How does Holden determine whether a book is outstanding in catcher and the rye?
Holden decides if a book is outstanding based on his like or
dislike of the author. Holden states that there are some authors
that he would just like to ring up and talk to. If he has this kind
of friendly connection with an author then he feels justified in
the fact that this book is outstanding. If not, he deems the book
boring and that the author is just another "phony".