J. D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who has just been expelled from his prep school. Over a few days in New York City, Holden wanders alone, meeting various people while struggling with feelings of alienation, grief, and confusion about adulthood. He criticizes the “phoniness” of the adult world and longs to protect the innocence of children, especially his younger sister Phoebe. The novel explores themes of teenage rebellion, identity, loneliness, and the challenges of growing up.