Nine Stories (Salinger)
A Perfect Day for Bananafish
At a luxury seaside hotel, a woman ignored warnings about her emotionally disturbed husband's odd behavior. After spending time with a young child on the beach, her troubled husband killed himself.
Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut
Two former college roommates drank and reminisced. One recalled her dead lover with sadness, was unkind to her child, realized her lost happiness and cried, wishing she was the girl from her past.
Just Before the War with the Eskimos
Just Before the War with the Eskimos
Two high school classmates played tennis together, but one grew frustrated with always paying for their cab rides home. After confronting her friend and meeting her eccentric brother, she gained empathy and understanding.
The Laughing Man
A group of young boys, led by their mentor, bonded over sports and captivating stories about a mysterious, disfigured hero. The mentor's love interest joined their activities, but their relationship faced challenges.
Down at the Dinghy
A young mother comforted her sensitive son who decided to run away after hearing a thoughtless comment from the family's maid. Using empathy and imagination, she helped him overcome his hurt feelings.
For Esmé—with Love and Squalor
For Esmé—with Love and Squalor
A traumatized American soldier, struggling after World War II, received a compassionate letter and a symbolic watch from an orphaned English girl, reminding him of hope and encouraging recovery.
Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes
Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes
A man received a late-night call from his friend, who was worried about his wife's whereabouts and their struggling marriage. The man offered advice and support, and the friend's wife eventually returned home.
De Daumier‑Smith's Blue Period
De Daumier‑Smith's Blue Period
A lonely, gifted young painter lied to teach art by mail and became passionately attached to his one talented pupil, a nun. When she left, he had a powerful revelation, accepting he must let her go.
Teddy
A philosophical young boy aboard a ship predicted his fatal fall into a drained swimming pool after being pushed by his hostile sister, a tragedy at last confirmed by the sister's haunting scream.