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. The novel explores themes of identity, alienation, and the loss of innocence. With its honest and relatable protagonist, The Catcher in the Rye has become a classic that resonates with readers of all generations.