book report on catcher in the rye

A Summary and Analysis of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most influential American novels published in the mid-twentieth century. Upon its publication in 1951, J. D. Salinger’s only full-length novel became something of a cult, helping to inspire the Beat Generation and powerfully capturing a moment in American cultural history.

Salinger had worked on the manuscript for a number of years: he had drafts of The Catcher in the Rye in his backpack when he fought at D-Day in 1944.

But why did The Catcher in the Rye become such a cult classic, and why does it remain so widely revered and studied? Before we offer an analysis of the novel, here’s a brief recap of its plot.

The Catcher in the Rye : plot summary

The novel is narrated by sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield, who has been expelled from his elite school, Pencey Prep, for not doing any work. He visits his history teacher, Mr Spencer, at his home where the teacher is unwell. However, Mr Spencer annoys Holden when he wants to go through the body’s mistakes so he can learn why he has failed.

Holden then goes back to his dorm room, where another student, Ackley, and Holden’s roommate Stradlater turn up. Holden learns that Stradlater has a date with a girl he had fallen in love with the previous year, but agrees to write an English composition for his roommate so Stradlater has his evening free to go on the date.

However, later that evening when Stradlater returns from his date, Holden grows jealous, and the two of them fight, with Holden losing.

Although he is supposed to remain at the boarding school until the end of term, Holden decides to take off immediately, travelling to New York on the train with the mother of one of his classmates; he entertains her (and himself) by making up outlandish stories about how popular her son is at school. Then he checks into a hotel in New York, because he wants to avoid going home and telling his parents he has been expelled.

He visits a nightclub, and, back at his hotel room, arranges for a prostitute named Sunny to come to his room. But when the virginal Holden reveals he just wants to talk to her, she leaves, returning with her pimp, who demands more money from him before attacking him, while Sunny takes money out of Holden’s wallet.

To cheer himself up the next day, Holden phones a girl he knows named Sally Hayes, and, even though he considers her a phoney, they arrange to see a play at the theatre. It is while he is on his way to meet Sally, while purchasing a record for his sister Phoebe, that Holden hears a boy singing ‘If a body catch a body coming through the rye’.

After the play, Holden and Sally go ice skating, but Holden scares Sally away by suggesting they go and live in the woods.

Next, Holden meets Carl Luce, an old schoolfriend, for a drink in a bar. Once again, Holden ends up annoying someone, this time by taking an unusual level of interest in Carl’s love life. Holden gets drunk and goes to Central Park, before going home to see Phoebe, avoiding alerting his parents to the fact he has returned. Phoebe works out that Holden is home because he’s been expelled from school, and Holden tells Phoebe his dream of being ‘the catcher in the rye’ (of which more below).

Holden escapes the family home when his parents arrive back at the house, and goes to visit another former teacher of his, Mr Antolini, who taught him English. Antolini is worried about Holden and, like Mr Spencer, wants Holden to focus and make something of himself. He does, however, let Holden stay the night, though things take a dark turn when Holden wakes up to discover Mr Antolini patting his head and interprets this as an inappropriate advance. He leaves, passing the rest of the night at Grand Central Station.

The next day, he decides to leave society and go and live in seclusion in a log cabin. When Phoebe hears of his plan, she wants to go with him, but Holden refuses to let her. He takes her to the zoo and buys her a ride on the carousel to make it up to her, and the two share a happy moment. The novel ends with Holden confiding to us that he has met with his parents and agreed to start at a new school in September. The brief holiday, the youthful rebellion, is over.

The Catcher in the Rye : analysis

The opening lines of the novel see Holden Caulfield, and Salinger through him, signalling a departure from and rejection of the kind of nineteenth-century Bildungsroman novel charting one young character’s journey from childhood into adulthood. Caulfield also doesn’t want to join the ranks of adulthood – he views adults as more ‘phoney’ and suspicious than most children – and instead wishes to preserve the innocence of childhood, as the novel’s title makes clear (of which more in a moment).

But if Caulfield turns away from the Victorian novel embodied by Dickens’s David Copperfield , Salinger’s novel does look back to a different nineteenth-century literary tradition – but an American one rather than British.

As critics have often remarked, The Catcher in the Rye shares some useful parallels with Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), the novel which Ernest Hemingway named as the start of American literature.

Like Huck Finn, Holden Caulfield (his very name containing a number of faint echoes of Twain’s character’s name) narrates his own story in his own idiom, using a colloquial and down-to-earth tone to document his retreat from the society around him.

But whereas Finn heads into the free world of nature, Caulfield retreats further into the city, burrowing into New York with its vices and dangers. He wishes to seek out the real city – not the ‘phoney’ world he has inhabited until now.

At the same time, Caulfield is more of a romantic than a realist: he dreams of escaping the modern city in favour of a simple, honest rustic life, a cabin in the woods (a very Walden -inspired dream), and the love of a good woman. Like the Romantic movement – seen in the poetry of Wordsworth and Coleridge – he privileges childhood innocence over the fallen world of adulthood, and seems to think it’s a shame that anyone has to grow up at all.

And this is the explanation behind the novel’s title: Caulfield’s (largely imaginary) take on a line from a Robert Burns poem, ‘ Comin’ thro’ the Rye ’, which prompts him to envision a field of rye near a cliff, where his job would be to catch any children playing in the field and straying too close to the cliff-edge – hence The Catcher in the Rye .

But his idyllic vision of perpetual childhood is founded on a misunderstanding: Phoebe points out to him that he has misremembered (or rather, misheard) the line from Burns’s poem, which actually asks, ‘Gin [i.e., if] a body meet a body / Comin thro’ the rye’, rather than if a body catch a body, which is how Caulfield heard the line rendered when he heard the boy singing it earlier that day.

When he visits Phoebe’s school to say goodbye, he is charmingly but also puritanically offended that a swearword has been scrawled on the walls, corrupting the innocence of childhood. The problem with Holden’s character – which, thanks to Salinger’s masterly control of the teenager’s voice, is engaging and authentic – is that he thinks all adults are somehow lesser than children, and his belief in the primacy of childhood leads him to reduce adults to ‘phonies’ and teachers who don’t understand him.

In his two encounters with his former teachers – whom, suggestively, he seeks out himself, implying that on some level he wants them to set him on the right path to maturity – he views the first as annoying and the second as a possible sex predator. His innocence is appealing but also, as innocence is always in danger of being, founded on an overly simplistic view of the world.

The late, great literary critic Frank Kermode once described The Catcher in the Rye as having a ‘built-in death wish’, and a Freudian analysis of Salinger’s novel might analyse Caulfield’s desire to flee from adult society with its responsibilities and challenges into an earlier childhood stage of innocence as symptomatic of his unconscious desire to return to the womb. He appears to envy his dead brother, Allie, to an unwholesome degree.

