1. The Catcher in the Rye Written by J. D. Salinger (published 1951)

2. The Catcher in the Rye: One of the most famous novels of the twentieth century among educated people Has the reputation for appealing to off-beat, flaky, or deranged individuals Mark David Chapman (John Lennon’s assassin) was obsessed with Catcher.

3. Holden Caulfield: Narrator and main character A troubled sixteen-year-old First adolescent to use profanity casually in an American novel Through his struggles, readers learn how NOT to deal with problems

4. J. D. Salinger: 1919-2010 Won instant fame and fortune with publication of Catcher Disliked fame, and has only granted one interview Refused to be photographed or filmed Never appeared on television Lived reclusively in New Hampshire in a walled estate Refused to have Catcher made into a film during his lifetime

5. Salinger, continued: Married three times First wife was a psychiatrist (he used his knowledge of psychiatry extensively in Catcher) Last wife was nearly half his age His daughter is a writer; his son is an actor Attended military schools Saw heavy combat in World War II Published other novels and many short stories— none as famous or popular as Catcher

6. Novel begins: With Holden in a mental institution in California, looking back on what led to his “breakdown.” Novel is a long “flashback.” Reference to David Copperfield: David Copperfield, a novel by Charles Dickens, was required by most students in the 1940s through the 1970s (long, slow-moving book about a boy’s pitiful childhood).