J.D. Salinger is famous for authoring "The Catcher in the Rye," a novel that became iconic for its themes of alienation and the struggles of adolescence. Published in 1951, it captured the complexities of teenage life through the protagonist Holden Caulfield's journey. Salinger's unique narrative style and focus on psychological depth resonated with a generation, making the book a classic. Following its success, Salinger became reclusive, further enhancing the mystique surrounding his work. "The Catcher in the Rye" continues to influence literature and culture, symbolizing the search for identity and authenticity in a conforming society.