1500 pages, four novels.

It's not a book that will appeal to everyone, but for a particular group, it's an absolute must-read.

This work is a quintessential baby-boomer Odyssey.

It spans over decades, taking the reader on a journey through time.

The backdrop of the story is the clear changes that the US has undergone as a country during this period.

The four novels within this collection offer a comprehensive and detailed look at the experiences, emotions, and challenges faced by the baby-boomer generation.

Each page is filled with rich descriptions, engaging characters, and thought-provoking情节.

Whether you're a baby boomer yourself, interested in history, or simply looking for a captivating read, this 1500-page opus is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It's a literary masterpiece that not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into the evolution of American society.

So, if you're up for a long and immersive reading experience, don't miss out on this remarkable work.

Taken together, this is like a Russian-scale novel of late 20th-century life in America.

The story unfolds with a complexity and depth that rivals the great Russian epics. It delves into the various aspects of American society during that time period, painting a vivid picture of the people, their struggles, and their dreams.

Rabbit is such a ragged nerve that the books always feel alive to me. His character is so vividly drawn that he seems to leap off the page. Even when, as in the second one, they seem to lose their way, there is still a certain charm and authenticity to the narrative.

The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, pulling the reader into Rabbit's world and making them care about his fate. It is a testament to the power of good storytelling that these books have endured and continue to be relevant today.

Overall, this is a remarkable body of work that offers a unique perspective on American life in the late 20th century.

I've already reviewed the individual novels here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

However, buying it all as one volume makes a great deal of sense. In my personal view, these novels need to be read back-to-back in order to extract the maximum value from them. When read consecutively, the storylines and character developments can be better understood and appreciated. The connections and subtleties that might otherwise be missed when reading each novel separately become more apparent. It allows for a more immersive and comprehensive reading experience, enabling the reader to fully engage with the world and the characters created by the author. Overall, purchasing the novels in a single volume is a highly recommended option for those who truly want to do justice to the series.

I absolutely loved this series.

I had the opportunity to read all the books in one volume, which was an interesting experience.

However, I'm not entirely certain that I would recommend this approach to most people.

The reason being is that the characters in this series are developed with such great depth and detail.

As you progress through the 4 novels, you witness their transformation over the course of decades.

It's truly fascinating to see how they evolve, grow, and change in response to the various events and circumstances that they encounter.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a rich and immersive world, filled with complex and engaging characters.

Whether you choose to read the series one book at a time or all in one go, I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written and thought-provoking story.

Nevermind.

I was truly blown away by Rabbit and Updike's prose when I first had the opportunity to read these books during my college years. It's almost as if there's a strange proof that intelligence is directly proportional to the distance from college. As time has passed, however, I've come to realize that while their works are not necessarily bad, they do seem rather badly dated.

The language and the themes that once seemed so revolutionary and captivating now feel a bit out of touch with the modern world. It's interesting to look back and see how our perspectives change over time. But still, there's something to be said for the initial impact that these books had on me. They opened my eyes to a new way of thinking and writing, and for that, I'm grateful.

I've already delved into the first two novels within this collection. Just recently, I embarked on reading "Rabbit is rich."

What's truly remarkable is the great introduction penned by Updike specifically for the Everyman edition. It provides valuable insights and sets the stage for an engaging reading experience.

As of 11 June, I've now completed "Rabbit is rich." It's been a journey through the pages, getting to know the characters and their lives. Each novel in this collection seems to offer a unique perspective and a captivating story. I'm looking forward to exploring the remaining works and seeing where they take me.

Rabbit Run

The technical style of the book Rabbit Run is truly unrivaled. It presents a clear and engaging plot that keeps the readers hooked from start to finish. The minor characters are brought to life with such vividness that they seem to jump off the pages. The settings are both natural and deeply resonant, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story. What's more, the story holds a deeper meaning that emerges organically without the need for long philosophical discourses. In essence, this novel represents the pinnacle of realistic fiction.

When perusing the reviews on Goodreads, I am astounded by the significant number of people who perceive Updike as a misogynist. I推测 this must be due to the fact that Rabbit treats women poorly and Updike attempts to understand both him and the women involved, rather than simply categorizing them as villain and victim. Even worse, there is no Dr. Phil-like figure to intervene and resolve the situation, ensuring that everyone behaves better in the future. To me, the remarkable aspect is that Updike takes this easily stereotyped scenario and makes it specific to a particular group of real people with genuine flaws that persist.

