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Rating(4 / 5.0, 80 votes)
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80 reviews
July 15,2025
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Once you read Rabbit, Run, you will find yourself completely captivated by the story and the characters. The unique charm and depth of this novel will leave you with an insatiable desire to explore the other works in the series. It's as if Rabbit, Run opens a door to a whole new world, and you can't help but step through and discover what lies beyond. Each subsequent book builds upon the foundation laid by the first, offering new perspectives, more complex relationships, and deeper insights into the human condition. You'll be eager to follow the further adventures of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, to see how he evolves and copes with the challenges and changes that come his way. So, don't hesitate. Once you've taken the plunge with Rabbit, Run, make sure to continue on this literary journey and experience all that the other books have to offer.

July 15,2025
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I have since finished the second installment and am now half-way through the third.

As I read, I'm currently in pursuit of two frameworks that are somewhat internal in nature.

The first framework is that Updike is delving into the darker side of 'truth-telling' and self-awareness. While his contemporaries like Kerouac, Ginsberg, and Kesey were penning grand narratives of existentialist self-discovery and musings on the significance of self-awareness and consciousness, Updike crafts a character who is brutally honest and cognizant of his true desires. However, Rabbit lacks the will or sense to restrain them as a more well-adjusted member of society would. He is attuned to the ever-changing tastes, his sexual impulses, his aversion to confinement and commitment, and his longing to remain the star and center of his own life. He follows his instincts, only considering how they align with his own chaotic symphony of desires. He allows the reader to witness his fastidious and tiresome critiques of everyone he meets, especially women, detailing what pleases his taste and what doesn't. The narrative appears to be an experiment that supports the old saying - the truth is the refuge of scoundrels.

"How can you blame me?" - I can almost hear Harry exclaiming, "I'm just being honest!"

Or, more poignantly, in Rabbit's actual words: "If you have the guts to be yourself, other people'll pay your price.”

My second theory, which I'll explore later (I believe I need to complete the series to validate it), is that Updike is writing this series as a modern-day morality tale. I'm tracing some etymologies beyond the most obvious ones, such as those related to Eccles, Mt. Judge, Brewer, and Rabbit, and interpreting them as characters and places named to suggest a certain type rather than an individual.

Also, considering that Updike was a well-versed Anglican (as seen in his ease of referencing and engaging with the theories of rather specialized theologians in "In the Beauty of the Lillies"), I'm examining the numerous biblical names he has chosen for his characters to see how and if they fit into a morality-tale structure.

Anyway, so far, it's been extremely compelling. Updike is making a powerful impact and I think he's achieving just that.

Ruth, Rebecca, Janice (Joanna)
July 15,2025
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I had managed to get through 70 pages of the book, but I just couldn't take it anymore. The story seemed to drag on and on, and I found myself constantly losing interest.

I had high hopes for this book when I first picked it up, but unfortunately, it failed to live up to my expectations. The writing style was dull and the characters lacked depth.

I tried to push myself to keep reading, thinking that maybe it would get better, but after reaching page 70, I knew it was time to give up.

I closed the book and decided to move on to something else. Maybe there are other books out there that will capture my attention and keep me engaged from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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Finishing a task often requires time and effort, but the result is usually worth it. In my case, I have set a goal for myself to read the 4th book. Although it may take some time to complete, I firmly believe that it will be a rewarding experience. Reading is not only a source of knowledge but also a means of relaxation and entertainment. By reading the 4th book, I hope to expand my vocabulary, improve my comprehension skills, and gain new perspectives on different topics. Moreover, reading can also help me reduce stress and unwind after a long day. Therefore, I am determined to make the time and effort to read the 4th book, no matter how challenging it may be. I know that in the end, it will be worth it.

July 15,2025
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These were beautifully written.

I can't say I really enjoyed reading them, because I felt the message was sad and kind of icky.

However, I am really glad I read them.

To me, they really capture a certain era, a certain American life, and a certain type of man.

The words seem to transport me back in time, allowing me to catch a glimpse of the past.

Although the themes may be somewhat melancholy, there is also a certain charm and authenticity to them.

It makes me think about how different life was then, and how much has changed.

Reading these works has given me a new perspective on history and on the human experience.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have encountered them and to have been able to explore the thoughts and feelings of the author.

They will stay with me for a long time, serving as a reminder of a bygone era and of the power of literature to touch our hearts and minds.
July 15,2025
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**Original Article**: The new technology has brought many benefits. It has improved our lives in various ways.

**Expanded Article**: The new technology has brought

tremendous benefits. It has revolutionized our lives in countless ways.

From the way we communicate to the way we work and access information, this technology has had a profound impact.

It has made our daily tasks more efficient, allowing us to save time and energy.

Moreover, it has opened up new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike, enabling them to reach a wider audience and achieve greater success.

With the continuous development and advancement of technology, we can expect even more exciting changes and improvements in the future.

