The Catcher in the Rye

Not applicable to this literary classic.

The death of Holden's brother from leukemia and the suicide of a former classmate are central to the narrative and Holden's grief.

Mentions of a suicide and a student's body being retrieved, but descriptions are not gratuitously gory.

The book contains frequent use of profanity and vulgar slang throughout the narration.

Two nuns appear and Holden gives them money, but religious belief and practice are not central.

Crushes, dates and interest in sexual relationships appear, but romance is secondary to Holden’s alienation and grief.

Disturbing material includes assault, suicide, fear of sexual intent, bullying and a child-in-danger cliff fantasy. The tone is tense and unsettling, but not horror-focused.

Features an encounter with an underage prostitute, persistent preoccupations with sex, and a suggestion of potential sexual misconduct by an adult.

The protagonist, a minor, frequently consumes alcohol and smokes throughout the novel.

A fistfight, bullying, a beating and references to assault occur; violence is generally brief but has serious emotional consequences.