The Catcher in the Rye is a novel by J.D. Salinger that was published in 1951. The novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who has been kicked out of his prep school. Holden is a rebellious and cynical teenager who struggles to find his place in the world.

The novel begins with Holden leaving his prep school, Pencey Prep, in Pennsylvania. He is not happy at the school and has been failing most of his classes. On his last day at the school, Holden gets into a fight with his roommate and decides to leave early. He takes a train to New York City, where he plans to spend a few days before going home for Christmas.

As he wanders around the city, Holden meets a variety of people, including a prostitute named Sunny and a former classmate named Maurice. He also visits his former teacher, Mr. Antolini, who offers him some advice and a place to stay for the night.

Despite these encounters, Holden remains isolated and lonely. He is unable to connect with the people around him and becomes increasingly depressed and anxious. He eventually has a mental breakdown and is taken to a mental hospital, where he spends some time recovering.

Throughout the novel, Holden grapples with the concept of innocence and the idea of growing up. He is afraid of becoming an adult and losing the innocence of childhood. This fear is expressed through his desire to be the “catcher in the rye,” a person who protects children from falling off a cliff and into adulthood.

The novel ends with Holden being released from the mental hospital and returning home. He is not sure what his future holds, but he is determined to make some positive changes in his life.

The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.