Born in 1919, J. D. Salinger is recognized as one of the most popular and influential authors of modern American literature to emerge after World War II. Raised in Manhattan in an affluent family, Salinger received an upbringing similar to that of the characters of most of his tales. Although writing all of his life, Salinger's literary career commenced with the novel The Catcher in the Rye after he returned from his service in the Army during World War II. Assembled and published in 1953, Nine Stories is Salinger's compilation of short stories that contains diverse characters, age ranges, and narrative forms. These stories demonstrate his mastery of the thoughtful, sympathetic insights into the lives of individuals in society, especially innocent children. This theme of innocence is particularly prominent in "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," "Down at the Dinghy," and "For Esmé - with Love and Squalor."

In "A Perfect...