The Catcher in the Rye

by J. D. Salinger · 1951

The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger's 1951 novel, follows sixteen‑year‑old Holden Caulfield as he wanders New York City after being expelled from prep school. Through his candid, often sarcastic narration, Holden confronts the phoniness of adult society, mourns the death of his younger brother, and grapples with the loss of innocence. The story is celebrated as a quintessential coming‑of‑age work that captures teenage alienation, grief, and the yearning to protect childhood purity.