Via Updike's remarkable creativity, deep thoughtfulness, and profound knowledge of the life of midcentury elites in New England, he manages to remind us, in a way that is often both pointedly painful and yet filled with occasional soaring aspiration, what it truly means to be human. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience is truly remarkable.

In this book, Updike's creative mastery is on full, polarizing display. His writing is so vivid and engaging that it draws the reader in and forces them to confront the complex emotions and experiences of the characters. Whether it is the joys and sorrows of love, the struggles of family life, or the challenges of finding meaning in a rapidly changing world, Updike explores it all with a depth and sensitivity that is truly awe-inspiring.

Overall, this book is a testament to Updike's talent as a writer and his ability to create works that are both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the human condition and understanding what it means to be alive in the modern world.

Proofread this with Sandy Brezinzski.

He spent a significant amount of time in the years before his death engaged in what could be described as "summing up."

Perhaps he was reflecting on his life's journey, the achievements and the setbacks.

Maybe he was trying to make sense of all that had happened, to find meaning and purpose in the events that had unfolded.

This process of "summing up" might have been a way for him to come to terms with his mortality, to find peace and acceptance as he faced the end of his life.

It could also have been a way for him to pass on his wisdom and experiences to those who would come after him, a final gift of knowledge and understanding.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that this activity was an important part of his final years.

Kind of hampered by being complete, Updike had his limitations. He missed about 1/3rd of the time, and his weakest pieces were almost invariably the experimental ones.

Updike was truly proficient in one particular type of story, yet he didn't fare too well outside of his comfort zone. However, within that one type, he was really outstanding. I have an unwavering love for his prose and his remarkable ability to breathe life into the tiniest of moments. I find myself saying the same thing every time I pen something about Updike. Everything he writes about seems to come alive with such authenticity that it evokes a feeling within me that I struggle to accurately describe, yet I cherish it deeply.

Granted, his subject matter could become a bit repetitive, especially towards the end of the 60s. For instance, a story that initially seems like it's going to be about a road trip turns out to be about an affair. Or a story that gives the impression of being about skiing is actually about an affair. Even when writing about extinct mammals, it's still about an affair. This is compounded by his outright (and often commented on) ineptitude at writing about sex. But despite these shortcomings, when everything else he does is so incredibly good, I can find it in my heart to forgive them forever.

So I'm kind of cheating.

It is an anthology of John Updike stories, and to be honest, I have not read all of them.

However, I have read at least half of the stories in this anthology.

And I must say, I loved almost every single one of them.

John Updike's writing is truly remarkable.

His stories are filled with vivid characters, complex emotions, and thought-provoking themes.

Each story takes the reader on a unique journey, exploring different aspects of human nature and the human experience.

Whether it's a story about love, loss, family, or friendship, Updike has a way of making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles.

Even though I haven't read the entire anthology, I can already tell that it is a must-read for any fan of great literature.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories that are both engaging and meaningful.

I have the Swedish edition, which is a selection of about 15 of these collected short stories, and I read perhaps half of the book.

So I'm not reviewing the original which is up to 900 pages. Anyway, probably no one reads Updike today, but he is a master of the short form, and I have as a New Year's resolution to read some short story collections.

Mostly it's about the relationship between men and women and growing up. Nothing strange there.

Updike's writing is细腻 and evocative. He has a way of capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences in a few short paragraphs.

The stories in this collection are diverse, ranging from humorous to tragic, from light-hearted to profound.

Although some of the themes may seem outdated in today's society, the underlying emotions and conflicts are still relevant.

Overall, I found this collection of short stories to be an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more of Updike's work in the future.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to John Updike for the Maples.

As I delve into the stories, I feel a sense of naughtiness as I am able to look so unashamedly into the private lives of two people.

Updike lays out a marriage in great detail, presenting it in a rich and profound way.

His astute observations on love, marriage, and religion are truly thought-provoking. They have the power to make anyone reflect on their own life and belief systems.

Among his works, "Pigeon Feathers" holds a special place in my heart as it is a personal favorite.

It is through Updike's masterful writing that we are able to gain such deep insights into the human experience.

His words have the ability to touch our souls and make us question the very essence of our existence.

For this, I will always be grateful to him.

I clicked the "I'm finished" button on this, but in reality, I didn't actually finish the book.

After some consideration, I came to the conclusion that I don't enjoy John Updike THAT MUCH.

This large book managed to bore me to tears.

I'm certain that he is a great writer, with his own unique style and charm.

