The completely engrossing memoir of Joanna, a 24 year old at her first adult job in New York, 1996. It's almost like Girls but with a likeable, thoughtful main character. She writes beautifully about her job, coworkers, friends, boyfriend, and her own aspirations. The ideal book for reading on the couch with a cup of coffee and reflecting back on the decisions you made at that time in your life as well. I already want to reread it! In the last breath of the 90’s, Rakoff moves to New York after earning a graduate degree in poetry to be an assistant at a literary agency. It feels like a book written 40 years ago instead of 18 (and change). The agency has no computer. The copier machine, a recent purchase at the time, is a marvel. They use typewriters. Rakoff types letters for her boss using a Dictaphone. She is scrabbling for money, living in an unheated Brooklyn apartment with a boyfriend that seems intent on becoming A Very Important Writer. Rakoff’s boyfriend is not the only Very Important Writer in her life: she discovers shortly after beginning her job at the agency that her boss represents J. D. Salinger—or Jerry, as he’s known around the office. She is assigned to answer Salinger’s fan mail (with a terse form letter) and is instructed how to speak to him, what to say. As her life spins on tenuously outside the office, she finds solace in her agency work. She becomes more confident and self-assured. Having never read a Salinger book, she reads them all in a weekend. It’s a love story to books and to the quieter life that was just starting to disappear in 1996. This memoir surprised me. Rakoff’s subdued and perceptive tone was perfect. I really enjoyed my time reading this.
What do You think about My Salinger Year (2014)?
My kind of book: Elegant. Clear. Interesting. Entertaining. Engaging. Pitch perfect.
—Jenny
A charming coming of age memoir and a rare treat for the Salinger fan.
—otis
A fun, touching read, especially if you're a Salinger fan.
—mayasa