And that title, The Catcher in the Rye , is emblematic of the novel as a whole, since Holden’s fantasy of catching children before they fall off a cliff might be analysed as a symbol of his desire to prevent himself, and other children, from falling off the cliff off childhood into the abyss of adulthood, with all of its phoniness and, yes, responsibilities.

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6 thoughts on “A Summary and Analysis of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye”

Plus Holden’s outlook is relentlessly middle class and it remains relatively unchanged by his experiences in the course of the novel. Catcher deserves some credit for being a groundbreaker, but there is not a great deal of difference between Holden and Jimmy in Robert Gover’s One Hundred Dollar Misunderstanding, and while Misunderstanding is clearly aimed at a more popular audience, I would not rate Catcher as significantly superior in literary terms.

It’s about 45 years since I read Catcher in the Rye, so probably about time I revisited it. My one strong memory is that, although Holden might be supremely irritating, he redeemed himself by his kindness to his little sister. I think most 16-year old boys would die rather than be seen out with a younger sister.

It was the first visceral novel for me–where I felt like the main character Holden did not just jump off the page but very nearly put his arms around me and tried to strangle me. Back then mostly found Holden scary or specifically disturbing in how volatile he was especially toward women. Still I liked Salinger’s master of prose and read all of his work. Cut to years later, I read the prequel via the internet “An Ocean Full of Bowling Balls.” And I know Salinger did not want it released but I think it adds a lot of context especially where the character of Kenneth/renamed Allie is concerned–I think it could have saved Salinger a lot the questions he became tired of answering/addressing re: theories about Holden–was Holden the embodiment of him–back in high school I would have said yes. After the reading the prequel I say no. And just my opinion, but I think the novel took on on a dark stigma–our class read it after the shooting of John Lennon and a lot of this that became also associated/iconic and distracting from the original story — I think that could have been avoided if he released the prequel, but again that is just my opinion.

Notwithstanding an entirely different culture I grew in, the book hit me with the force of a comet, perhaps because I was the same age as Holden’s when I read it, and that was such a long time ago. The analysis is extensive even though it is brief and I realise it has hit the core.

Fascinating to think that in reality the author, Salinger, took in a much younger, naive woman as his lover and then discarded her a short time later. Was it old JD that really didn’t want to face adulthood and all the responsibilities that go with it, including moral, legal, and ethical ones? Don’t admire him or his works at all.

Is childhood’s innocence phoniness aborning? In most cases it’s ignorance leading into experience. Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown” is a much cleaner treatment of the theme and Joyce’s “Araby” much more nuanced. Holden is every bit the phony he criticizes.

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Submitting a book for review, write the editor, you are here:, the catcher in the rye.

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO HEAR about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. In the first place, that stuff bores me, and in the second place, my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything pretty personal about them. They're quite touchy about anything like that, especially my father. They're nice and allóI'm not saying that-but they're also touchy as hell. Besides, I'm not going to tell you my whole goddam autobiography or anything. I'll just tell you about this madman stuff that happened to me around last Christmas just before I got pretty run-down and had to come out here and take it easy. I mean that's all I told D.B. about, and he's my brother and all. He's in Hollywood. That isn't too far from this crumby place, and he comes over and visits me practically every week end. He's going to drive me home when I go home next month maybe. He just got a Jaguar. One of those lithe English jobs that can do around two hundred miles an hour. It cost him damn near four thousand bucks. He's got a lot of dough, now. He didn't use to. He used to be just a regular writer, when he was home. He wrote this terrific book of short stories, The Secret Goldfish, in case you never heard of him. The best one in it was "The Secret Goldfish." It was about this little kid that wouldn't let anybody look at his goldfish because he'd bought it with his own money. It killed me. Now he's out in Hollywood, D.B., being a prostitute. If there's one thing I hate, it's the movies. Don't even mention them to me.

Where I want to start telling is the day I left Pencey Prep. Pencey Prep is this school that's in Agerstown, Pennsylvania. You probably heard of it. You've probably seen the ads, anyway. They advertise in about a thousand magazines, always showing some hot-shot guy on a horse jumping over a fence. Like as if all you ever did at Pencey was play polo all the time. I never even once saw a horse anywhere near the place. And underneath the guy on the horse's picture, it always says: "Since 1888 we have been molding boys into splendid, clear-thinking young men." Strictly for the birds. They don't do any damn more molding at Pencey than they do at any other school. And I didn't know anybody there that was splendid and clear-thinking and all. Maybe two guys. If that many. And they probably came to Pencey that way.

Anyway, it was the Saturday of the football game with Saxon Hall. The game with Saxon Hall was supposed to be a very big deal around Pencey. It was the last game of the year, and you were supposed to commit suicide or something if old Pencey didn't win. I remember around three o'clock that afternoon I was standing way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill, right next to this crazy cannon that was in the Revolutionary War and all. You could see the whole field from there, and you could see the two teams bashing each other all over the place. You couldn't see the grandstand too hot, but you could hear them all yelling, deep and terrific on the Pencey side, because practically the whole school except me was there, and scrawny and faggy on the Saxon Hall side, because the visiting team hardly ever brought many people with them.

There were never many girls at all at the football games. Only seniors were allowed to bring girls with them. It was a terrible school, no matter how you looked at it. I like to be somewhere at least where you can see a few girls around once in a while, even if they're only scratching their arms or blowing their noses or even just giggling or something. Old Selma Thurmer-she was the headmaster's daughter-showed up at the games quite often, but she wasn't exactly the type that drove you mad with desire. She was a pretty nice girl, though. I sat next to her once in the bus from Agerstown and we sort of struck up a conversation. I liked her. She had a big nose and her nails were all bitten down and bleedy-looking and she had on those damn falsies that point all over the place, but you felt sort of sorry for her. What I liked about her, she didn't give you a lot of horse manure about what a great guy her father was. She probably knew what a phony slob he was.

The reason I was standing way up on Thomsen Hill, instead of down at the game, was because I'd just got back from New York with the fencing team. I was the goddam manager of the fencing team. Very big deal. We'd gone in to New York that morning for this fencing meet with McBurney School. Only, we didn't have the meet. I left all the foils and equipment and stuff on the goddam subway. It wasn't all my fault. I had to keep getting up to look at this map, so we'd know where to get off. So we got back to Pencey around two-thirty instead of around dinnertime. The whole team ostracized me the whole way back on the train. It was pretty funny, in a way.

The other reason I wasn't down at the game was because I was on my way to say good-by to old Spencer, my history teacher. He had the grippe, and I figured I probably wouldn't see him again till Christmas vacation started. He wrote me this note saying he wanted to see me before I went home. He knew I wasn't coming back to Pencey.

I forgot to tell you about that. They kicked me out. I wasn't supposed to come back after Christmas vacation, on account of I was flunking four subjects and not applying myself and all. They gave me frequent warning to start applying myself-especially around mid-terms, when my parents came up for a conference with old Thurmer-but I didn't do it. So I got the ax. They give guys the ax quite frequently at Pencey. It has a very good academic rating, Pencey. It really does.

