J.D. SALINGER

This study of the famously elusive writer will appeal to any book lover. Norman Dietz offers a placid performance as he moves through Salinger’s life with a measured and likable voice. His steady, deliberate pace suits the way Slawenski blends occasionally dry facts with anecdotal scenes featuring the man who gave the world CATCHER IN THE RYE. Any fan of Holden Caulfield will be listening for hints of what inspired Salinger’s coming-of-age classic. While more real-life anecdotes would probably be too much to ask for, considering Salinger’s reclusive life, the personal glimpses of him are the heart of this biography. Dietz is an affable performer; his warmth is welcoming, and the material he shares, while not new, is certainly interesting. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2011]