I'm not entirely sure how we got onto the subject of "A Catcher in the Rye" but I have to agree with theylyamhound. Holden is not just a regular doofus adolescent, I think most people laugh at his use of slang/language, not entirely wrong criticisms of society and others such as Old-Stradlater or Ackley, and feel some genuine sympathy for him in his relationships with his sister and deceased brother Allie, and ex-girlfriend Jane. I think a major point--to doubt and question adults, is spot on as the Brits say. You see a similar theme to almost every "Southpark" episodes, "adults lie to us all the time." How can anyone who wants to be taken seriously, mmmm, argue with that statement?