99 pages 3 hours read

J. D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1951

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield, a teenager narrating his story from an institution, recounts his internal struggles and picaresque adventures after being expelled from Pencey Prep. He navigates encounters with various people in New York City, including a date with an old fling, a meeting with two nuns, and time spent with his younger sister, Phoebe. He also visits an old teacher and eventually finds solace watching Phoebe on a carousel. The book includes discussions of depression and mental illness.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye has drawn polarized reviews. Many praise its authentic depiction of teenage angst and rebellion, highlighting Holden Caulfield's relatable and candid narrative voice. However, some criticize the protagonist's incessant negativity and the novel’s ostensibly aimless plot. Its enduring appeal lies in its honest exploration of youthful disillusionment.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Catcher in the Rye?

Readers who appreciate The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger often enjoy introspective, coming-of-age tales with complex, relatable protagonists. Fans of J. D. Salinger's work may also appreciate novels like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

Recommended

Reading Age

15-18years

Lexile Level

790L

Book Details

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

American Literature

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Natural World: Nurture v. Nature

Topics

Depression / Suicide

Education