The Catcher in the Rye, published in 1954, is now widely held as the quintessential coming of age novel. Rather than depicting the bright and joyous fantasy land of Seventeen magazine and the like, The Catcher in the Rye shows the harsh and sometimes painful reality of the entrance into adulthood. The sixteen year old Holden Caulfield gives a personal narrative in his unique tone on his experience in the city, and brings to light bitterness that many adolescents experience (but never find the words to express). A compelling read, this controversial tale has become the one to which all others should be compared.
Review
I found this book stunningly acute and fresh. Even after more than fifty years, The Catcher in the Rye accurately recounts the sometimes but painful but always confusing state of mind before the certainty of adulthood. After many years, it remains on censored book lists across the country, which makes it an even more valuable read. I highly recommend this book--because damn it, some times the world just pisses people off.