Anyway, it was December and all, and it was cold as a witch's teat, especially on top of that stupid hill. I only had on my reversible and no gloves or anything. The week before that, somebody'd stolen my camel's-hair coat right out of my room, with my fur-lined gloves right in the pocket and all. Pencey was full of crooks. Quite a few guys came from these very wealthy families, but it was full of crooks anyway. The more expensive a school is, the more crooks it has-I'm not kidding. Anyway, I kept standing next to that crazy cannon, looking down at the game and freezing my ass off. Only, I wasn't watching the game too much. What I was really hanging around for, I was trying to feel some kind of a good-by. I mean I've left schools and places I didn't even know I was lean7ing them. I hate that. I don't care if it's a sad good-by or a bad good-by, but when I leave a place I like to know I'm leaving it. If you don't, you feel even worse.

I was lucky. All of a sudden I thought of something that helped make me know I was getting the hell out. I suddenly remembered this time, in around October, that I and Robert Tichener and Paul Campbell were chucking a football around, in front of the academic building. They were nice guys, especially Tichener. It was just before dinner and it was getting pretty dark out, but we kept chucking the ball around anyway. It kept getting darker and darker, and we could hardly see the ball any more, but we didn't want to stop doing what we were doing. Finally we had to. This teacher that taught biology, Mr. Zambesis stuck his head out of this window in the academic building and told us to go back to the dorm and get ready for dinner. If I get a chance to remember that kind of stuff, I can get a good-by when I need one-at least, most of the time I can. As soon as I got it, I turned around and started running down the other side of the hill, toward old Spencer's house. He didn't live on the campus. He lived on Anthony Wayne Avenue.

I ran all the way to the main gate, and then I waited a second till I got my breath. I have no wind, if you want to know the truth. I'm quite a heavy smoker, for one thing-that is, I used to be. They made me cut it out. Another thing, I grew six and a half inches last year. That's also how I practically got t.b. and came out here for all these goddam checkups and stuff. I'm pretty healthy, though.

Anyway, as soon as I got my breath back I ran across Route 204. It was icy as hell and I damn near fell down. I don't even know what I was running for-I guess I just felt like it. After I got across the road, I felt like I was sort of disappearing. It was that kind of a crazy afternoon, terrifically cold, and no sun out or anything, and you felt like you were disappearing every time you crossed a road.

Boy, I rang that doorbell fast when I got to old Spencer's house. I was really frozen. My ears were hurting and I could hardly move my fingers at all. "C'mon, c'mon," I said right out loud, almost, "somebody open the door." Finally old Mrs. Spencer opened it. They didn't have a maid or anything, and they always opened the door themselves. They didn't have too much dough.

"Holden!" Mrs. Spencer said. "How lovely to see you! Come in, dear! Are you frozen to death?" I think she was glad to see me. She liked me. At least, I think she did.

Boy, did I get in that house fast. "How are you, Mrs. Spencer?" I said. "How's Mr. Spencer?"

"Let me take your coat, dear," she said. She didn't hear me ask her how Mr. Spencer was. She was sort of deaf.

She hung up my coat in the hall closet, and I sort of brushed my hair back with my hand. I wear a crew cut quite frequently and I never have to comb it much. "How'd you been, Mrs. Spencer?" I said again, only louder, so she'd hear me.

"I've been just fine, Holden." She closed the closet door. "How have you been?" The way she asked me, I knew right away old Spencer'd told her I'd been kicked out.

"Fine," I said. "How's Mr. Spencer? He over his grippe yet?"

"Over it! Holden, he's behaving like a perfect-I don't know what . . . He's in his room, dear. Go right in."

Excerpted from THE CATCHER IN THE RYE (c) 2003 by J. D. Salinger. Reprinted with permission by Back Bay Books. All rights reserved.

The Catcher in the Rye by by J. D. Salinger

• Genres: Fiction
• paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Back Bay Books
• ISBN-10: 0316769177
• ISBN-13: 9780316769174
• About the Book

J. D. Salinger

• Bibliography
• Birthday: January 1, 1919

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Book Review: The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

Author: J D Salinger

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Genre: Coming-of-age Fiction, Bildungsroman

First Publication: 1951

Language:  English

Major Characters: Holden Caulfield, Robert Ackley, Stradlater, Phoebe Caulfield, Allie Caulfield, D.B Caulfield, Sally Hayes

Setting Place: Agerstown, Pennsylvania and Manhattan, New York in 1950

Theme: Phoniness, Alienation and Meltdown, Childhood and Growing Up, Madness, Depression, Suicide

Narrator: First-person through Holden Caulfield’s point of view

Book Summary: The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

Thrown out by his fourth school, Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye is a lazy, reclusive boy. The profanities used in the book best express his frustrated state of mind and from the way his parents live to his fake teachers to his roommate who scores with girls using sickly-sweet affection, no one is spared from it. After being fed up of the ‘phoniness’ of adulthood, Holden as a revolt heads to New York City.

The book describes his encounters with flirtatious middle-aged women, prostitutes, nuns, wayward taxi drivers, alcohol and drugs. Holden’s journey of self-discovery turns to a life full of debauchery but his sister Phoebe helps him recover from it. He narrates all these events to the readers as a flashback.

The teenage dilemma about the way life works, feelings of alienation and the struggle against the artificial world, everything is described meticulously in The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger. The blunt, offensive language add more to the strong emotions of the protagonist.

Most novels are written to be enjoyable. I feel The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger was written to be more thought-provoking than enjoyable. Its sole purpose is to put the world into a different perspective for the reader, or else support their perspective if they have a similar outlook as the protagonist Holden Caulfield. Anyone who goes through phases of detachment will relate to this book easily. Anyone who generally finds themselves content with the world we live in will not discern any value in this novel without being open-minded to the opinions of people who see the world from a less admirable point of view. I think that is the best explanation I can offer as to why some people really feel for this book and others don’t.

“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn’t happen much, though.”

Sixteen year old Holden Caulfield has just been expelled from school for the umpteenth time. After leaving the school premises he travels straight to a nearby hostel where he plans to stay for a few days so that he is not at home when his parents receive the news of his expulsion. Living alone in the city for a couple of days leaves Holden to seek weird encounters with strangers and old friends. As well as wandering aimlessly around the city for days, Holden is contemplating the people who have left a mark on him so far in his life, while also pondering his loathing for superficial and pretentious things that people do for popularity and success. The young man is at a point where he is questioning the purpose and sincerity of everything to the extent where it is wearing his interest to participate in life.

The unreliable narrator is one of my favorite aspects of literature and Holden Caulfield takes the gold medal in this category. It’s also an excellent representation of what depression can do to a person–you feel loneliest when you’re around people, you don’t feel excited about anything, you self-sabotage, you ramble about feelings you can’t articulate.

