Rebel and a love story | Book Shelf

Seventeen-year-old Holden Caulfield is the protagonist and philosopher of this cult novel. Written by JD Salinger and set in post-WW II America, the novel reflects the confusion and isolation felt by not only teenagers but also by the people in such a period. Holden comes across as a very cynical young man whose favourite word is 'phoney' as he describes people who have succumbed to materialistic tendencies or just sold out on their ideals to make a living. He sees his older brother DB as a prime example of this and in spite of his love for DB, can't get over the fact that he sold out. Though written in colloquial language, Holden's narrative is easy to read and understand. Despite his cynicism and critical view of the world, Holden sees some good in the world such as in children, especially his younger sister, Phoebe, whose love eventually saves him. Salinger has used the flashback technique with Holden talking after his nervous breakdown and narrating events that lead up to the beginning. Read it while you are young!

Love Story
by Erich Segal

'What can you say about a 25-year-old girl who died? That she was beautiful. And brilliant. That she loved Mozart and Bach. And the Beatles. And me,' starts off one of the most loved love stories of all time. Segal's simple and beautiful language evokes a modern day love affair that is funny and sweet. It talks about love as bickering and making up, love as sacrifice. A typical, rich Harvard jock and poor but smart Radcliffe girl are the perfect couple. With all aspects of melodrama packed into it, this book is as sappy as it gets without being too cheesy. Recommended for all age groups.

What the Club says

ANUP PRAKASH

WAVE Book Club met on 14 January and 21 January at the British Council to discuss JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and Erich Segal's Love Story.

"I really loved Catcher in the Rye and could relate to it but what bothered me was Holden's fascination with sex. I mean he looks at every woman from a sexual viewpoint. Love Story was my first romance book and I must say, I liked Catcher in the Rye better." – Dipika Shrestha

"Catcher in the Rye a really good book and one of my favourites." – Jebin Gautam

"Love Story wouldn't have been so good if it wasn't a tragedy. It left me feeling ready to cry." – Ekta Upreti

I liked Love Story a lot but couldn't understand some words." – Dhruba Prasad Sharma

"Love Story is for guys too because it's written from the male perspective. It might have been different from the female perspective." – Sumit Sharma

NOTICE

WAVE Book Club will meet on 18 February, 2PM at the British Council to discuss When we were orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro. bookclub@wavemag.com.np