The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger (1919-2010) was an enigmatic and influential American writer best known for his novel The Catcher in the Rye. Born Jerome David Salinger in New York City, he developed a passion for writing at a young age. Salinger’s seminal work, published in 1951, has become a classic of modern American literature, capturing the complexities of teenage angst and alienation through the eyes of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Despite his literary success, Salinger was famously reclusive, shunning public attention and publishing sparingly after the release of his iconic novel. His other notable works include the short story collection Nine Stories and the novellas Franny and Zooey and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction. Salinger’s profound impact on literature continues to resonate, influencing countless writers and readers around the world.