[hanimal]

Catcher In the Rye is overrated.
Read This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff instead.
Or read both, but read This Boy's Life definitely.

As mentioned, Vonnegut is really great. Some of his nonfiction writing might get you a good idea about what he's all about/his philosophies, God Bless You Dr. Kevorkian, Palm Sunday, Wampeters Foma and Grandfalloons. His books are not too difficult either.

Cormac McCarthy is really good, a bit challenging though but I think it makes it more rewarding once you finish one of his books. I guess he is described as southern gothic, very lonely west feel.
Read the Border Trilogy: All The Pretty Horses, The Crossing (my favorite), Cities of the Plain, also Blood Meridian and his new one The Road.