Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger is a novel narrated by Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenage boy navigating New York City after being expelled from his prep school. The story explores his feelings of alienation, confusion, and grief as he grapples with growing up and losing innocence. Holden's desire to protect childhood purity is symbolized by his image of being "the catcher in the rye," saving children from falling into the adult world's complexities. The novel offers an honest, candid look at adolescent angst and the challenge of finding genuine connection amidst superficiality.