Book Bearings
The Catcher in the Rye
- 240 pages · about 4 hours
- First published 1951
- 204 editions
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1 About this book
The Catcher in the Rye is a 1951 American coming-of-age novel by American author J. D. Salinger. It was partially published in serial form in 1945–1946 before being novelized in 1951.
Originally intended for adults, it is often read by adolescents for its themes of angst and alienation, and as a critique of superficiality in society. The novel also deals with themes of innocence, identity, belonging, loss, connection, sex, and depression. The main character, Holden Caulfield, has become an icon for teenage rebellion. Caulfield, nearly of age, gives his opinion on a wide variety of topics as he narrates his recent life events.
The Catcher in the Rye has been translated widely. About one million copies are sold each year, with total sales of more than 65 million books.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Bildungsromans
- Classics
- Coming of age
- Adolescence
- Teenage boys
- Brothers and sisters
- Preparatory schools
- Relationships
2 What to expect
Holden Caulfield's two days in New York after being expelled from school, told in his cynical, funny and lonely voice. Strong language.
Good for readers who want: a classic, a coming-of-age story, and a famous narrator.
3 About J. D. Salinger
Bio adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
4 More by J. D. Salinger
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