A Perfect Day for Bananafish
Prose Potlatch 10th July 201611 total reviews
Comment from ciliverde
An excellent and rather deep review of a great story by JD Salinger. I do remember that quote from Slaughterhouse Five too - it's one that sticks with you. I'll have to re-read the Banana Fish story. I agree with your point about trying to view the world as it "really is", instead of trying to hide in a fantasy world. Sometimes I just have to skip the beheading videos though...I know it happens, I hear all about it on NPR. I did watch the periscope video Philando Castile's girlfriend took as he lay dying beside her. That was truly horrible.
A good write, and really, an essential one,
Carol
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2016
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An excellent and rather deep review of a great story by JD Salinger. I do remember that quote from Slaughterhouse Five too - it's one that sticks with you. I'll have to re-read the Banana Fish story. I agree with your point about trying to view the world as it "really is", instead of trying to hide in a fantasy world. Sometimes I just have to skip the beheading videos though...I know it happens, I hear all about it on NPR. I did watch the periscope video Philando Castile's girlfriend took as he lay dying beside her. That was truly horrible.
A good write, and really, an essential one,
Carol
Comment Written 12-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2016
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Carol, thanks so much for the wonderful review and very kind words. I also skipped the beheading videos. My imagination can conjure up gruesome enough images without seeing the real thing. Bill
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Yes, same for me! We get enough violence as it is, between the cop shows on TV, violent Hollywood movies, and the news.
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So true, Carol.
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Yes, same for me! We get enough violence as it is, between the cop shows on TV, violent Hollywood movies, and the news.
Comment from michaelcahill
Not many tried this challenge, but those who did produced some exceptional work and this is an example right here. So, well done and YES, we've been wondering. HAHAHA! One less mystery. A great review and I'll be tracking down the book, you make it sound like a must read and something that would appeal to me. I like this format and topic even though I don't think it quite serves our purpose. I do plan to try a few more of these. I enjoyed writing my piece and I very much enjoyed your piece and some of the others. Well done. mikey
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2016
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Not many tried this challenge, but those who did produced some exceptional work and this is an example right here. So, well done and YES, we've been wondering. HAHAHA! One less mystery. A great review and I'll be tracking down the book, you make it sound like a must read and something that would appeal to me. I like this format and topic even though I don't think it quite serves our purpose. I do plan to try a few more of these. I enjoyed writing my piece and I very much enjoyed your piece and some of the others. Well done. mikey
Comment Written 12-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2016
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Mikey, many thanks for the awesome review and extremely kind words. I think the story would appeal to you. I tried to reveal as little about the actual story as possible. I also enjoyed the format and topic. I feel most comfortable writing non-fiction. Thanks again for reading and reviewing. Bill
Comment from Gloria ....
Exceptional story review, Bill. The thought of what sparked your FanStory pen name has occasionally passed through my mind, but never long enough to even concoct a theory.
I shall of course now find Salinger's story and take a read and see if I have similar impressions.
How neat that Seymour presents his indictment to Sybil rather than Muriel although I'm sure he must present other information to his wife.
And a resounding yes, the central theme is still pertinent today, maybe even more so than ever with our burgeoning population in numbers and size.
I wonder if a person really does have a choice of how they view the world. Sometimes I think that's built into the master plan too.
Great job with your review. Clear, easy to understand and most important, it's the kind of writing that sticks with a person long after the reading is done.
Gloria
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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Exceptional story review, Bill. The thought of what sparked your FanStory pen name has occasionally passed through my mind, but never long enough to even concoct a theory.
I shall of course now find Salinger's story and take a read and see if I have similar impressions.
How neat that Seymour presents his indictment to Sybil rather than Muriel although I'm sure he must present other information to his wife.
And a resounding yes, the central theme is still pertinent today, maybe even more so than ever with our burgeoning population in numbers and size.
I wonder if a person really does have a choice of how they view the world. Sometimes I think that's built into the master plan too.
Great job with your review. Clear, easy to understand and most important, it's the kind of writing that sticks with a person long after the reading is done.
Gloria
Comment Written 11-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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Hi Gloria. Many thanks for the wonderful review. I truly appreciate the extremely kind words and encouragement. I think you will enjoy reading Bananafish. I tried to reveal as little about the actual story, as possible. It is a very unique story. One thing I didn't have a chance to mention in my review is that there are also moments in the story that are somewhat humorous.
Thanks again!
Bill
Comment from phaedra
The sound of one hand clapping is "OM" the vibration that brought everything into being.
A thoughtful read, food for thought!
Phaedra
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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The sound of one hand clapping is "OM" the vibration that brought everything into being.
A thoughtful read, food for thought!
