A review by jedore
Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

“It's everybody, I mean. Everything everybody does is so — I don't know — not wrong, or even mean, or even stupid necessarily. But just so tiny and meaningless and — sad-making. And the worst part is, if you go bohemian or something crazy like that, you're conforming just as much only in a different way.”

This is one of those classic literature books that consists of pure pontification…from cover-to-cover with no apologies. If you’re looking for some level (any level) of action in a book, you’ll want to skip this one. 

There are three pontificators in this story: 1) Little sister Franny, 2) Ma Bessie, and 3) Big brother Zooey. The only one I had any sort of connection to was the totally burned out Franny. That being said, although Zooey’s section went on (and on and on), he did have some spot on points. 

What surprised me most was the religious slant of the pontificating…I would never have guessed that Salinger would write in support of Jesus and prayer. No matter how well done a book is, this topic is just not my cup of tea. 

On the upside, Salinger’s mastery of dialogue was totally impressive. I could hear Franny, Zooey, and Bessie‘s voices going on (and on) in my head – it almost felt like I was eavesdropping on profound and private conversations. Salinger's ability to capture subtle conversational nuances deserves a nod.

Nevertheless, I’m gently placing this one on my “Forgettable” stack.