6. Catcher in the Rye (1951), JD Salinger

Catcher in the Rye is every depressed high schooler’s favorite book, maybe (probably not), and so I’m including it here out of a sense of obligation and fear of a major backlash of people who think this entire article is incorrect because I didn’t put a seminal depressing novel in it. I shouldn’t be pandering like this, I know; anyways, Catcher in the Rye is quite depressing, and if you’re in a really sour mood, go check this one out from the library. Holden Caulfield, the main character, will be right there, waiting for you to wallow in your bitterness together. He’s great for that.