The Catcher in the Rye (by J.D. Salinger)

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger is a novel following Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who feels disconnected and misunderstood. After being expelled from school, he wanders New York City, grappling with feelings of depression, alienation, and the loss of innocence. Holden’s desire to protect childhood purity is symbolized by his fantasy of being "the catcher in the rye," saving children from falling into adulthood and its complications. The book explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the vulnerability of adolescence, offering a candid look at a young person's internal struggles with growing up.