Question: Why is "Catcher in the Rye" acclaimed?

With the death, yesterday, of reclusive author J. D. Salinger, there is, naturally, a fair amount of discussion of "Catcher in the Rye," which is widely acclaimed as a great or important or beloved book. Having read it twice, once as a male adolescent, and again years later as an adult, it's appeal utterly escapes me. There are some works which I don't like but I can understand how others might. With this one, I not only dislike it, I don't understand why anyone likes it.

So this is your opportunity to set me straight. If you're a Catcher in the Rye fan, click the comment link and let me know why.