Holden and Sally hit the ice at Rockefeller Center, where Sally rents a "little blue butttwitcher of a dress" and Holden discovers he's the worst skater on the rink. What starts as an awkward date turns into something much heavier when Holden starts lighting matches in a bar and asks Sally the question that's been eating him alive: "Did you ever get fed up?"

Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.

Things To Listen For:

Sally's butttwitcher skating dress and the moment Jennifer asks "is that a typo?"
Holden trying to order a scotch and getting shut down by yet another adult who can see right through him
The match-lighting scene where Holden goes from small talk to existential crisis in about thirty seconds
Holden's full escape fantasy: $180 in the bank, a cabin in Vermont, chopping wood, and a girl he doesn't even want to bring
Jennifer comparing Holden's meltdown to Dan wanting to ride the rails like a hobo

Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? This chapter captures exactly why — a teenager rejecting the entire plan society has mapped out for him, saying out loud what he's not supposed to say, and asking someone to run away with him. It's not the language that scares people. It's a kid who sees through everything and can't pretend anymore.

If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).

Banworthy to Bingeworthy
If you're looking for another great podcast to add to your rotation, check out:

Trace of Suspicion — A new podcast from Dateline about a young Marine whose death investigation took a wild, unexpected, and utterly bizarre turn. Hosted by Josh Menowitz.

Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!

Disclaimer:
Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines.

The material used from the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.

Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 17, Holden Caulfield, Sally Hayes, Rockefeller Center, escape fantasy, teenage depression, conformity, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast