Even though critics hate this, I love how much Salinger put into the Glass family. I wish there was more about them (now that he's passed away, perhaps some obscure manuscripts about them will show up). The Glass family is so unique and witty, I love them. The two main scenes in "Zooey", the bathroom scene and the living room scene, are really spectacular. The bathroom scenes in one of my favorites.
Still can't tell if I like Zooey or not, but mostly I find his sarcasm funny. I call everyone "buddy" just like he does-made me smile when I realized this the first time I read it. ( )

Is it just me, or does the relationship between Brenda and Billy in Six Feet Under have echoes of the Franny–Zooey relationship in this book? ( )

Like Salinger's most popular book, "The Catcher in the Rye," this one is basically just one long rant that isn't always constructed in the most understandable or orderly of ways - which is what makes it enjoyable instead of tedious to read.
This book was originally 2 novelettes published separately in the New Yorker. The "Franny" part is where most of the ranting about society comes in. The 2nd part, "Zooey," is basically an analysis of Franny's ranting.
While it isn't the average fiction - no plot, only 4 characters, etc. - it certainly has good philosophy and ideas, and makes you think. The realistic dialogue is well done as well. ( )

I truly enjoyed this novel, if you can even call it a novel. One thing I have always loved about Salinger is how real his characters are, even when they are completely fucked up in the head. Franny's self doubt and Zooeys pompous attitude make for intriguing interactions with everyone they come in contact with. The whole of the Glass family is fascinating, if not tragic, making me want to delve deeper into their story. ( )

Not my favorite Salinger and not the best place to start, it's nevertheless a fantastic novel continuing on the Eastern and philosophical themes of Nine Stories. ( )