Since its publication in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger has been considered to be a highly controversial yet widely beloved story. Despite getting banned in classrooms and libraries across the nation, The Catcher in the Rye as garnered a cult following of appreciative readers. If you don’t mind swear words, prostitution, and underage drinking, this book should be read with appreciation for its unapologetic grit and boyish charm. This book offers one of the strongest and steadfast voices that American literature has to offer. The rebellious attitude the story offers makes the narration truly relatable for adolescents and those who enjoy coming-of-age stories. As 16-year-old protagonist Holden Caulfield struggles with understanding the loss of childhood and the weight of adulthood, he finds himself on his own on a snowy evening in New York City. As the night and following day progresses, he learns about what it means to become an adult while sharing his opinions of mainstream society. The Catcher in the Rye deserves to be recognized as a highly influential bildungsroman that all lovers of American literature should read.
by Emma Bozenda
Coe Review 
