Experience of Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby'. 12 January.

1. StudyCorgi. "Reader Experience of Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby." January 12, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/reader-experience-of-salingers-the-catcher-in-the-rye-shelleys-frankenstein-fitzgeralds-the-great-gatsby/.


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StudyCorgi. "Reader Experience of Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby." January 12, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/reader-experience-of-salingers-the-catcher-in-the-rye-shelleys-frankenstein-fitzgeralds-the-great-gatsby/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2026. "Reader Experience of Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby." January 12, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/reader-experience-of-salingers-the-catcher-in-the-rye-shelleys-frankenstein-fitzgeralds-the-great-gatsby/.

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