I tried to get my kids to read it and they were bored to tears. It took me a few tries to get through it, and I think it captures a certain time and tone very well. I think the most interesting thing about 'Catcher' is the reaction to it, and the stories about what the book has meant to people (both good and bad). It seems to have a certain power that is not readily observable from the content alone. It seems to be a case of the book's notoreity far outweighing the experience of reading it. I would guess not many people today would have read it, but most have heard of it and have an opinion based on what they've heard.
I like Salinger's short fiction. And I once read a book about J.D that I think was written by his daughter, which WAS very interesting.