J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" is a novel published in 1951. It follows the story of a teenager named Holden Caulfield, who has just been expelled from his prep school. The narrative explores his feelings of alienation and disillusionment as he wanders around New York City in search of meaning and connection. The book is known for its themes of innocence, identity, and the challenges of growing up. Holden dreams of being the "catcher in the rye," a protector of children, symbolizing his desire to preserve innocence in a world he perceives as phony and corrupt.