The Catcher In The Rye

I just finished reading The Catcher In the Rye. I struggled to get this book done. I think because I questioned the whole time I was reading it 'why was it a classic?'  It is a good book in the fact that it isn't dated. It was published in 1945 but it could totally be happening today. I found very little dated it. I think one of the biggest struggles I had was not empathizing with the character but pitying him. Where were his parents and why didn't anyone clue into the fact that most of his problems had something to do with loosing his brother and that he was needing some therapy. and what parents don't know where their kid is for three days...and don't even know that he is missing?
I am glad I read it mostly just because I said that I did. I could have with 99% less cursing.