Originally Published: July 16, 1951

By: J.D. Salinger

A favorite novel of serial killers and widely considered one of the greatest novels of all-time, J.D. Salinger created the perfect story of angst-ridden teenage adolescence.

Holden Caulfield begins his story as he leaves his dormitory in Pennsylvania after being expelled. He walks out and the story follows in real-time throughout his night as he runs into friends, professors and a prostitute.

I kept waiting for something to happen to Holden in the novel. There were many times I thought he was going to murder someone or kill himself, but nothing really happens. You read through his confusion and depression, but his personality does lighten toward the end.

The Catcher in the Rye really resonates with people who are trying to find themselves. Holden is lost and is struggling, and there’s comfort in that.

Final say: Hard-hitting and real. ★★★★☆