John Updike
Today brought surprising and sad news. John Updike died. Updike is one of my "Big Three" (the others are Larry McMurtry and Anne Tyler). Although it was delusional, I let myself think that he would go on forever. I just finished reading Roger's Version, a novel he wrote back in 1986. The most expensive book I own is a Franklin Library copy of Rabbit Run. Yes, I'm babbling. The news doesn't want to sink in. I felt exactly the same way when Rabbit Angstrom died at the end of Rabbit At Rest. I'm lucky that Updike was so prolific -- there's tens of volumes of his -- fiction, nonfiction and poetry -- that I haven't read yet.
5 comments:
Funny, Updike has been on the scene for so long, I guess (like you) I thought he was immortal. I haven't read that much of his work, but he still dominated American literature.
I don't think I've ever read any Updike. Nor McMurtry, but I have read Anne Tyler. I just might have to add something to the tbr for this year.
I have to admit I have only read one essay by Updike but I was still sad to hear of his passing. I had the chance to see him interviewed on Charlie Rose a couple of times and he seemed like a good old-fashioned gentlemen which made me feel fond of him.
I was equally shocked - had no idea the man was ill. I'll miss the fun of looking forward to a new book of his every year. He was very consistent that way.
McMurtry is in my top three as well. I have all of the Rabbit series by Updike, but haven't read them yet. Should do that now, especially.
I have, however, tagged you for a meme. ;)
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