The author of "The Catcher in the Rye" is J.D. Salinger. Published in 1951, this novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager navigating the challenges of adolescence and societal expectations. The book’s themes of alienation, identity, and the loss of innocence resonated deeply with readers, establishing it as a classic in American literature. Salinger's ability to capture the complexities of teenage angst and existential questioning has cemented his place in literary history.