The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye is an important exploration of teenage angst and rebellion. It tells the story of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned 16-year-old still reeling from his expulsion from prep school, as he wanders New York City in an attempt to delay facing his parents with the news. Throughout the novel, Holden deals with feelings of isolation and an inability to find a place to belong. Salinger famously depicts Holden’s internal battle as he moves from adolescent innocence to what he sees as the insincere and corrupt world of adulthood in a way that still resonates with readers nearly 75 years after its publication. It is among the most historically banned and challenged books in the country due to its depiction of mental health and depression, themes of rebellion and anti-social behavior.