JD Salinger is the author of the classic The Catcher in the Rye. His books have touched millions of people, especially The Catcher in the Rye. The book has sold more than one hundred and twenty million copies. Salinger's personal background, theme and popularity of his stories led him to become the author of an American classic. He was a very isolated person and kept many things to himself as it is said that publishing life is a violation of privacy and he would not make any effort to be contacted by fans. It was clear that he did not appreciate fame, he said through the voice of Holden Caulfield in his book: "I should decide that no one can do anything wrong when they visit me" . As the biography of JD Salinger says according to famousauthors.org, Salinger was born on January 1, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine. He was the son of Sol Salinger and Miriam, the youngest of all the children. He had difficulties in his education; he failed many schools and was later sent to Valley Forge Military Academy. While there, he began to organize his life and write. After attending Valley Forge, Salinger joined the university. He enrolled at Ursinus College as well as New York University. He was twenty-one years old when he published his first story; however, his writings were put on hold when he left to serve in the army during World War II. During and after the war, his writings gave rise to the popular Holden Caulfield. The war ends and Salinger suffers a nervous breakdown and is hospitalized. He later married the first of three wives. Sylvia was the first, they divorced after 8 months. Then, in 1955, Salinger married Claire Douglas. With her, Salinger had two children but the marriage only lasted barely... middle of paper ...... examples explaining the popularity and influence that The Catcher in the Rye had on the human population . Thanks to these factors, it is very clear that The Catcher in the Rye is an American classic and indeed an important piece of American literature. Salinger and his writings truly had an impact on the readers of his book. The theme's influences and its journey have made this book an American classic. The journey he took as a child influenced his story which he wrote through the eyes of Holden Caulfield. The themes of rebellion and self-containment are depicted throughout the story, leaving the children idolizing Holden for his attitude and teaching them lessons at the end of the story. Finally, the popularity and enthusiasm generated by the book make it an obvious choice to be called an American classic and an important work of American literature.