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mawalker1962's review
3.0
I first read this in college, and a dear friend gave me to collection for Christmas prompting a re-read. "Raise High" stands the test of time, a carefully crafted, enigmatic, and thought-provoking read. "Seymour" did not capture my imagination this time around. It seemed obscure and overdone and I struggled to find the narrative arc. I don't remember how well I liked it 35 years ago.
lilyphilia11's review
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
manda2491's review
4.0
This collection of novellas is a fascinating departure from what we've come to expect from Salinger's writing. In 'Raise High,' Buddy self-consciously describes his adventure in a cab with the wrong wedding party after his brother, Seymour, doesn't show up to marry his bride. The tale is full of confusion, loneliness, and second-hand information, with a peculiar Zen-like older gentleman smiling amidst the chaos.
In Seymour: An Introduction, we see Buddy trying to describe Seymour post-death in a rambling, complicated narrative as much about poetry and writing in itself as about Buddy's deceased brother. In this story, we begin to see how fantastical the elusive Seymour is to Buddy while finally realizing that we ought to distrust Buddy as a reliable storyteller.
In Seymour: An Introduction, we see Buddy trying to describe Seymour post-death in a rambling, complicated narrative as much about poetry and writing in itself as about Buddy's deceased brother. In this story, we begin to see how fantastical the elusive Seymour is to Buddy while finally realizing that we ought to distrust Buddy as a reliable storyteller.
kristensushi's review against another edition
5.0
Seymour, an Introduction was a bit of a drag, but overall I continue to adore Salinger’s style and insight into humanity.
worm_blizzard's review
3.0
Raise High the roof beams on its own gets 4 or even 5 stars from me. I have long been a fan of the glass family stories and raise High might be my favorite.
Seymour an introduction unfortunately brings this book down. There are some good things about it but ultimately I find it dull. Could easily put you to sleep on a Sunday afternoon
Seymour an introduction unfortunately brings this book down. There are some good things about it but ultimately I find it dull. Could easily put you to sleep on a Sunday afternoon
nightingfae's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
booksnpunks's review against another edition
5.0
Don't think I could have given this book less than five stars on account of both being completely obsessed with the Glass family and the fact that the writing and characterisation in these stories was absolutely beautiful. Buddy and Seymour are two of my favourites of Salinger's characters and this collection focused on them a lot, although this made it a little more depressing due to Seymour's death and Buddy's obvious mourning. But there's something about the characters here and the sheer force of emotion that is injected in to every one that makes these stories so magical and addictive to me, and half way through Raise High I found myself reaching to read passages from Nine Stories again.
The first story was way easier to read than the second, and I got a lot more from it. Stylistically, An Introduction is more interesting because of the use of stream of consciousness and character study, but the witty dialogue and plot from Raise High made me love that one a lot more. I'd say maybe don't read An Introduction first, but save it until you are acquainted with all of the kids.
I've technically finished reading all of Salinger's published works now, but then again I haven't, and I never will. Because there is always something more of him to read, always something new to gain, and the Glass family will never leave me.
The first story was way easier to read than the second, and I got a lot more from it. Stylistically, An Introduction is more interesting because of the use of stream of consciousness and character study, but the witty dialogue and plot from Raise High made me love that one a lot more. I'd say maybe don't read An Introduction first, but save it until you are acquainted with all of the kids.
I've technically finished reading all of Salinger's published works now, but then again I haven't, and I never will. Because there is always something more of him to read, always something new to gain, and the Glass family will never leave me.