On July 16, 2026, The Atlantic's Lily Meyer and Sarah Gleim, authors of "How 'The Catcher in the Rye' influenced real killers," discussed the enduring legacy of J.D. Salinger's classic novel on its 75th anniversary. Their conversation focused on the book's controversial connection to several high-profile crimes in the United States, examining how the novel has impacted individuals involved in such events.

The discussion highlights the complex cultural footprint of "The Catcher in the Rye," reflecting on why it has been linked to real-life violence over the decades.

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