This exploration of complex human nature and relationships is what makes Rabbit Run such a captivating and thought-provoking read. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the society we live in.

I read these four novels consecutively last year. It was a challenging task to get through all of them at once, but I managed to do it. Since I read all four books without taking a break, I find it difficult to choose my favorite or even distinguish between them. In my eyes, they seem like one big book. Rabbit is not a particularly likable character, but what intrigued me was the broad perspective of American history that this one man experienced throughout his life, starting from the late 1950s. It's not like Forest Gump, but it provides a way to understand the events and atmosphere of the time when each individual book was written. Two of the novels won the Pulitzer Prize, but I don't recall thinking that those two were any better or stood out in a significantly different way from the other two.

I would say this: if you have read one Rabbit novel and didn't like it, you probably won't enjoy the others either. However, if you have read one or two and have been planning to get to the other ones, then I would encourage you to do so. I quite liked them despite not being overly fond of the main character.

This work is truly and absolutely worth the re-read thirty years after the original read.

The language, upon a second encounter, is vivid and engaging. What was once considered new and fresh has now become a part of history. The misogyny present in the text is even more disturbing now, as not a single female imperfection escapes the sharp and critical eye.

This re-reading has also occasioned a closer look at his biography and a driving trip through what might be called Updike-land. The purpose was to see his house, the school he attended, the graveyard where he was laid to rest, and the dreaded farm. Interestingly, all of these are still there, and a great many familiar secondary character names can be found on the tombstones. However, there is no "RIP" to be seen.

It is a fascinating journey back in time, both through the pages of the book and through the physical locations that were so dear to the author.

After reading the first Rabbit book, I was filled with extreme joy when I discovered that there were more books in the series. I simply couldn't stop reading. Undoubtedly, the first one was the absolute best, yet each and every one of them was well worth the time invested in reading. I am also aware that for me, whenever I come across a book that I truly adore, I have an intense desire to learn more about the characters, such as how they will fare in the future and so on. Therefore, yes, I have a great love for sequels, even if they might not always live up to the original.

I find that sequels offer a continuation of the story and the opportunity to explore the lives of the beloved characters further. It's like reuniting with old friends and seeing what new adventures they embark on. Although there may be times when a sequel doesn't quite measure up to the expectations set by the original, it still provides a certain level of entertainment and satisfaction.

Moreover, reading sequels can also enhance our understanding and appreciation of the overall story arc. It allows us to see how the characters develop and change over time, and how their actions and decisions impact the outcome of the story. In conclusion, while the first book in a series may hold a special place in our hearts, sequels can offer a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

He is probably one of the best writers of all time. His works have a unique charm that attracts me deeply. I have read this series of books at least 5 times. Each time I read, I can discover new details and gain new insights. The stories are so vivid and engaging that I feel as if I am a part of them.

If there wasn't so many other books I want to read, I would probably just stick to reading these. They have become my favorite companions in my spare time. I love the way the author constructs the plots and develops the characters. Every page is filled with excitement and anticipation.

I highly recommend this series of books to anyone who loves good literature. It will surely take you on a wonderful journey of imagination and discovery.

I truly believe that Richard Ford, the author of "The Sportswriter" and "Independence Day," owes a significant debt to John Updike.

Although I didn't have a particular fondness for the characters in Updike's Rabbit series, I have to admit that the writing in those novels was extremely compelling, especially considering they were set in the suburbs.

Ford's works seem to draw inspiration from Updike's style and themes. The way Ford explores the lives and emotions of his characters, much like Updike did, is quite remarkable.

Both authors have a talent for capturing the subtleties of suburban existence and the complex relationships that unfold within that context.

It's as if Ford has taken some of the best elements of Updike's writing and incorporated them into his own works, creating a unique and engaging literary experience.

Perhaps this debt is not just a matter of influence but also a recognition of the masterful storytelling that Updike brought to the literary world.

In conclusion, while I may not have been a huge fan of the Rabbit series, I can't deny the impact that Updike has had on Richard Ford and the world of literature as a whole.