The Catcher in the Rye by J. D Salinger begins with Holden, the narrator and protagonist, giving a brief description of his background, in one of the most well known openings of American literature. Although, he tells the reader he does not want to talk too much about it,

."..And all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth."

He then goes onto describe -in great detail- the events, which took place over a three-day period around Christmastime of the previous year. He communicates to the writer from a mental institution in Southern California. Holden's story is in the form of a long flashback, constructed through Holden's own memory. It commences with him sitting atop Thomsen hill thinking about the school he is in and how he is not to return as he has been...