Banned Book: The Catcher in the Rye

First published in 1951, JD Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye stands as one of the most challenged and banned books over the past five decades. Between 1961 and 1982, it was the most censored book in libraries and high schools in the United States, and in 1981, The Catcher in the Rye was both the most censored book and the second most taught book in US public schools.
For those who have not read it, you may be asking what about this book would make it so popular to simultaneously ban and embrace in schools across the country?

The most commonly cited issues with the book are: 
-vulgar language
-promiscuity
-undermining of moral codes and family values
-encouragement of rebellion

I, for one, believe that this book is essential to read for all students who are approaching adulthood. It reads from the perspective of Holden Caulfield, a troubled 17-year-old boy, and his experiences over the course of three days. If and when it is read in schools, most teachers present The Catcher in the Rye between 10th and 12th grade. While I agree that its content is more appropriate for older students, I do think eighth graders could greatly benefit from its messages. So many middle schoolers struggle with understanding and interpreting the world in which they live--a struggle with which Holden is all too familiar.

After people have read this book, many of them question why so many still schools challenge or ban it. They are often disappointed with its bleak content and lack of significant or controversial events. In all honesty, it simply tells a somewhat average story of a somewhat average teenager. But I think this is what makes the book so popular; it resonates with its readers. Most of us cannot relate to the wizarding world of Harry Potter or the life of a vampire, but The Catcher in the Rye exposes many aspects of real life experiences.

It is seemingly impossible for middle or high school students to experience life without exposure to controversy, rebellion, sexuality, or offensive language. I think by teaching The Catcher in the Rye, teachers can help adolescents and young adults make sense of their lives and the world around them. If it is inevitable that every person will be exposed to a less ideal world, why not use this book as an opportunity to explore the life's issues and questions? As one teacher remarked, banning this book for the reasons listed above is doing exactly what the title suggests--being the catcher in the rye. Holden, like those who challenge this book, wants to protect children from the troubles of the real world, in order to secure their innocence. I think if the challengers had a clear understanding of The Catcher in the Rye, they would see the irony and the uselessness in their efforts to ban it.

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Penguin Books, 2010. Print.