“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.”

I think why The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger has been so successful over the past several decades is because of its interesting depiction of issues that only concern us as we get older. I feel like this book was ahead of its time, as it swerved from traditional themes and methods of storytelling, giving it a modernist air and therefore contributing to its success for being alternative. As for the controversy, that may be due to its underlying message that cynicism holds more truth than optimism.

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The Catcher in the Rye

J. d. salinger, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Catcher in the Rye: Introduction

The catcher in the rye: plot summary, the catcher in the rye: detailed summary & analysis, the catcher in the rye: themes, the catcher in the rye: quotes, the catcher in the rye: characters, the catcher in the rye: symbols, the catcher in the rye: theme wheel, brief biography of j. d. salinger.

Historical Context of The Catcher in the Rye

Other books related to the catcher in the rye.

• Full Title: The Catcher in the Rye
• When Published: 1951
• Literary Period: Modern American
• Genre: Bildungsroman
• Setting: Agerstown, Pennsylvania and Manhattan, New York in 1950
• Climax: After he wakes up to find Mr. Antolini stroking his forehead, Holden jumps up and hastily leaves Mr. Antolini’s apartment.
• Antagonist: Stradlater, phonies, adulthood, and change

Extra Credit for The Catcher in the Rye

The Censor in the Rye. Many critics dismissed the book as trash due to its healthy helping of four-letter words and sexual situations, and even as recently as 2010, The Catcher in the Rye was banned in school districts in Washington, Ohio, Florida and Michigan.

Film Rights. Although many directors and screenwriters have wanted to adapt The Catcher in the Rye as a film over the years, J.D. Salinger never sold the rights, thus making it impossible for the movie to be made.

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The catcher in the rye, common sense media reviewers.

One of the greatest novels of the 20th century.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

This book is a textbook for adolescence and helps

Even though Holden sees the world as a cruel, lone

Holden is the real anti-hero of teen literature. K

Teen boys express themselves with violence at time

Teens think about sex. The sex here isn't explicit

Near constant mild to moderate swearing, with a fe

As one would expect from the 1950s setting, nearly

Parents need to know that this book remains one of the best books about adolescence ever written. Any language used -- and it is chock full of mild to moderate swearing, and "f--k" is used several times -- is in the service of being true to the nature of a rebellious teen. There are also lots of sexual references, and…

Educational Value

This book is a textbook for adolescence and helps kids really grapple with the anxieties of being a teen. See our "Families Can Talk About" section for some ideas for helping your kids delve more deeply into this classic.

Positive Messages

Even though Holden sees the world as a cruel, lonely, and uncaring place, the book offers a way for kids to delve safely into the real issues at the heart of being an adolescent. Some of the best books use anti-heroes to teach their lessons -- this book is exhibit A.

Positive Role Models

Holden is the real anti-hero of teen literature. Kids learn so much about what kind of people they want to be by living through his actions and dilemmas. They can relate to Holden, who is on the verge of a breakdown and behaves bizarrely at times, including lying quite a bit. He runs away from school and lives on his own in New York City for several days. Although his behavior is often rather extreme, Holden's character lets kids examine their own as well as their insight into the world of adolescence and adulthood.

Violence & Scariness

Teen boys express themselves with violence at times. Holden is punched several times and remembers a boy at his boarding school who committed suicide by jumping out a window.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Teens think about sex. The sex here isn't explicit, but there are sexual references: Holden thinks, worries about, and talks about sex frequently and believes some of his teen friends to have had sex. In one scene, out of loneliness he agrees to have a prostitute visit his hotel room but then only wants to talk to her and ends up humiliated. In another he sees a couple engaged in foreplay and a man dressing up in women's clothes. Compared to today's TV and movie fare, sexual references in this book are tame.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Near constant mild to moderate swearing, with a few instances of "f--k." Holden throws out the word "goddam" when referring to objects and events he feels strongly about. The language makes the book relatable for teens.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

As one would expect from the 1950s setting, nearly everyone in this story drinks mixed drinks and smokes, both to excess. Holden gets quite drunk in one scene. But none of this is gratuitous: A) Some of the smoking relates to the time in which the book was written, and b) getting drunk is a huge rite of passage for kids and thus it's critically important to explore in literature. There is also an instance in which Holden overhears a story about someone attempting to commit suicide by taking aspirin.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this book remains one of the best books about adolescence ever written. Any language used -- and it is chock full of mild to moderate swearing, and "f--k" is used several times -- is in the service of being true to the nature of a rebellious teen. There are also lots of sexual references, and everyone smokes and drinks -- including the underage protagonist. Holden refers to homosexuals as "flits." People have used these instances in an effort to have the book banned. But those who would do so miss the point of the book, which is a compassionate tale of a child adrift in the world. It's an American classic that everyone should read.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

• Parents say (32)
• Kids say (109)

Based on 32 parent reviews

Not For Classroom Instruction

A different take, what's the story.

Holden Caulfield, about to be kicked out of yet another boarding school for flunking most of his courses, decides not to wait until the end of term and takes off for his hometown, Manhattan, a few days early. He figures he'll hole up in a cheap hotel, look up a few friends, then arrive home on time. But Holden is deeply troubled by the death of his beloved younger brother from leukemia, as well as a classmate's suicide. Alone in an uncaring city, his already fragile psyche begins to unravel.

Is It Any Good?

Holden Caulfield holds a place in the American psyche akin to Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer: an exquisitely rendered character with whom nearly anyone can identify. There are three true things that can be said about J.D. Salinger's masterpiece: It is one of the great works of American literature, it is one of the most frequently challenged by would-be book-banners, and, therefore, it is one of the most misunderstood books of the 20th century. It has been challenged and banned for all of the reasons mentioned above in the content advisories. But those who challenge it fail to see the forest for the little swearword trees. They have called Holden a cynical teenager, when in fact he's such a compassionate innocent abroad that he can hardly cope with the cynical world at all: He's so innocent and so alone that he tries to get a prostitute to just chat and keep him company (alas, no heart of gold here). Desperately lonely, adrift in what seems to him an uncaring world, he has been through some terrible experiences, and no one at all seems to have noticed that he's crumbling.

It's true that much of it is somewhat dated now. Yet there's a reason this book has stayed in print, is stocked in nearly every bookstore, and has been assigned in nearly every high school for the past 60-plus years: Its emotional power and poignancy are still as strong as ever, and Holden's inner self is just as recognizable to teens today as it has ever been. This is one of those books that everyone should read as a teen. At a time (1951) when "teen" and "adolescent" were barely concepts in the American mind, Salinger captured the adolescent voice and way of thinking more perfectly -- and more poignantly -- than just about anyone before or since.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the ways in which the content of the book, which is set in New York City in the early 1950s, might be considered dated by today's standards. How are Holden's experiences different from those of a modern teenager? If there are differences, are there also things in Holden's world that have largely stayed the same in terms of teenage life?

