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ashlyntalksbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
chelseycatterall's review against another edition
4.0
I truly enjoyed this. Though the book hails to J.D. Salinger, it is really a story of Rakoff's coming of age, living in New York and working for one of the oldest agencies in existence. She spends her days at The Agency, dimly lit and filled with cigarette smoke, seemingly stuck in the 1920's even though the story takes place in the late 90's. Her evenings are spent in a freezing apartment with no sink where she lives with her narcissistic writer boyfriend, constantly longing for and missing her college sweetheart. I loved the book from the very first chapter, where Rakoff gets the job and shows up, amid one of the worst blizzards in New York's history, to find the office closed down for the day. She describes walking home in her modest heels and wool skirt, with the abandoned streets covered in snow; empty in a way New York rarely ever is. Through working at The Agency, and briefly getting to know the reclusive Salinger, finally reading —and being forever altered by — his work, Rakoff grows as a writer herself. I loved the descriptions of New York, and Rakoff's constant day-dreaming. She's naive and idealistic and everything many of us were when we were in our early 20's, and though she doesn't end the story a grown, changed woman, she's getting there. A pleasure to read!
everlastingdusk's review against another edition
Unique (and especially fascinating to me) for its backdrop - the titular year is spent in the literary world of New York, in the genteel Upper West Side with its literary agencies, publishing houses, and magazines - where the magic happens. But it's also universal for its depiction of life among inexperienced, educated 20-somethings - fresh graduates/ newbie grad students working at the bottom rung of a company or institution, with no money but lots of time, eating cheap food with the occasional indulgence that puts the monthly budget in the red, making bad romantic decisions, and sleeping in uncomfortable to squalid living arrangements. My Salinger Year captures the feeling of being on the edge of something, that season of waiting when we're just shedding off youth and coming into adulthood. In one memorable, awkward chapter, Rakoff's father bequeaths to her her credit card bills and student loans, "You're all grown up, so now you pay them." My own 20's were a confused blur of dealing with my wanderlust, being broke all the time, and the misplaced belief that I *had* to Change the World. I still believe in contributing to change ofc, but have become less dramatic about my role to do so. Haha.
Anyway, My Salinger Year is for anyone who has ever had big dreams trying to make it in the big city (kanta ba 'to?) But also for lovers of Salinger or those looking for a reason to finally read him.
*The only Salinger I've read is Nine Stories (loved it) so I may correct that this year.
Anyway, My Salinger Year is for anyone who has ever had big dreams trying to make it in the big city (kanta ba 'to?) But also for lovers of Salinger or those looking for a reason to finally read him.
*The only Salinger I've read is Nine Stories (loved it) so I may correct that this year.
davenash's review against another edition
4.0
Worth staying up for
It’s rare I stay up late to finish a book but I did. I love how the author’s relationship with Salinger changes. Obviously I am going to reread all his books now, which are well worn on my shelf. I think Jerry would have like this too.
It’s rare I stay up late to finish a book but I did. I love how the author’s relationship with Salinger changes. Obviously I am going to reread all his books now, which are well worn on my shelf. I think Jerry would have like this too.