The Catcher in the Rye

This novel follows Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager who has been expelled from his prestigious prep school. As he wanders through New York City, Holden grapples with feelings of alienation, depression, and his fear of growing up. His desire to protect the innocence of childhood, symbolized by his fantasy of being the "catcher in the rye," reflects his internal struggle with the adult world. The Catcher in the Rye is a poignant exploration of identity, isolation, and the painful journey to adulthood.