Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 80 votes)
5 stars
27(34%)
4 stars
25(31%)
3 stars
28(35%)
2 stars
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1 stars
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80 reviews
July 15,2025
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I'm truly overjoyed that I've embarked on this Updike frenzy lately.

At the very beginning, I couldn't help but draw comparisons between him and Faulkner. However, as I delved deeper, I also began to incorporate some elements of Pynchon into my analysis.

Damn it, he is an absolute master of writing! He has this incredible ability to intricately weave clever and engaging prose into a truly magnificent narrative.

You just can't quite put your finger on his characters; there's always something mysterious lurking beneath the surface.

It's simply brilliant. His works are a literary treasure trove, filled with depth, complexity, and a unique charm that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

I'm excited to continue exploring his body of work and uncovering more of the hidden gems that he has so skillfully crafted.
July 15,2025
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Rabbit is not always a likeable character,

but perhaps that is precisely his most endearing quality.

We, too, are not always pleasant to encounter; Harry serves as a reminder of this.

These novels pose challenges,

evoke discomfort within me,

and prompt me to think and reflect deeply.

By all means, read them,

but do so with caution.

For they possess a certain danger.

They have the power to disrupt our preconceived notions

and force us to confront aspects of ourselves

that we may prefer to ignore.

Yet, it is through this discomfort and self-reflection

that we can grow and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

So, embrace the challenge

and embark on this literary journey,

but be prepared for the unexpected.

July 15,2025
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"Run" was truly a great and enjoyable experience. It provided a sense of excitement and entertainment that was hard to match. However, "Redux" had a different story. It began with a lot of promise and showed great potential. But as it progressed, it became extremely difficult and painful. The challenges it presented were not only physically demanding but also mentally exhausting.

Despite the hardships that "Redux" brought, I still find myself determined to read the others. Maybe it's a bit idiotic of me, but there's something about these works that keeps pulling me in. I can't seem to resist the urge to explore and see what else lies ahead.

Perhaps it's the hope of finding that same level of enjoyment and satisfaction that I had with "Run". Or maybe it's the curiosity to see how the other stories will unfold and what new challenges they will present. Whatever the reason may be, I'm ready to take on the task and continue this literary journey.
July 15,2025
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I read the first Rabbit novel several years ago, and what remains in my memory is the overwhelming sense of depression that permeates the entire book. Therefore, when it came to choosing a book for vacation, Rabbit, Redux was an obvious option for me, as I didn't have many other things that could crush my spirits.


Updike is a master storyteller, and his descriptions are excellent, although they can be a bit wordy at times. The story he weaves in Rabbit, Redux is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. However, just like the first book, it is still a deeply depressing read.


The characters in the novel are complex and flawed, and their struggles and failures are vividly portrayed. The themes of dissatisfaction, alienation, and the search for meaning in life are explored in a thought-provoking way. Despite the depressing nature of the book, it is a powerful and memorable work that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

July 15,2025
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Book 1 of this series, Rabbit, Run, is the latest addition to my book club's attempt to work through the Modern Library's 100 greatest books. It is the third one we have read, and although I think it will provide us with the most to discuss, I cannot say that I am glad to have read it.

Rabbit Angstrom, the main character, is one of the worst people I have ever encountered in literature. My biggest problem with him is that I believe the author intended for me to feel sympathy and connect with him. Throughout much of the book, Rabbit inserts himself into the lives of others and wreaks havoc. He shows no concern for how his actions impact those around him. And don't even get me started on how he treats his wife at the funeral!

I can tell that Rabbit is the kind of man who has been "coached" his entire life. As a former star basketball player, he is accustomed to receiving praise for his actions. I did find it interesting that when he experiences a mid-life crisis, he turns to his old coach for guidance on what to do next. He then seeks advice from the local preacher, but fails to follow it, which ultimately leads to the disintegration of his life.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. However, I must admit that I have such a strong sense of disgust that I can't wait to have a discussion with my book club about it.
July 15,2025
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Beautifully tragic, the story of Rabbit truly tests the Christian sensibility to love a sinner. Updike's masterful descriptions of the world are so unflinchingly raw and brutally honest that they have the power to make you feel deeply uneasy in your own skin. It's as if he peels back the layers of society and human nature, exposing the flaws and vices that we often try to hide. This novel sets a new and incredibly high standard by which to judge the rest of the books on the shelf. It forces us to confront our own beliefs and values, and challenges us to look beyond the surface and see the true complexity of the human condition. Rabbit is not just a book; it's a profound exploration of love, sin, and redemption that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

July 15,2025
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I did not like Rabbit, so it was difficult to read these.

Rabbit might have some qualities or characteristics that I just couldn't seem to appreciate. Maybe its actions or behavior didn't resonate with me.

As a result, when it came to reading about Rabbit, I found myself struggling to engage.

The story or text related to Rabbit didn't hold my interest as much as I would have liked.

It's possible that if I had a better understanding or connection with Rabbit, my experience of reading these would have been different.

However, based on my current feelings, it remained a challenge to get through the material.

Perhaps with time and further exploration, I might be able to find something more appealing about Rabbit and have a more positive reading experience.

But for now, the fact that I didn't like Rabbit made it difficult to fully enjoy reading these.

July 15,2025
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Rabbit, a young man, embarks on a journey that begins with him running away from his wife in search of something more. He ends up a few miles away with a hooker and, in a very real sense, seems happier. However, this happiness comes only from evading responsibility. When he eventually returns to his family, chaos ensues and he is pulled back into a boring job, a routine life, and a complex family situation.


In book 2, Rabbit is much older and has been left by his wife. He takes on the responsibility of caring for his son and allows a young runaway and a black drug dealer to move in. He appears to have a change of heart about the world, but at the same time, it seems as if he believes it is too late to truly change his life.


The prose in this story is beautiful, captivating the reader from start to finish. It is impossible to put down, as the story of Rabbit's life unfolds in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

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