Phaedra
Comment Written 11-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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Phaedra, thanks very much for the kind review. Bill
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
This is a very skillfully crafted literary review, my friend. You must have some experience in doing these. I am impressed. My last literary review was a high school book report. I went to college, but in a scientific field that required absolutely no literature which I now sadly regret. Very well done, my friend~Debbie
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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This is a very skillfully crafted literary review, my friend. You must have some experience in doing these. I am impressed. My last literary review was a high school book report. I went to college, but in a scientific field that required absolutely no literature which I now sadly regret. Very well done, my friend~Debbie
Comment Written 11-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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Debbie, thanks so much for the wonderful review and extremely kind words. To be honest, I don't really have a whole lot of experience doing literary reviews. Over the years I have done a couple of others just for fun, like this one. I certainly have read my share of book and movie reviews, though. I always thought it must be so much fun to do it.
I can relate to your college experience, Debbie, as mine was similar. I majored in business (accounting to be specific), so my only opportunity to take literature classes was the few humanities electives I had. The class I read Bananafish in was just such an elective. I loved the class.
Thanks again for reading and reviewing my work. I greatly appreciate the encouragement and support.
Bill
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written and interesting review. The world is in a very big mess we all can acknowledge that. Without being ignorant of what is going on in the world, I prefer not to feed on the negative news that is all over the television and internet. I believe to take notice of the bad and seek something positive to keep myself positive.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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A very well-written and interesting review. The world is in a very big mess we all can acknowledge that. Without being ignorant of what is going on in the world, I prefer not to feed on the negative news that is all over the television and internet. I believe to take notice of the bad and seek something positive to keep myself positive.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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Sandra, thanks very much for the kind review. I understand your desire to remain positive, despite all the negativity in the world. I think that is the key - not letting the negativity drag one down. Thanks again for reading and reviewing my work. Bill
Comment from Pearl Edwards
This is a very well thought out and written review of a short story you obviously relate to and enjoy. I'd never heard of Bananafish and did wonder how you came up with that name. Me I'm with Seymour better to see the world as it is than through rose coloured glasses. Very interesting read,
cheers.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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This is a very well thought out and written review of a short story you obviously relate to and enjoy. I'd never heard of Bananafish and did wonder how you came up with that name. Me I'm with Seymour better to see the world as it is than through rose coloured glasses. Very interesting read,
cheers.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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Pearl, thanks so much for the very kind review. I agree, I'm with Seymour, also. Take care, Bill
Comment from GoodHearted Woman
I certainly enjoyed the new things I learned in this compact little piece. Also hearing someone else's interpretation of things made it fun and easy. All in all, I enjoyed
every word. And this is called "free-form non fiction". Didn't realize non-fiction had categories. Thanks for posting such a fun story. GoodHearted Woman
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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I certainly enjoyed the new things I learned in this compact little piece. Also hearing someone else's interpretation of things made it fun and easy. All in all, I enjoyed
every word. And this is called "free-form non fiction". Didn't realize non-fiction had categories. Thanks for posting such a fun story. GoodHearted Woman
Comment Written 10-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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GoodHearted Woman, many thanks for the wonderful review and very kind words. Bill
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You are welcome! Well deserved! GHW
Comment from royowen
I have a lot of books detailing the human condition, the best I've read by the proverbial street is the Bible, but yet it has built in the incredible love of God, but people won't read it, because they rightfully suspect its content, and don't want to read, because we hide in shadows, don't want to know our true condition. They would rather read fiction or theory. But well done, I haven't read Salinger's stuff, (my wife has) but being a sci fi buff I've "slaughterhouse five" well done with this, great read, no spags found. blessings Roy
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reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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I have a lot of books detailing the human condition, the best I've read by the proverbial street is the Bible, but yet it has built in the incredible love of God, but people won't read it, because they rightfully suspect its content, and don't want to read, because we hide in shadows, don't want to know our true condition. They would rather read fiction or theory. But well done, I haven't read Salinger's stuff, (my wife has) but being a sci fi buff I've "slaughterhouse five" well done with this, great read, no spags found. blessings Roy
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 10-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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Roy, thanks very much for the kind review and comments. Bill
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Most.welcome Bill
Comment from djsaxon
A joy to read. I did wonder about your FS pen name, relative to the Salinger connection. I am on the side of symbolism and imagery. The philosophy express in the last paragraph totally resonates with me. A beautifully crafted and economic write. cheers - DJ
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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A joy to read. I did wonder about your FS pen name, relative to the Salinger connection. I am on the side of symbolism and imagery. The philosophy express in the last paragraph totally resonates with me. A beautifully crafted and economic write. cheers - DJ
Comment Written 10-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2016
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DJ, Thanks so much for the wonderful six star review and extremely kind words. I agree about the symbolism and imagery. Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I truly appreciate the encouragement and support. Bill
