Nine Stories
J.D. Salinger · 1953
From "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" to "Teddy." Salinger's ear for dialogue and spiritual longing at their peak.
The case against
Salinger's children are too wise and his adults too phony, and by 'Teddy' the mysticism has hardened into doctrine delivered by a ten-year-old. The dialogue tics (the italics, the repeated endearments) start as charm and end as mannerism. 'Bananafish' is perfect; a few of the other eight coast on atmosphere and a withheld epiphany.
Short Stories · the Pro canon
The case for it and the rest of the canon open with Pro.
if this one calls to you, so will these →
