Love your point about reading a book at the right time in life, that's key.

You mention Bell Jar and Catcher, I loved those also and also link them together. I saw Bell Jar as the "young woman's" version of Catcher, both had that sassiness to them (and sadness underneath in the case of Bell Jar.

I started Goldfinch but it didn't connect with me and I gave up. Maybe I'll revisit.