The Catcher in the Rye
The Catcher in the Rye is a novel by American author J. D. Salinger that was partially published in serial form 1945–46 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.
First edition cover | |
| Author | J. D. Salinger |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | E. Michael Mitchell |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Realistic fiction, Coming-of-age fiction |
| Published | July 16, 1951 |
| Publisher | Little, Brown and Company |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 234 (may vary) |
| OCLC | 287628 |
| 813.54 | |
The Catcher has been translated widely. About one million copies are sold each year, with total sales of more than 65 million books. The novel was included on Time's 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923, and it was named by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. In 2003, it was listed at number 15 on the BBC's survey "The Big Read".