The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel by J.D. Salinger. It follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager who struggles with the phoniness of the adult world. Through Holden's unique voice, the novel explores themes of identity, alienation, and the loss of innocence. With its raw and honest portrayal of adolescence, The Catcher in the Rye has become a classic in young adult literature.