John Updike
John Updike was an American novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic, and literary critic. He is best known for his Rabbit series, which chronicles the life of Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom over several decades.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Rabbit, Run
The novel follows the life of a 26-year-old former high school basketball star, who is dissatisfied with his current life. He impulsively leaves his wife and son and embarks on a journey in the hopes of finding a more meaningful existence. His decisions, however, lead to a series of tragic events that impact the lives of those around him. This mid-20th-century novel explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and the tragic consequences of impulsive decisions.
The 174th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Rabbit Redux
The novel is a sequel in a series following the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a middle-aged man living in a small Pennsylvania town. When his wife leaves him for another man, he finds himself alone and struggling to make sense of the rapidly changing world around him. In his loneliness, he takes in a young runaway and her racially divisive boyfriend, leading to a series of events that force Rabbit to confront his own prejudices and fears. The book is a vivid portrayal of the American social and political climate of the 1960s.
The 668th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Rabbit Is Rich
The book follows the life of a former high school basketball star, who is now in his mid-forties and has inherited a Toyota dealership from his father-in-law. He is living a comfortable life with his wife and son in Brewer, Pennsylvania during the late 1970s. The story unfolds as he navigates through his midlife crisis, dealing with his rebellious son, his longing for his old mistress, and his own insecurities and dissatisfaction. The narrative provides a deep dive into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, offering a detailed examination of middle-class American life during this era.
The 686th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Rabbit at Rest
The novel is a final look into the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a former high-school basketball star, now in his mid-fifties, overweight and grappling with several health issues. Despite his success in business, his personal life is in shambles, with his wife addicted to alcohol and his son to drugs. Harry, struggling with his mortality, is trying to understand his past and make sense of his future, while dealing with the changing American society and the consequences of his own choices.
The 784th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. Couples
This novel delves into the intricate and often tumultuous relationships among ten couples in the suburban New England community of Tarbox. Set in the mid-20th century, the narrative explores themes of infidelity, the complexities of marriage, and the search for personal fulfillment against the backdrop of societal expectations. Through the lens of these intertwined relationships, the book examines the moral and social dilemmas faced by its characters, offering a candid and sometimes controversial portrayal of the sexual mores and cultural dynamics of its time.
The 977th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. The Witches Of Eastwick
In a quaint Rhode Island town, three divorced women discover their shared supernatural abilities and form a coven of witches. Their lives are upended with the arrival of a mysterious and charismatic stranger who seduces each of them, stoking their powers and ambitions. As the women navigate their complex relationships with this man and each other, they confront the conservative mores of their community, leading to a series of conflicts and transformations that challenge their notions of female independence and power. The novel explores themes of sexuality, feminism, and the dynamics of social conformity through the lens of magical realism.
The 2191st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. Pigeon Feathers And Other Stories
This collection of short stories delves into the intricacies of American life, examining the personal struggles and inner lives of ordinary individuals as they confront the complexities of existence. Through a series of vividly rendered tales, the author explores themes of faith, mortality, and the search for meaning in the mundane. The stories are marked by their acute psychological insight and the author's distinctive prose, which captures the nuances of his characters' experiences, whether they are a young boy grappling with religious doubt or adults navigating the subtleties of love, loss, and identity.
The 4710th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. The Poorhouse Fair
The novel revolves around the residents of a poorhouse (a government-run facility for the destitute and elderly) in a small town. The narrative primarily focuses on the interactions between the residents and the young, ambitious prefect during an annual fair. The book is a profound exploration of aging, memory, dignity, and the clash between the old and new generations. The fair becomes a battleground where different philosophies of life and attitudes towards progress are debated and tested.
The 4929th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. Bech Is Back
In "Bech Is Back," the protagonist, a Jewish-American writer named Henry Bech, experiences a revival of his career after a period of creative stagnancy. Throughout the novel, Bech travels the world, from Europe to communist countries, grappling with the challenges of literary fame, cultural differences, and personal inadequacies. The narrative combines humor and satire to explore the complexities of literary life and the peculiarities of Bech's character, offering a sharp critique of both the literary establishment and international cultural politics.
The 11661st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. Hugging The Shore
Essays and Criticism
"Hugging the Shore" is a collection of essays and criticism that offers an insightful exploration into various aspects of literature, art, and culture. The book compiles reviews, prefaces, and occasional pieces that delve into the works of numerous authors, poets, and artists, reflecting the author's broad literary tastes and deep understanding of the subjects. The essays are marked by their eloquence, sharp analysis, and the author's personal reflections, providing readers with a rich tapestry of intellectual engagement with the arts. Through this compilation, the author not only critiques but also celebrates the diversity and complexity of literary and artistic expression.
The 11661st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. Roger's Version
"Roger's Version" delves into the life of Roger Lambert, a theology professor who becomes entangled in a debate about the existence of God with Dale Kohler, a young student of computer science. Dale believes that computer technology can prove the existence of divine intervention in the creation of the universe, leading to a complex interplay of faith, science, and human relationships. As Roger becomes increasingly involved with Dale and his project, the novel explores themes of infidelity, personal morality, and the intricate dynamics of human belief and skepticism.
The 11661st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
12. The Centaur
The novel follows the life of George Caldwell, a high school teacher in a small town in Pennsylvania, who is struggling with feelings of disappointment and failure. He is constantly compared to his father, a mythological centaur, symbolizing the conflict between the mundane and the extraordinary. The narrative alternates between the modern world and the mythological realm, exploring themes of identity, disillusionment, and the struggle between the human and the divine.
The 12178th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
13. Toward The End Of Time
Set in post-apocalyptic 2020 America after a devastating war between the United States and China, the novel explores the life of a retired investment advisor named Ben Turnbull. As he navigates through the chaos of a collapsed society and the decay of his own aging body, Ben grapples with his relationships, particularly with his younger wife, and his own existential reflections. The narrative delves into themes of mortality, the nature of reality, and the human condition, all set against a backdrop of a world struggling to rebuild itself amidst technological and natural decline.
The 12325th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
14. The Coup
"The Coup" is a satirical novel that tells the story of Colonel Hakim Félix Ellelou, the ruler of a small, fictional, underdeveloped African nation. The narrative, delivered through Ellelou's first-person perspective, explores his anti-Western sentiments, his struggles with modernity and development, and his complex personal life, including his relationships with his four wives. The novel presents a critique of both Western imperialism and African dictatorships, using humor and wit to examine the complexities of global politics.
The 13589th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
15. The Maples Stories
"The Maples Stories" is a collection of short stories that intricately explores the complexities of marriage and relationships through the lives of Richard and Joan Maple. Over the course of several decades, the stories trace the nuances of their marriage, from the blossoming of their youthful love to the disintegration of their bond and eventual divorce. The narrative captures the shifting dynamics and emotional landscapes of the couple as they navigate the trials of raising children, infidelity, and the search for individual identity within the confines of a long-term, evolving relationship.
The 14019th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
16. Gertrude And Claudius
Set before the events of the well-known revenge tragedy, the novel imagines the tangled courtship and marriage of Gertrude and Claudius, tracing Claudius’s rise from insecure nobleman to calculating ruler and Gertrude’s conflicted affections and moral ambiguity. Their illicit affair, political maneuvering, and the clandestine killing of the reigning king are depicted with psychological detail, showing how desire, ambition, and regret shape their choices and the fate of the Danish court. Rich in period atmosphere and interior monologue, the narrative humanizes both protagonists and reframes the familiar tragedy’s origins.
The 14376th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. The Early Stories
"The Early Stories" is a compilation of short stories that provide a vivid depiction of post-war America. The narratives cover a wide range of topics, including love, marriage, death, and faith, all told through the experiences of the ordinary middle-class citizen. The stories are praised for their insightful exploration of human nature and the complexities of everyday life.
The 14492nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
18. Rabbit Angstrom
The Four Novels
Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America, this novel chronicles the life of a former high school basketball star as he grapples with the complexities of adulthood. Caught in a cycle of disillusionment and yearning, he struggles to find meaning in his suburban existence, navigating the challenges of marriage, fatherhood, and personal ambition. Through a series of poignant and often tumultuous events, the protagonist's journey reflects the broader societal shifts and personal dilemmas of the era, offering a vivid exploration of identity, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.
The 15821st Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Self-Consciousness
"Self-Consciousness" is a memoir that delves into the personal life of a renowned author, exploring his childhood, his relationship with his parents, his struggles with psoriasis and stuttering, as well as his religious beliefs and views on death. The author's reflections on his life are deeply personal, introspective, and filled with a sense of vulnerability, providing an intimate look into his experiences and thought processes. The book offers an insightful exploration of the author's self-consciousness and how it has shaped his life and work.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
20. Golf Dreams
Writings on Golf
This collection of essays and stories captures the whimsical and philosophical musings of a passionate golfer, exploring the sport's intricate relationship with life and human nature. Through a blend of humor, nostalgia, and keen observation, the narrative delves into the joys and frustrations of the game, revealing how golf serves as a metaphor for the broader human experience. The author reflects on personal anecdotes, the evolution of the sport, and the unique camaraderie it fosters, offering readers a heartfelt and insightful glimpse into the world of golf.
The 17131st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
