suprisingly lovely
Bianca, a young but weary pilgrim., 01/28/2008

I absolutely hated Catcher in the Rye, thus was somewhat apprehensive about reading this work of Salinger. However, a freind continued to assure me I would love it, and once I picked it up, I actually did. It does have that slight hint of whining that Holden did in Catcher but otherwise, this actually has a story line and a plot and a reason for being. It's touching and makes you think and gave me a little slice of compassion. Though I will admit, you have to be in a certain mood in order to read this. Do not come looking for a happy-go-lucky, marvellous adventure, but rather a healing bit of insight for those weary with life.

Also recommended: Mrs. Dalloway, The Fountainhead, Life of Pi, The Hours

Catcher in the Rye, Part Deux
Les Paul Bean, A reviewer, 01/06/2008

Franny and Zooey is a lesser version of Catcher in the Rye. The novel has charming and touching moments, but is dominated by plodding and pretentious passages. Storyline here is thin almost to the point of non-existent, and the bulk of the novel consists of discourse on literature, religion, and relationships. What Salinger has created 'again' is an observant, detailed, and thoughtful -- yet very dull-- portrayal of a dysfunctional Manhattan family. It takes a long time to make a humane point. If you're really going to read Franny & Zooey -- which you can make it through life happily without doing so -- start it on a Saturday morning so that you'll be finished by Sunday night. You can read it and still get all your errands/and or laundry done in one weekend. You can tell friends, 'I read the other Salinger novel this weekend,' and it will be true.

Also recommended: Kissing in Manhattan, Schickler Breakfast at Tiffany's, Capote Eloise, Thompson Stuart Little, E.B. White 'The Kugelmass Episode,' Woody Allen

I thought it'd be better...
Victoria, a fairy., 02/14/2007

I honestly thought this book would be fantastic, considering the great reviews and how the book was written by J.D. Salinger...but I was highly disapointed. It didn't keep me entertained. It just felt as if I was forcing myself to read it just to finish it. I didn't enjoy this book at all. But maybe you will.

Engaging
linda, a Literature nerd, 12/26/2006

This novella reads more like a play than a piece of prose. The story, made up mainly of dialog between characters, is a loose commentary on religion and academia as well as an exploration of the emptiness and anxiety felt while growing up. Interesting about this story is its comparability to later novels centered on the disillusionment and misery of privileged kids (In Franny and Zooey, the Glass family were brainchildren made famous on TV). The characters aren't exactly what I would call likeable-- in fact you may find Zooey despicably cold and Franny to be simpering and pathetic. However, these characters are solid and you will find yourself uncontrollably turning the pages. Pretty riveting--a quick read that is melancholy and bittersweet.

Also recommended: The Catcher in the Rye

Pretty Good
A reviewer, someone who likes a good classic, 03/30/2005

I wanted to read this book mainly because 'The Catcher in the Rye' was so excellent. So I guess I had great expectations for this book. It wasn't the best book I have read, but I would recommended it. Salinger is an amazing writer with his candid and witty humor.

Also recommended: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath