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kategci's review against another edition
3.0
Liked, but didn't love this memoir about the author's time post graduate school where she worked at an old school literary agency. Her boss was J.D. Salinger's agent and the author spent her year trying not to talk to Salinger and answering some of his fan mail. During this year, she moved in with a narcissistic Socialist and in the way of many 20 somethings, did not listen to her inner voice telling her he was a loser, especially compared to her last boyfriend whose heart she broke. Well-written, it kept me turning the pages and the inside workings of an esteemed pre-digital literary agency, with all the characters interested me the most.
booksnpunks's review against another edition
4.0
I really didn't know what this was going to be like before I went into it, I just knew it was going to be something to do with Salinger. Joanna Rakoff spends a year working at a literary agency and they happen to be the agency that represent the elusive JD Salinger. We follow Joanna through the winter, summer, and back to winter again as she keeps afloat inside a dingy New York flat with her writer boyfriend and demanding yet creatively rewarding job.
Others who have reviewed this haven't praised it so lightly, expecting discussions and musings of Salinger's work and more about the man himself and his life. But this book is about Joanna - it's about her relationship with Salinger, it's about her year spent in his shadow as she discovers his books for the first time and starts to understand what kind of person he really is. It read a lot like a piece of fiction, and I don't doubt that certain elements of this book were fictionalised, but I was completely addicted to reading about Joanna's life, walking into the office everyday and reading new material and picking up the phone only to hear 'Hi, it's Jerry'.
Salinger fans will really appreciate this book, IF they know what kind of book it is before they go into it. Don't expect to come out of it with any new Salinger revelations - this novel, more than anything, is fun. It's heart-warming and comforting and inspiring. I'm really glad I flew through this book in less than two days because it really helped me reflect on what I want to do with my life and in the future. And as always it made me want to reread all of the Glass family stories.
Others who have reviewed this haven't praised it so lightly, expecting discussions and musings of Salinger's work and more about the man himself and his life. But this book is about Joanna - it's about her relationship with Salinger, it's about her year spent in his shadow as she discovers his books for the first time and starts to understand what kind of person he really is. It read a lot like a piece of fiction, and I don't doubt that certain elements of this book were fictionalised, but I was completely addicted to reading about Joanna's life, walking into the office everyday and reading new material and picking up the phone only to hear 'Hi, it's Jerry'.
Salinger fans will really appreciate this book, IF they know what kind of book it is before they go into it. Don't expect to come out of it with any new Salinger revelations - this novel, more than anything, is fun. It's heart-warming and comforting and inspiring. I'm really glad I flew through this book in less than two days because it really helped me reflect on what I want to do with my life and in the future. And as always it made me want to reread all of the Glass family stories.
rachelwrites007's review against another edition
4.0
Oh I really enjoyed this one. A memoir looking at literary agencies in the 90s, writers, New York, Salinger, and the changes in the publishing industry.
daria_be_reading's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
I know that is not what the book is about, but half-way in I was sure we are heading for a scene of domestic violence.
Can anyone explain to me why women in their desire to be alternative are dating men that are walking red-flags?
Otherwise, the story is beautifully told.
Can anyone explain to me why women in their desire to be alternative are dating men that are walking red-flags?
Otherwise, the story is beautifully told.
fates_fables_golem's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
4.25