However, for this particular reader, having this many stories in one volume was simply overwhelming.

The sheer quantity of content made it difficult for me to stay engaged and interested throughout.

Perhaps if the book had been more concise or focused on a smaller number of stories, I might have had a different experience.

As it stands, though, I have to admit that I was disappointed.

I had high expectations going into this, but unfortunately, it just didn't live up to them.

Maybe I'll give John Updike another chance in the future, but for now, I think I'll move on to something else.

**Title: The Significance of Learning English**

In today's globalized world, learning English has become of utmost importance.

English is widely regarded as the international language of communication, facilitating interactions among people from different countries and cultures.

It serves as a key to accessing a vast amount of knowledge and information available in various fields such as science, technology, business, and education.

By mastering English, individuals can enhance their career prospects and open doors to numerous opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Moreover, learning English allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures, as it provides access to a rich body of literature, music, and films from around the world.

It also helps in developing cross-cultural communication skills, which are essential in today's diverse and interconnected society.

In conclusion, the importance of learning English cannot be overstated, and it is a valuable investment for anyone looking to succeed in the modern world.

I recently read a couple of stories and I was truly captivated.

What I loved the most was the way the love problems were presented in a style similar to a word problem. It was a unique and refreshing approach that made me think differently about love and its complications.

John Updike's use of metaphors in these stories was simply the best. His ability to create vivid and imaginative comparisons added depth and richness to the narrative.

Each metaphor seemed to unlock a new layer of meaning, allowing me to see the characters and their relationships from a different perspective.

It was as if he was painting a beautiful and complex picture of love using words as his brush.

Overall, reading these stories was a wonderful experience that left me with a deeper appreciation for the power of language and the beauty of love.

Shown below are the last sentences of "The Madman". It is about a crazy Oxfordian of the intellectual sort who prevents the American author and his wife from finding accommodation, even though they have been warned ("I'd beat it now, in your shoes."). Eventually, they figure out the madman's tricks, and he gives in with a final whine.

His short stories serve as valuable lessons in how to conclude a short story. However, some of the last sentences can leave the reader completely clueless. The last sentence of "Dentistry and Doubt" is such a mystery ("Outside the window, the wrens and the starlings, mixed indistinguishably, engaged in maneuvers that seemed essentially playful."), and it doesn't really help in understanding the story. Fortunately, the Internet is filled with one-sentence interpretations of Updike's stories. For example,

(1) 'Updike portrays Burton, an American priest troubled by uncertainty, living in England while writing a thesis on Richard Hooker, the 16th-century churchman. When Burton's dentist asks him to quote something - anything - that Hooker has written, the only quotation he can recall is this: “I grant we are apt, prone, and ready, to forsake God; but is God ready to forsake us? Our minds are changeable; is His so likewise?”'

Or (2) 'A man ponders his existential crisis that morning, when even his toothbrush "seemed an agent of atheistic hygiene, broadcasting the hideous fact of bacteria."'

\\n  \\n

With the exception of the high school-assigned, half-forgotten 'A&P' and 'Pigeon Feathers,' the stories are in my readerly blind spot.

I have to admit that my knowledge of these particular stories is quite limited. I can recall only a few fragmented details about 'A&P' and 'Pigeon Feathers' from my high school days.

As for the other stories, they remain completely unknown to me. It's as if there is a vast territory of literature that I have yet to explore.

Perhaps it's time for me to venture out of my comfort zone and discover the hidden gems that lie within these forgotten stories.

Who knows what new perspectives and insights I might gain from reading them? Maybe they will offer a fresh take on life, love, or the human condition.

I am determined to expand my literary horizons and fill in the gaps in my readerly knowledge.

After all, there is so much to learn and discover in the world of literature.

This book is truly meaty.

I have been delving into it for a considerable period, in a completely haphazard manner. At times, I find myself reading the same stories repeatedly, simply because I am enamored with the feelings they elicit. Take, for example, the story titled "When Everyone was Pregnant."

Although I belong to a different generation than Updike, I have an unwavering love for the window it provides into a distinct world. It allows me to step out of my own reality and experience the thoughts, emotions, and events of a bygone era.

The vivid descriptions and the细腻的 characterizations draw me in, making me feel as if I am a part of that world. It is through this book that I gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human condition and the diverse experiences that shape our lives.

Each story is like a precious gem, waiting to be discovered and cherished. I look forward to continuing my exploration of this wonderful book and uncovering more of its hidden treasures.