For all of Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom’s faults, you simply can't help but be drawn into the third and fourth Rabbit novels. I believe I was enticed to read these novels due to their vivid and detailed descriptions.

However, my only gripe while reading was my unwavering aversion to Nelson's character. It reached a point where whenever his character spoke, I had to quickly skim through it.

In “Rabbit is Rich”, Rabbit is now at the helm of the Springer Motors dealership, maneuvering through upper-class America alongside his wife Janice. Meanwhile, his son Nelson has come back home with a girl in tow, completely indecisive about his future, reigniting past father-son issues.

In “Rabbit at Rest”, at the age of 55, Rabbit is feeling the aches and pains from a lifetime of indulging in beer and cholesterol-laden foods. During an outing with his granddaughter, he experiences his first heart attack and embarks on a journey down memory lane.

These novels offer a deep and complex exploration of the human condition, with Rabbit's flaws and struggles serving as a mirror to our own. Despite my dislike for Nelson's character, the overall narrative and the richly developed world of the Rabbit novels make them a captivating read.

Now that I have finally completed Updike's Rabbit cycle, having read the fourth and final novel in the series, I find myself truly appreciating and being in awe of its somewhat epic dimensions.

Updike's writing is not only dense and beautiful, with fantastic descriptions. He has the remarkable ability to describe things in the most interesting way, yet in a completely familiar manner, so that the reader knows precisely what he means - or at least this reader does.

Over the course of all four novels, he covers such a wide range of American history, from politics and news to popular culture and music. He skillfully weaves all of this into the story and Rabbit's musings, resulting in a true masterpiece.

The Rabbit cycle is not just a set of novels; it is a comprehensive exploration of American life and society during a particular period. It offers insights into the human condition, the changing values and mores of the times, and the complex relationships between individuals.

Updike's attention to detail and his ability to create vivid and believable characters make the Rabbit cycle a truly unforgettable reading experience. I am glad that I took the time to read this series and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in American literature or in understanding the cultural and social history of the United States.

Rabbit at Rest by John Updike

John Updike, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, is truly remarkable. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1991, and he is one of only four American writers to have won this award twice. His works, such as Rabbit Is Rich, have left a lasting impact.

I have just realized that John Updike must be one of my favorite writers. Writing has its own charm, even when few people bother to read our ramblings. It allows us to come to certain conclusions when we put down our thoughts. As I read in a psychology book, we use different parts of the brain when writing compared to when we talk or do other things. This is why the "Count Your Blessings" exercise is so important for our well-being. It is described as "Happiness Activity No 1: Expressing Gratitude – counting your blessings for what you have either to a close other or privately, maybe in a journal, conveying gratitude to one or more individuals you haven't properly thanked" in The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky.

This is the second time I have read Rabbit at Rest. I have discovered one reason why Rabbit, or Harry Angstrom, is such a pleasure to encounter. We can identify with him because he has both flaws and strengths. We see our own shortcomings in him and also aspire to be like him in some ways. The entire Rabbit saga, starting with Rabbit, Run forty years before Rabbit is At Rest, is a captivating narrative. In each volume, Rabbit's story unfolds, and we witness his growth and the various challenges he faces.

In Rabbit Redux, Janice has her own affair with Charlie Stavros, while Rabbit has his own hippy commune. We see Rabbit as a complex character, and by now, we can apply the rules of fiction as described by Malcolm Bradbury. In Rabbit Is Rich, Rabbit becomes the manager of a Toyota dealership, but his life takes a turn when his son, Nelson, becomes addicted to cocaine and brings the family into a crisis.

While in Florida, a tragic event occurs when Rabbit has a heart attack while trying to save his granddaughter, Judy. The prospects are not good, and we are reminded of the Chekhov's Gun Rule. Additionally, there is a complication when Rabbit has a one-night stand with his daughter-in-law, Pru. To truly understand these characters, we have to read their stories and try to put ourselves in their shoes.

On 16 August 2010, I finished reading "Rabbit is Rich" today. Updike has an amazing voice indeed. He has been able to capture generations and the nuances of the American middle class with the same character. It's truly remarkable. I will begin reading "Rabbit at Rest" tomorrow, looking forward to delving deeper into the story and the world Updike has created.

On 5 September 2010, I finally finished "Rabbit at Rest". Wow, what a journey it has been. He's got it all, yet at the same time, he's got nothing. It's life in all its complexity and beauty. Updike's writing is so profound and细腻 that it makes you think about life, love, and everything in between. It's a masterpiece that will stay with me for a long time.

I'm so glad I took the time to read these Rabbit novels. They have opened my eyes to a different world and made me appreciate the power of literature. I can't wait to see what else Updike has in store for us.