The author of the quintessential teen-angst-ridden novel The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, died today at the age of 91. Salinger's literary representative the Harold Ober Agency announced that the famously reclusive writer died at home in New Hampshire of natural causes.
The Catcher in the Rye is Salinger's best known work. First published in 1951, it has since been read and adored by countless readers — particularly high school students. The novel tells the story of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield and his attempt to rebel against the stifling structures of society as represented by his prep school. He travels to New York City (his hometown) so that he can truly be himself, but he finds that doing so isn't as easy as he thought it would be.
The Catcher in the Rye quickly became popular with teenage readers because Holden, as a narrator, spoke in their voice. As Finlo Rohrer of the BBC wrote last June, The Catcher in the Rye is still regarded "as the defining work on what it is like to be a teenager. Holden is at various times disaffected, disgruntled, alienated, isolated, directionless, and sarcastic." These characteristics, and Holden's (somewhat) successful rebellion have been inspiring young readers for the past 59 years.
Salinger's other three published books are Nine Stories (1953), Franny and Zooey (1961) and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction (1963). His vivid characters, realistic, intelligent dialogue, and themes of disillusionment are just as present in these publications as they are in The Catcher in the Rye, although fewer readers, both young and old, have discovered these stories — NOW HEAR THIS! definitely recommends checking them out!
Some information was taken from this news story.
Back cover photo of J.D. Salinger from first edition copy of The Catcher in the Rye found here.
