The Catcher in the Rye

"The Catcher in the Rye," written by J.D. Salinger, is a novel centered on Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted teenager who has been expelled from multiple prep schools. The story unfolds as he wanders New York City, grappling with themes of alienation, identity, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. Holden desires to protect the innocence of youth, symbolized by his dream of being a "catcher in the rye," a guardian for children. The novel explores deep emotional struggles and critiques societal norms, making it a significant work in American literature and a reflection of adolescent angst.