Do you relate to Holden in any way? Do you admire him, or do you pity him? Or is it a little of both?

Why do you think this book is considered so important -- and why do you think it's been one of the most frequently challenged books when it comes to censorship?

Book Details

• Author : J. D. Salinger
• Genre : Literary Fiction
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
• Publication date : December 31, 1969
• Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
• Number of pages : 214
• Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), iBooks, Kindle
• Last updated : August 2, 2021

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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Books for teens, frequently challenged and banned books for kids and teens.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

• Teen & Young Adult
• Literature & Fiction

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The Catcher in the Rye Hardcover – Large Print, December 3, 2019

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 304 pages
• Language English
• Lexile measure 790L
• Dimensions 6.35 x 1.3 x 9.55 inches
• Publisher Little, Brown and Company
• Publication date December 3, 2019
• ISBN-10 031654003X
• ISBN-13 978-0316540032
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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company; Large type / Large print edition (December 3, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 031654003X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316540032
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15+ years, from customers
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 790L
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.53 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.35 x 1.3 x 9.55 inches
• #1,810 in Teen & Young Adult Classic Literature
• #28,649 in Classic Literature & Fiction
• #65,029 in American Literature (Books)

About the author

J. d. salinger.

Born in New York in 1919, Jerome David Salinger dropped out of several schools before enrolling in a writing class at Columbia University, publishing his first piece ("The Young Folks") in Story magazine. Soon after, the New Yorker picked up the heralded "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," and more pieces followed, including "Slight Rebellion off Madison" in 1941, an early Holden Caulfield story. Following a stint in Europe for World War II, Salinger returned to New York and began work on his signature novel, 1951's "The Catcher in the Rye," an immediate bestseller for its iconoclastic hero and forthright use of profanity. Following this success, Salinger retreated to his Cornish, New Hampshire, home where he grew increasingly private, eventually erecting a wall around his property and publishing just three more books: "Nine Stories," "Franny and Zooey," "Raise High the Roof Beam, and Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction." Salinger was married twice and had two children. He died of natural causes on January 27, 2010, in New Hampshire at the age of 91.

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Historical Context

The catcher in the rye, by jerome david salinger.

'The Catcher in the Rye' was originally published as a novel in 1951. Prior to that, it was partially released in serial form from 1945-46.

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Every year around one million copies of the novel are sold, totally around 65 million since its publication. Upon its publication, there was a public backlash due to the use of slang and profanity in the novel. J.D. Salinger wrote as the youth spoke , but the discussions of sexuality, especially that of young people, were too much for some members of the public.

There were those, specifically critics, who did not want to accept the novel into the larger canon of American literature. It was seen as unserious in tone and risqué and therefore banned in some communities and countries. In fact, the first publisher Salinger took the novel to rejected the manuscript after he refused to modify Holden’s character. It continues to be a point of contention to this day, but it is also considered one of the best English-language novels ever written.  

Written soon after the end of World War II, Salinger created a world for Holden in which life had improved, but the world was still turbulent . The American Holden navigated was conservative and recently free of the Great Depression. The average American, at least in Holden’s world, was well off. The Caulfield family lives in a large apartment in an upper-class section of New York City with Holden attending multiple private schools. Holden’s upbringing and the weals he was surrounded with influence his perspective on other people and families in The Catcher in the Rye .  

J.D. Salinger and The Catcher in the Rye  

Salinger was born into a wealthy family in New York City in 1919. As his main character does, Salinger went from various preparatory schools before Valley Forge Military Academy. He never graduated from college, but he did attend a number of them. Just like Holden who prefers his own company, throughout his life Salinger was a reclusive figure. His first short story was published ten years before The Catcher in the Rye in 1940. While Salinger continued to write stories, The Catcher in the Rye was his only novel. Its publication significantly raised his profile.  

There are a few other works such as “ The Young Folks ” and “ Slight Rebellion off Madison ” that contain characters similar to those in The Catcher in the Rye. The latter features Holden Caulfield himself. Another story, “ I’m Crazy ” was incorporated into the novel as well.  

Legacy  

Since its publication Holden Caulfield has become iconic, connecting with a range of readers, but specifically the young, high school-aged student. His angst-ridden outlook on life is relatable in the extreme as is his transition from childhood to the unknown world of adulthood. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry honors contributors to the field of mental health with the Catchers in the Rye Awards each year.  

While living, Salinger successfully shut down any attempt by other writers to craft a sequel to his novel but since his death, there is the very real possibility that a sequel or offshoot might surface.  

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About Emma Baldwin

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

About the Book

J.D. Salinger

J.D. Salinger was a pioneer of the American short story. He is remembered today as the author of The Catcher and the Rye , as well as Fanny and Zoey , and numerous other stories about the troubled Glass family.

Salinger Facts

Explore ten of the most interesting facts about Salinger's life, habits, and passions.

Salinger's Best Books

Explore the seven best books Salinger wrote.

Was Salinger Criticized?

The criticism of J.D. Salinger’s writing is centred around his major literary achievement

Maybe there’s a trapdoor under my chair, and I’ll just disappear. J.D. Salinger

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More From Forbes

The 30 greatest young adult (ya) novels.

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The cast of "The Hate U Give" at the Atlanta Red Carpet Screening at Regal Atlantic Station.

Young adult (YA) books offer some of the most beautiful, resonant and relevant writing being produced today. You can find YA books/novels dating back to before the 1960s, though the genre has become much more popular in the past two decades. Make no mistake, while young adult books/novels are aimed at young people as their primary audience, they also are fantastic reads for more mature readers. Anyone of any age can read a YA book and enjoy it. This list includes the best/greatest YA novels of all time, including some of the most well-known older novels as well as recent gems that have flown under the radar.

Top YA Novels

Young adult literature includes books for people ages 12-18. They explore coming-of-age themes reflecting the universal experience of teenagers, always with an imaginative twist. Some of the most popular and well-known YA books include Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give , Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street , and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye .

Some of the top YA authors include Judy Blume , Nicola Yoon, Marie Lu, Cynthia Voigt, Suzanne Collins, Elizabeth Acevedo and Karen M. McManus . They all write in different genres, including young adult/YA mystery books and young adult/YA dystopian novels. These rankings are based on popularity of the books, critical acclaim, awards and impact.

30. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (2015)

Twins Noah and Jude have always been close, but the death of their mother, Noah’s struggle with his sexuality, and a traumatic event for Jude have torn them apart. This gorgeously written Stonewall Honor novel is told from two perspectives in different time periods.

This book is best for anyone who appreciates beautiful prose or is looking for a gay coming-of-age story. Jandy Nelson ’s I'll Give You the Sun is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

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Apple ios 17.5 major iphone software release: should you upgrade, samsung leaks confirm galaxy z fold 6 upgrades, 29. felix ever after by kacen callender (2020).

