<P> The Catcher in the Rye is a 1951 novel by J.D. Salinger . A classic novel originally published for adults, it has since become popular with adolescent readers for its themes of teenage angst and alienation . It has been translated into almost all of the world's major languages . Around 1 million copies are sold each year with total sales of more than 65 million books . The novel's protagonist Holden Caulfield has become an icon for teenage rebellion . The novel also deals with complex issues of innocence, identity, belonging, loss, and connection . </P> <P> The novel was included on Time's 2005 list of the 100 best English - language novels written since 1923 and it was named by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English - language novels of the 20th century . In 2003, it was listed at #15 on the BBC's survey The Big Read . </P> <P> Holden Caulfield, a teenager from New York City, is living in an unspecified institution in southern California near Hollywood in 1951 . Caulfield intends to live with his brother D.B, an author who Holden resents for becoming a screenwriter, after his release in one month . As he waits, Holden recalls the events of the previous Christmas . </P> <P> Holden begins his story at Pencey Preparatory Academy, an exclusive boarding school in Agerstown, Pennsylvania, on the Saturday afternoon of the traditional football game with a rival school . Holden has been expelled from Pencey due to poor work and isn't to return after Christmas break, which begins the following Wednesday . He plans to return home on that day so that he will not be present when his parents receive notice of his expulsion . After forfeiting a fencing match in New York by forgetting the equipment aboard the subway, he is invited to the home of his history teacher, Mr. Spencer . Spencer is a well - meaning but long - winded middle - aged man . Spencer greets him and offers him advice, but embarrasses Holden by further criticizing Holden's work in his subject in a rude manner . </P>

When does catcher in the rye take place