Donnis Johnston

I read this book as a teenager and I immediately loved it after the first few pages. The main character and narrator, Holden, is a 16 year old living in an adult world. He spent two days on his own in a big city doing things like hailing cabs and going to bars (cause of the premature grey streak in his hair, he was able to get in and order alcohol), and meeting strangers... even older women who he was able to entertain and enjoy their company..... I mean.....I was 28 years old when I took my first cab ride!!! I know the whole basis of the book is not wanting to "grow up", or "become a phoney", but Holden (in my eyes) WAS an adult living an adult life, in an adult world. Of course, he was somewhat thrown into this role beyond his control, but to me...... well......to me he was a hero who was handling it in a charming and endearing way. I just couldn't put the book down. I would suggest that every teenager in America read it. It changed my life.