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eggjen's review against another edition
3.0
I was on the fence about how many stars to give this one. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. It made me think (a little bit) but also nothing really happens.
In a nutshell, this is a book about two siblings who are so smart that they can barely function in normal society - they are just incapacitated by their own cleverness. 2/3rds of the book is literally the world's longest lecture. Then there is a phone call and both Too Smart For Their Own Good characters seem to come momentarily to their senses and then it ends.
It's a short story, so it's not a big time commitment and there were definitely interesting moments and thoughts. But it isn't one I'd jump up and down to recommend.
In a nutshell, this is a book about two siblings who are so smart that they can barely function in normal society - they are just incapacitated by their own cleverness. 2/3rds of the book is literally the world's longest lecture. Then there is a phone call and both Too Smart For Their Own Good characters seem to come momentarily to their senses and then it ends.
It's a short story, so it's not a big time commitment and there were definitely interesting moments and thoughts. But it isn't one I'd jump up and down to recommend.
knuckledown's review against another edition
4.0
I have come to a conclusion about reading J.D. Salinger. Half the time I don't feel like I understand, but I know that he does. Then he leads me along by the hand until I understand them too. Salinger turns Holden Caulfield inside out for the reader, and in this book he does the same with Zooey Glass.
I like how the book begins with Franny, Zooey's younger sister, and the events that lead up to the breakdown of her faith in humanity. Then the majority of the book comes from Zooey trying to figure out Franny and himself. Also the fact that it isn't immediately revealed that they're sister and brother makes for a nice mini-surprise.
The them of this book comes out more obviously than The Catcher in the Rye. If you want to find some meaning or faith in life, do what you have a "hankering" to do. do it the best you can because that's the urge you were given. Now that's a theme a writer can hold on to.
I like how the book begins with Franny, Zooey's younger sister, and the events that lead up to the breakdown of her faith in humanity. Then the majority of the book comes from Zooey trying to figure out Franny and himself. Also the fact that it isn't immediately revealed that they're sister and brother makes for a nice mini-surprise.
The them of this book comes out more obviously than The Catcher in the Rye. If you want to find some meaning or faith in life, do what you have a "hankering" to do. do it the best you can because that's the urge you were given. Now that's a theme a writer can hold on to.
heatherwardlaw's review against another edition
reflective
slow-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
3.5
ciyaturnip's review against another edition
funny
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Franny and Zooey are my darlings forever. Because of the nature of short story and novella, there's not a ton of plot but if you love academic, introspective dialogue and the general Sallinger way of being, this is for you.
simplycelestial's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
implses's review against another edition
2.0
jd salinger's characters just love to be expert yappers huh
tommi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
heliogabalous_vrz's review against another edition
4.0
Wish I could rate both sections separately as Franny steals the show, but both sections are insightful, funny, and touching. So glad I finally got around to it.
hnnhprez's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-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
1.0