"The Catcher in the Rye" is a novel written by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The story is narrated by Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from several prep schools. As he wanders around New York City, he grapples with feelings of alienation, loss, and the challenges of growing up. Throughout the novel, Holden expresses his desire to protect the innocence of children, symbolized by his dream of being the "catcher in the rye." The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of adolescence, making it a significant work in American literature.