Book Discussion with Elise Barack, March 3

Join us for a discussion of J.D. Salinger’s Nine Stories this Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 7:15 pm in the downstairs programming room. The author once said that he was most comfortable with the short story form and the writing in Nine Stories is considered the peak of his achievements. In particular three stories —"A Perfect Day for Bananafish," "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut," and "For Esmé—with Love and Squalor"— are typical of Salinger’s writing style and demonstrate several recurring themes. First published in 1953, this collection of previously published stories met with critical and popular success.

Originally from New York City, Salinger fought in World War II and never graduated from college.  His last published work, a short story, appeared in The New Yorker in 1965.  He lived out the balance of his life in seclusion in New Hampshire and died last year at the age of 91. He is best known for his one novel, The Catcher in the Rye, a common staple of high school curriculums.