Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It3 of 3 members found this review helpful “Because Salinger’s output is so limited, this is a precious collection. He was one of the acknowledged masters of the short story in his day, and among these tales are some of the best and most famous short stories ever written – “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” and “For Esmé, With Love and...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“Absolutely fantastic.”
Autumn W wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a book of short stories,so it is kind of hard to give a summary for the short stories especially since the stories to not correlate. My favorite stories were actually the first two. "A Perfect Day For Banana Fish" did not make much sense becuase it starts with this newly married girl who is talking to her mother about her husband. The mother thinks that the husband is disturbed and that the girl should come home. The daughter (wife and husband are on a hotel by the beach for their honeymoon) seems to think that the husband will be fine. The it switches to scene where the husband is sitting on the beach talking about how this is the perfect day to catch a banana fish. Shortly after, he goes back to his room and (this ruins the story, so if you want to read it do not read on) shoots himself in the head. A very abrupt and intruiging ending. I liked that I could think about what happened but never know. This was how most of the stories were.
KATHERINE M wrote this review Thursday, November 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The book overall was alright. At the beginning of each story it was confusing because not much would be explained. This grew tiresome and so it took me a long time to finish the book. However, I really enjoyed some of the characters (such as Esme, a talkative, blunt, young girl) because not only did they seem realistic the problems they had (both in their character and in their life) were subtle but interesting. Overall I would say that it was an alright book.”
“These nine Salinger stories evoke many of the same sentiments in Catcher in the Rye - adults are screwed up and being a kid sucks. Though worthy themes to explore, I simply found this collection a bit dry. Though well-written impressionistic vignettes, nothing really happens in these stories. I liked them, but was disappointed overall.”
Nate J wrote this review Thursday, October 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Love this book. I love how he describes character nuances in two powerful words that would take me two clumsy sentences. I love the things his characters don't say. Every story is a little portable 25 page world of wonderful vivid and grotesquely human character detail. Excellent read.”
Jon C wrote this review Thursday, October 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“great.
Pia S wrote this review Sunday, October 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
but - more abstract than his books, too much unexpected happenings, too less characterizing. but always shocking (the unusual things the characters do, and there's just one single murder, and those (in storys), i'd define as usual) and you have to think about it before you can read anything else (or talk. or sleep;))
not a book in nine parts, so - take your time!!”
“Quite a great collection of Salingers short stories. The last two are particularly my favorites. ”
Sarah Elayna wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“i love salinger's writing and his characters to the point that I can't evaluate or criticize them in any way. i know, kind of pathetic =/ ”
handan wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“i loved how the stories interconnected, and how they were just enough to make you hate salinger, because he hasn't published much. i was starving for more of his writing after this one. ”
Katie Palani wrote this review Tuesday, September 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
