Is Catcher in the Rye Michael Jackson?

In "Catcher in the Rye as a Postwar American Fable" the writer takes a moment to wonder about the popularity of the novel and what has allowed Salinger's work to persist over the last half a century. This musing included possibility that Catcher in the Rye is not necessarily popular among a young generation that connects with the work, but rather the English teachers who assign it, but there is another possibility mentioned -- that the novel has only maintained popularity over the years because it so frequently finds itself on lists of banned literature. With this in mind, I have to ask:

Is Catcher in the Rye Michael Jackson?

That is, has the novel only endured in our thoughts and affections because of its controversy?Michael Jackson's early career was praised by fans and critics, but after the mid-90s he was simply known as a crazy white woman who named his children after bedroom accessories. Similarly, the novel was hailed as a literary triumph upon publication. Has it only stayed in our radar because it's so frequently a point of contention at the school board watercooler?

There is no doubt that certain works and artists find popularity among the people in part because they are so polarizing (see the writing of Ayn Rand, Kim Kardashian in general) but a number of great works and artists also just happen to be polarizing (see Lady Gaga). Which is the case for Catcher in the Rye?