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skippy_skippington's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
harrietjwood's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
chloekg's review against another edition
5.0
Imagining all the emotions of literature spread out in a linear representation would require a huge line. What Salinger does in these short stories is to examine a very narrow range on that scale. Even in such smallness, he finds vastness. The subtle extraordinary of every day life is distilled in these pages. I fear I can do no justice in describing it.
juanpablo's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
karinlib's review against another edition
This book is really two novellas. The first one, Raise High the Roof Beam, was excellent. I had trouble with Seymour, though, maybe it was too long.
shadesofpemberley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
alexisrt's review
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters: Seymour, an Introduction by J.D. Salinger (1994)
agnesealstrian's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
jwebster's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
kellieveltri's review against another edition
”Keep me up till five only because all your stars are out, and for no other reason.”
J.D. Salinger, and particularly Seymour Glass, were incredibly meaningful to me in my late teenage years. I’d forgotten most of the details, including that these were narrated by Buddy and that he’s a surprisingly direct stand-in for Salinger himself, as well as how funny he can be. Certain quotes, however, shot through time and I recognized them instantly of objects of reverence from that point in my life.
It’s a very different reading experience six+ years later—I understood more of the references and have many more years of both literary study and life experiences under my belt—but just as enjoyable in its own way as different parts resonated with me this time. Maybe I’ll check back in in another six.
J.D. Salinger, and particularly Seymour Glass, were incredibly meaningful to me in my late teenage years. I’d forgotten most of the details, including that these were narrated by Buddy and that he’s a surprisingly direct stand-in for Salinger himself, as well as how funny he can be. Certain quotes, however, shot through time and I recognized them instantly of objects of reverence from that point in my life.
It’s a very different reading experience six+ years later—I understood more of the references and have many more years of both literary study and life experiences under my belt—but just as enjoyable in its own way as different parts resonated with me this time. Maybe I’ll check back in in another six.