Overall, the new technology has truly transformed our world and will continue to do so for years to come.
July 15,2025
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This is not a single book but three long novels about Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom.

(There is a fourth and final book in the series, which follows Rabbit into death).

It is three longer snapshots in an American man's life, at the end of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

The books were published in 1960, 1971, and 1981.

I got the urge to read Updike because he was mentioned by and around one of my favorite authors, Phillip Roth.

And it becomes understandable why they have been compared (and apparently had an ongoing correspondence themselves).

These are wordy novels, flows of thoughts and descriptions, strongly male-centered, a lot of sex - thought about, done, and thought about again - though with Updike it is also much more often within marriage.

Neither the main character nor his family and acquaintances are any heroes; rather, given their complexity, they end up quite clearly on the negative side in terms of overall morality, empathy, sympathy, and political progressiveness.

Nevertheless! This is fantastic, enjoyable, and everyday thought-provoking literature.

Extremely American, yes; one feels as if one is looking into a corner of the United States' slowly changing national psyche over three decades - from the post-Korean War era to just before Reagan thunders onto the scene.

But also universal in that slightly narrow and dirty way; the inescapable but suffocating aspects of marriage, desire, relationships with parents and children, empty jobs, and the changing value of money.

But still liberating in a different way from the European middle classes whose angst has been so dominant in much of the literature in our part of the world.

And so much drama manages to happen also in this small sphere where world events are not absent but rather slowly shift the background.

If one wants to read uplifting literature and identify positively with the characters, this is not entirely right.

But it is incredible novelistic art, that's what it is.

July 15,2025
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Just finished reading Rabbit Redux.

I found that the character development in this book was much better than that in Rabbit Run.

In Rabbit Redux, I could truly understand the character motivation to a greater extent.

Moreover, it was a lot more sexualized compared to the first book.

Despite the fact that it did an excellent job at depressing me and decreasing my faith in successful relationships, I still liked it.

The author's portrayal of the characters and their complex emotions was so vivid that it made me feel as if I was right there with them, experiencing their joys and sorrows.

Although the story was often quite depressing, it also had its moments of hope and redemption.

Overall, I thought Rabbit Redux was a great read and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven novels.
July 15,2025
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It's really depressing. I'm not entirely certain if I even want to read the next two installments. On one hand, I do have a curiosity to discover how his son Nelson (Nellie), who is just becoming a teenager, turns out. Will he face the typical challenges of adolescence? And does Rabbit actually stay with Janice, the wife he goes back to? Their relationship has been so tumultuous. On the other hand, I also wonder whatever happened to his sister Mim. She was starting to make a name for herself in Hollywood, but who knows what kind of adventures and misadventures she has had since then. There are so many unanswered questions, but at the same time, the overall tone of the story so far has been rather disheartening, making me a bit hesitant to continue.

July 15,2025
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Rich > Run > Redux

Wealthy individuals often find themselves in a state of constant motion. The pursuit of more riches drives them to keep running, never satisfied with what they have.



This never-ending cycle can lead to a sense of restlessness and a lack of true fulfillment. They may accumulate more and more wealth, but at what cost?



The concept of "Rich > Run > Redux" implies a return or a reconsideration of this pattern. It suggests that perhaps it's time for the rich to take a step back, reflect on their priorities, and find a more meaningful way to live.



Maybe they can use their wealth to make a positive impact on the world, rather than simply amassing more for themselves. Or perhaps they can find a balance between work and play, between pursuing wealth and enjoying life.



In conclusion, the idea of "Rich > Run > Redux" challenges the status quo and encourages the wealthy to think differently about their lives and the role of wealth in it.

July 15,2025
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Lovin' me some Updike. John Updike is truly a remarkable author. His works are filled with vivid descriptions and deep insights into the human condition. The way he crafts his sentences and weaves together stories is simply masterful. Each of his books takes the reader on a journey, exploring different themes and emotions. Whether it's the suburban landscapes he描绘 so well or the complex relationships between his characters, Updike always manages to engage and captivate. His writing style is unique, with a certain elegance and fluidity that makes it a pleasure to read. I can't get enough of his books. They are like little treasures that I discover and rediscover with each reading. Updike's works have had a profound impact on me, and I'm sure they will continue to do so for many years to come.

July 15,2025
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There was simply too much thought swirling around in my mind. I found myself growing increasingly tired of the preacher's interviews. It reached a point where I just couldn't take it anymore and gave up. I was definitely not a fan. The constant stream of questions and the need to provide profound answers became overwhelming. I felt like I was being pulled in too many directions at once. Maybe it was because I was overthinking everything, or perhaps the preacher's approach wasn't quite right for me. Whatever the reason, I knew that I needed a break. I needed to step back and clear my mind. So, I walked away, hoping that with time and distance, I would be able to find some clarity and peace.

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