Equal parts love story and journey of gender discovery, Felix Ever After follows transgender teen Felix, who begins receiving transphobic messages from an anonymous classmate. But even as he seeks revenge, he begins to find some redeeming qualities in his tormentor, which confuses him as he continues to question his gender identity.

This book is best for anyone who loves YA romance books. Lambda Literary Award winner Kacen Callender ’s Felix Ever After is available from publisher HarperCollins .

28. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)

Yet another dystopian novel, this is set in a future where the totalitarian nation of Panem holds an annual Hunger Games. Two children from each district are pitted against each other in a televised fight to the death. Katniss Everdeen volunteers so her little sister doesn’t have to go and changes the Games forever.

This book is best for anyone who loved the hit Hunger Games movies or likes dystopian literature. Suzanne Collins ’s The Hunger Games is available from publisher Scholastic .

Actors Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Lawrence on the set of the film "The Hunger ... [+] Games: Catching Fire."

27. A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman (2015)

Veda’s entire life is her passion for dancing. After her legs are amputated below the knee following an accident, she struggles to adjust to using prosthetics. She refuses to stop dancing, though, and rediscovers what movement means to her as she also pursues a relationship with Govinda, who finds dance a spiritual experience.

This book is best for those who want to read about Indian culture or are looking for disability representation. Padma Venkatraman ’s A Time to Dance is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

26. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (2020)

The first volume in this bestselling young adult book series introduces Avery Grambs , a whip-smart but troubled teen pulled into a world of puzzles, games and intrigue when she is named in the will of a mysterious billionaire. She alternately bonds and spars with the billionaire’s grandchildren.

This book is best for fans of The Westing Game and other clever mysteries. Jennifer Lynn Barnes ’s The Inheritance Games is available from publisher Little, Brown .

25. A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ but a Sandwich by Alice Childress (1973)

Novelist and playwright Alica Childress’s acclaimed novel, which was later turned into a film, tells the story of 13-year-old Benjie, who has a heroin addiction but sees little reason to treat it and focus on school. The innovative story is told by different people in Benjie’s life, including his mom, drug dealer and teachers.

This book is best for those interested in older YA novels. Alice Childress’s A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ but a Sandwich is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

Playwright Alice Childress photographed with the stars of her interracial love story "Wedding Band", ... [+] Ruby Dee and James Broderick, in August 1972.

24. Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt (1981)

Cynthia Voigt won the Newberry Medal for her series about the Tillermans, four children who’ve been abandoned by their mother and walk across Connecticut to seek out a distant relative. The harrowing journey proves their resilience but also tells a sad story about bouncing back from abandonment.

This book is best for those looking for a more grown-up Boxcar Children. Cynthia Voigt ’s Homecoming is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

23. The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan (2019)

Muslim teenager Rukhsana keeps her sexuality, and her girlfriend, a secret from her conservative parents. But just weeks before leaving for college, the two are caught by her family, who send Rukhsana to stay with relatives in Bangladesh. There, she learns more about intolerance and how to advocate for yourself.

This book is best for fans of forbidden romance. Sabina Khan ’s The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali is available from publisher Scholastic .

22. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (2014)

Kwame Alexander’s Newberry Medal-winning book-in-verse, which also earned the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, follows twins Josh and Jordan, 12-year-old basketball prodigies who discover the terrible consequences of breaking the rules. The book earned year-end “best of” recognition from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal.

This book is best for basketball lovers and fans of books in verse or rap. Kwame Alexander ’s The Crossover is available from publisher Scholastic .

Author Kwame Alexander attends the Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College Wolfson-Chapman Conference ... [+] Center.

21. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar (2020)

Nishat is closeted to her family, but she might risk coming out when she reconnects with her childhood best friend, Flávia. However, the two end up on opposite sides of a school competition that pits their talents as henna artists against each other. The Henna Wars received a Kirkus starred review.

This book is best for those who enjoy stories about artists. Adiba Jaigirdar ’s The Henna Wars is available from publisher Macmillan .

20. Legend by Marie Lu (2013)

One of the most popular and acclaimed fantasy-dystopian YA novels, Legend combines action, adventure and romance. June, a teenage military prodigy, becomes enmeshed with Day, a criminal accused of murdering June’s brother. When they discover the truth of that crime, they realize the corruption in their post-U.S. country is far beyond what they’d imagined.

This book is best for fans of dystopian novels. Marie Lu ’s Legend is available from publisher Scholastic .

19. Yolk Mary H. K. Choi (2021)

Estranged sisters and Korean immigrants June and Jayne are thrust back together after older sis June becomes ill with cancer. Jayne tries to help her sibling but refuses to admit that she, too, has an illness—and it’s just as capable of harming her. The haunting prose makes this a standout story.

This book is best for older readers and those seeking realistic portrayals of eating disorders. Mary H. K. Choi ’s Yolk is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

18. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (2013)

The first in the bestselling YA fantasy trilogy, Shadow and Bone follows soldier Alina Starkov, who learns she has unanticipated magical powers while trekking through the Shadow Fold, a world of monsters. Her country’s elite become convinced Alina can destroy the Shadow Fold using her powers. The book became a Netflix series .

This book is best for fantasy fans. Leigh Bardugo ’s Shadow and Bone is available from publisher Macmillan .

Author Leigh Bardugo signs copies of her debut novel "Shadow And Bone" at Skylight Books in Los ... [+] Angeles, California.

17. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (2013)

This World War II historical fiction novel follows two British girls spying on Nazi Germany who crash-land their plane. When “Verity” is captured by the Nazis, she is forced to confess, but she tries to find a way to spare her pilot, Maddie. The book won the Michael L. Printz Award.

This book is best for historical fiction and World War II drama fans. Elizabeth Wein ’s Code Name Verity is available from publisher Little, Brown .

16. We Are Not Free by Traci Chee (2020)

Prinz Honor-winning book and National Book Award finalist We Are Not Free follows 14 second-generation Japanese-American teenagers who grow up in San Francisco and whose lives are changed when people of their heritage are forced into internment camps. Will they come together or fall apart?

This historical fiction book is best for those interested in World War II and who may not have learned much about internment camps in American schools. Traci Chee ’s We Are Not Free is available from publisher HarperCollins .

15. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus (2017)

Karen M. McManus sparked a boom in YA mystery novels with this well-told tale of four disparate teens who come under suspicion for murder when they end up in study hall with someone who dies—and it begins to look like a murder. The book sparked two sequels and stayed a bestseller for years.

This book is best for mystery fans or those who liked the Peacock series. Karen M. McManus ’s One of Us Is Lying is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

"One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus is one of the top YA novels.

14. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (1999)

Everyone hates Melinda Sordino for calling the cops to a house party. That makes for a lonely school year—but her ex-friends and the others who are mad don’t know why she did it. Melinda stops talking to anyone, which means she can’t get help for what happened in this National Book Award finalist.

This book is best for those looking for books with nuanced depictions of sexual assault. Laurie Halse Anderson ’s Speak is available from publisher Macmillan .

13. The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed (2020)

This New York Times bestseller and William C. Morris Award finalist explores race relations through the lens of the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Ashley is enjoying senior year with her friends until the verdict in the King case, after which the Black teen begins questioning who her friends and family really are.

This book is best for anyone who loved The Hate U Give . Christina Hammonds Reed ’s The Black Kids is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

12. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (2014)

Angry Aristotle and academic Dante could not be more different, but when fate and geography smash them together for the summer, they slowly build a friendship that turns into something more. The Printz Honor book was made into a movie and spawned a sequel.

This book is best for fans of slow-burn friends-to-lovers romances. Benjamin Alire Sáenz ’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

11. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)

A staple on ninth-grade reading lists, The Giver presents a society that appears utopian but is later revealed as dystopian after eliminating any possibilities of variance or difference. Twelve-year-old Jonas is selected Keeper of the Memory, but he struggles with the emotions it entails. The book won the Newberry Medal.

This book is best for dystopian fiction fans and those who like to ask the big questions. Lois Lowry ’s The Giver is available from publisher HarperCollins .

Author Lois Lowry, who wrote top YA dystopian novel "The Giver," attends the Miami Book Fair.

10. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (2020)

The murder of popular high schooler Andie Bell still haunts Pip’s hometown. Pip starts a podcast to determine if Sal Singh, the accused murderer who then killed himself, actually did it. Pip teams with Sal’s brother, Ravi, to find answers. The bestseller spawned two sequels and an upcoming Netflix series.

This book is best for mystery fans. Holly Jackson ’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

9. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (2016)

Simon knows he’s gay and thinks his family would accept him if he came out—but he’s reluctant to upset the happy balances in his life. He begins a covert correspondence with another closeted classmate, and Simon begins to think coming out may be worth it to be with him. Also a great movie.

This book is best for romance and gay coming-of-age stories. Becky Albertalli ’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is available from publisher HarperCollins .

8. Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (2021)

Winner of the Printz Medal, Morris Award and American Indian Youth Literature Award, Firekeeper’s Daughter follows Daunis Fontaine, an Ojibwe teenager who dreams of finding her place at college after years of feeling out of place. Her plans are derailed after she witnesses a murder and becomes entangled in an FBI investigation.

This book is best for anyone who wants to learn more about Native culture or who loves a great mystery. Angeline Boulley ’s Firekeeper’s Daughter is available from publisher Macmillan .

7. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (2017)

Teenager Maddy’s extreme allergies keep her indoors and away from everyone except her mom and her nurse—until Olly moves in next door, and the two improbably fall in love. The creative novel is told through diary entries, drawings and vignettes.

This book is best for fans of The Fault in Our Stars -style doomed teen romances or Colleen Hoover novels . Nicola Yoon ’s Everything, Everything is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

6. Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy (2015)

Willowdean Dixon is loud and proud of her bigger body, even if her former beauty queen mom is always trying to get her to lose weight. When Willowdean develops a crush on a fellow employee who seems to like her back, she loses some self-confidence—but gains it back by entering a local beauty pageant.

This book is best for anyone who loved the Netflix movie adaptation or wants a book about positive self-image. Julie Murphy ’s Dumplin’ is available from publisher HarperCollins .

Jennifer Aniston and Danielle MacDonald pose at the after party for the premiere of Netflix's ... [+] "Dumplin'."

5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)

Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest young adult books of all time, The Catcher in the Rye follows disaffected 16-year-old Holden Caulfield as he journeys home from his Pennsylvania prep school to his dysfunctional family in New York. The classic novel has sold millions of copies.

This book is best for anyone interested in one of the first YA novels. J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is available from publisher Little, Brown .

4. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret . by Judy Blume (1970)

New kid Margaret is eager to fit in with the other middle schoolers, but her lack of religious identity becomes a stumbling block. As Margaret grows up and she and her friends navigate puberty, her private conversations with god become her own touchpoint. The bestselling book received a movie adaptation in 2023.

This book is best for anyone who’s struggled to fit in or grow up. Judy Blume ’s Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

3. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (2018)

Told in lyrical style, this National Book Award winner follows Afro-Latina teen Xiomara, who struggles to stay out of trouble and hide her growing feelings for a boy at school from her religious family. She begins surreptitiously attending her school’s slam poetry club to let out her feelings.

This book is best for fans of books-in-verse. Elizabeth Acevedo ’s Poet X is available from publisher HarperCollins .

2. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1991)

The international bestseller follows Esperanza Cordero in a story told via vignettes as she enters adolescence in her Chicago neighborhood. Esparanza is at once proud of her background and struggles with others’ perception of her. It is based on Cisneros’ own upbringing.

This book is best for those looking for stories about early adolescence. Sandra Cisneros ’s The House on Mango Street is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

Sandra Cisneros penned top YA novel "The House on Mango Street."

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017)

Angie Thomas’ first novel was famously inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. It chronicles what happens after Starr witnesses the unjust police shooting of childhood friend Khalil, who was unarmed. The 16-year-old has to decide whether to come forward and expose the shooting for what it was.

This book is best for anyone looking for a contemporary take on an important issue. Angie Thomas ’s The Hate U Give is available from publisher HarperCollins .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are good ya romance novels.

Good YA romance novels include books where the would-be lovers face long odds to be together. They often overcome opposition from their families to be together. 

Some of the best young adult romances include: 

John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars (2012), a bestseller later adapted into a movie that follows two teens with cancer who fall in love. 

Casey McQuiston’s I Kissed Shara Wheeler (2022), about two driven teens whose academic rivalry turns into a romance—with a side of mystery. 

Ali Hazelwood’s Check & Mate (2023), in which rival chess players hope to win each other’s heart.

What Are Good YA Fantasy Books?

Good YA fantasy books feature a teen protagonist with a seemingly impossible quest or mission to save the world, often supported by close friends who show the true value of believing in each other. 

Some of the best young adult fantasy books include: 

Lauren Roberts’ Powerless (2023), a trilogy about a teen who poses as a psychic and is thrust into a brutal competition where she doesn’t actually have the powers to compete. 

Tahereh Mafi’s This Woven Kingdom (2022), a trilogy inspired by Persian mythology about a young servant who takes down a prince’s world, according to prophecy—but also wins his heart.

Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone (2018), a trilogy inspired by Nigerian myth and history about a young woman who tries to restore magic to her kingdom. 

What Are Good YA Book Series?

The best YA book series develop cohesive storylines and well-drawn characters who carry from book to book. Each installment delivers a satisfactory ending while also building toward a greater conclusion of the overarching questions in the series, usually related to family or identity. 

