18. J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is a touchstone of adolescent literature, capturing the voice and vulnerability of teenage alienation. Salinger’s distinctive style and memorable protagonist, Holden Caulfield, have sparked decades of discussion and debate. The novel’s enduring cultural impact is frequently explored by The New Yorker, underscoring its significance in American literary history.



