The author who famously wrote "The Catcher in the Rye" is J.D. Salinger. Published in 1951, the novel centers around the experiences of a teenager named Holden Caulfield, who narrates his struggles with alienation, identity, and the complexities of adulthood. Salinger's writing has been both praised and critiqued for its candid portrayal of teenage angst and its critique of societal norms. The book quickly became a classic, resonating with several generations of readers. Salinger himself became a recluse after the book's success, choosing to live a private life away from the public eye, which added to the mystique surrounding his work.