Some of the best YA book series include: 

Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series begins with The Lightning Thief (2005). The series follows Percy as he discovers he’s the son of a god and must prevent the Titans from destroying the Earth. 

Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series begins with Throne of Glass (2012). It follows a teenage assassin fighting for justice in the kingdom of a corrupt ruler. 

Veronica Roth’s Divergent series begins with Divergent (2011). It follows a teenage girl separated from her family in a dystopian future because of her powers. 

What Are Good YA Mystery Books?

The best YA mystery books tie the unease and excitement of growing up with a bigger mystery. They often rely on driven but otherwise regular teens to solve the mystery. 

Some of the best YA mystery books include: 

Maureen Johnson ’s Truly, Devious (2018), which follows teen Stevie Bell as she tries to solve a mystery at her private boarding school that has stymied more experienced detectives for decades. 

Courtney Summers’s Sadie (2018), following young misfit Sadie’s attempt to solve the mystery after her older sister is murdered—and a podcaster picks up their story.

Kara Thomas’ The Cheerleaders (2018), about a group of cheerleaders who died years ago and the little sister who becomes embroiled in their enduring mystery. 

What Are Good YA Dystopian Books?

Good YA dystopian books depict a bleak future where self-preservation is necessary, but standing out from the crowd can endanger you. The strong protagonists of these books push for change and improvements in bleak situations. 

Some of the best YA dystopian books include: 

Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End (2017), about a future where everyone knows when they will die and can find a new friend on their final day. 

Marissa Meyer’s Cinder (2012), a retelling of Cinderella in a dystopian future where the main character, Cinder, is a cyborg mechanic. 

Samira Ahmed’s Internment (2019), which imagines a near-future United States where Muslim families are forced into internment camps. 

Bottom Line

Young adult books run the gamut from fantasies to mysteries to romances. What each shares is the coming-of-age perspective unique to those early to late teen years, which everyone can relate to. Readers of all ages can appreciate and learn from YA novels.

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Books | this week’s bestsellers at southern california’s independent bookstores.

HARDCOVER FICTION

1. Table for Two: Fictions:  Amor Towles

2. The Women:  Kristin Hannah

3. Funny Story:  Emily Henry

4. James:  Percival Everett

5. The Paris Novel:  Ruth Reichl

6. The Familiar:  Leigh Bardugo

7. North Woods:  Daniel Mason

8. Remarkably Bright Creatures:  Shelby Van Pelt

9. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store:  James McBride

10. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow:  Gabrielle Zevin

HARDCOVER NONFICTION

1. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War:  Erik Larson

2. Somehow: Thoughts on Love:  Anne Lamott

3. Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder:  Salman Rushdie

4. An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s:  Doris Kearns Goodwin

5. The Creative Act: A Way of Being:  Rick Rubin

6. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones:  James Clear

7. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder:  David Grann

8. The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook:  Hampton Sides

9. Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends:  benny blanco, Jess Damuck

10. Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent:  Judi Dench, Brendan O’Hea

MASS MARKET

1. Dune:  Frank Herbert

2. Dune Messiah: Frank Herbert

3. 1984:  George Orwell

4. Mistborn: The Final Empire:  Brandon Sanderson

5. The Name of the Wind:  Patrick Rothfuss

6. Hyperion:  Dan Simmons

7. Slaughterhouse-Five:  Kurt Vonnegut

8. The Way of Kings:  Brandon Sanderson

9. The Catcher in the Rye:  J.D. Salinger

10. Guards! Guards!:  Terry Pratchett

TRADE PAPERBACK FICTION

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses:  Sarah J. Maas

2. Dune:  Frank Herbert:

3. The Midnight Library:  Matt Haig

4. Happy Place:  Emily Henry

5. Pineapple Street:  Jenny Jackson

6. Just for the Summer:  Abby Jimenez

7. Bunny:  Mona Awad

8. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:  Taylor Jenkins Reid

9. The Secret History:  Donna Tartt

10. Beach Read:  Emily Henry

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"Today" Host Craig Melvin Opens up About His New Career Move

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Craig Melvin is a proud dad — and wants the whole world to know it! The cohost of TODAY and father of Delano, 10, and Sybil, 7, just released the picture book I’m Proud of You , which celebrates his son's big and small accomplishments.

“A few years ago, I found myself marveling at Delano on the high dive,” Melvin recalls. “He was trying to conquer his fear and jump off for the first time. When he did it, I saw how proud he was and how proud my wife and I were, and I thought we should document this.”

I'm Proud of You

That's exactly what happened: Melvin wrote a rhyming story that captures a variety of qualities he admires about Delano, including his kindness, grace, curiosity and courage. Artist Sawyer Cloud expressively illustrated Melvin's family, helping to make the story even more warm and fuzzy. On the pages that depict Delano standing on the high dive with his family and other kids cheering him on, Melvin writes, “I’m proud of you facing your fears. I know you will rise above, even if there are tears.”

Melvin dedicates the book to his wife Lindsay Czarniak, a sports broadcaster, and his children, collectively calling them "his rock and inspiration." We spoke to Melvin about his family life and his lifelong connection with books.

On what he's most proud of

"If you asked me before children, I would have given you four or five professional accomplishments because my job is awesome. But I’m immensely proud of the family that my wife and I are building. I’m proud of my extended family and the relationship I’ve been able to forge with my father late in life."

On the dream Father's Day

"I wouldn't set an alarm, and sleep until my body wakes up. Then I'd go back to sleep for a nap. I'd have a nice breakfast, and go to the golf course. I'd play the front nine with my buddies and the back nine with family. Then I'd go home and have ribeye steak, mac and cheese and a nice glass of bourbon on the rocks. I'd be able to watch TV uninterrupted. After dinner, I'd FaceTime my younger brother and my dad to talk about the joys and wonders of fatherhood."

On what he's gotten better at since becoming a dad

"Patience. I've struggled mightily with patience my entire life. When you're a parent, you have to be patient. It’s a job requirement."

On how the family manages screen time

"This has become the defining issue of parenthood and the older our kids get, the harder managing screen time becomes. We only allow video games on the weekends. We've signed the Wait Until 8th pledge about not getting kids a cell phone until eighth grade. And we're more conscious of being on our phones in front of the kids."

On the importance of reading

"Books are the great equalizer, always have been, always will be. My mom was a teacher — and thanks to her, I was a voracious reader at an early age. In particular, Holden Caulfield [from The Catcher in the Rye ] was such a relatable character to me. Even now, I spend a lot of time reading. It's an escape, especially these days when so much around us is so serious and heavy."

On reading with his kids

"My son and daughter are both big readers, and now they even read to me. Sybil enjoys the Amelia Bedelia series and Delano, who had been into dinosaurs almost his entire life, has a giant encyclopedia about them that he reads to me."

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