A review by carsonbarson
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction by J.D. Salinger

5.0

Everything I love about Salinger and his personality, his philosophies, and his ability to relate to the reader come together in this extremely meta and fourth-wall breaking novel that feels almost autobiographical. In these two short novellas, Buddy Glass (or Salinger depending on the interpretation), examine the memory and impact of one older brother Seymour Glass. Thus, Salinger takes the reader on an examination of the purpose and impact of memory, uniqueness, dedication, as well as expression and writing as a whole. I'm not saying it's as good as Catcher in the Rye, but it feels very almost akin to an outside interpretation of that novels values and characters. It was incredible, and often times left me reading the same page multiple times in awe of the magnitude of the ideas that were presented in such simple yet heart-wrenching ways. Definitely up there with the books I've read this year. If you love Catcher in the Rye and love Salinger, this worth is definitely worth the read. Probably the closest I've felt to Salinger, even after reading biographies and more.