JD Salinger is the author of the classic, The Catcher in the Rye. His books have reached 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 be the author of an American classic. He was a very private person and kept many things to himself as editorial life is said to be an invasion of privacy and he would not reciprocate any attempts by fans to contact him. It was clear that he did not enjoy fame, he stated through the voice of Holden Caulfield in his book, "I should decree that no one could do anything false when they came to see me." As stated in the JD Salinger biography from famousauthors.org, Salinger was born on January 1, nineteen ninety-nine. He was the son of Sol Salinger and Miriam, the youngest of all the children. He struggled in education; he failed many schools and was later sent to Valley Forge Military Academy. During his time there, he began to organize his life and began to write. After attending Valley Forge, Salinger moved on to colleges. He enrolled in Ursinus College and New York University. He was twenty-one when he published his first story; however his writing was put on hold when he left Army service during World War II. During and after the war his writings brought to light the popular Holden Caulfield. The war ended and Salinger suffered a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. He subsequently married the first of three brides. 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 lasted only until the middle of the sheet. Through these factors, it is very clear that The Catcher in the Rye is an American classic and truly a significant piece of American literature. Salinger and his writings have truly made an impact on the readers of his book. The influences of the theme and its background 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 children to idolize Holden for his attitude and teach them lessons at the end of the story. Finally, the popularity and enthusiasm for the book make it an obvious choice to be labeled an American classic and a significant piece of American literature.