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John Updike

Cover art for HIGHER GOSSIP
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 3, 2011
Kirkus Star HIGHER GOSSIP: ESSAYS AND CRITICISM
by John Updike, edited by Christopher Carduff
"A lyrical, lovely display of Updike's protean powers."
A potpourri of pieces from the busy pen of the gifted Updike (1932-2009), who shows that he could write convincingly about nearly anything. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY FATHER’S TEARS
FICTION
Released: June 5, 2009
Kirkus Star MY FATHER’S TEARS: AND OTHER STORIES
by John Updike
"A fine final act."
Reflection and reconsideration abound in the late (1932–2009) great author's final finished collection of stories. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WIDOWS OF EASTWICK
FICTION
Released: Oct. 31, 2008
THE WIDOWS OF EASTWICK
by John Updike
"A work of old age that takes its time, gently drawing us into its knowing orbit. We inhabit this story as we do the later stages of our own lives. Some will not like the book, but it is a vital part of the Updike experience."
Once again summoning characters from his previous books, Updike catches up with the fetching trio of amateur sorceresses introduced in The Witches of Eastwick (1984). Read full book review >
Cover art for DUE CONSIDERATIONS
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 29, 2007
Kirkus Star DUE CONSIDERATIONS: ESSAYS AND CRITICISMS
by John Updike
"One of our best novelists proves once again that he's one of our best writers."
Books and authors, universal and personal history and miscellaneous arcana are carefully considered in this sixth showcase of Updike's (Terrorist, 2006, etc.) tireless versatility and imposing range of interests. Read full book review >
Cover art for SEEK MY FACE
FICTION
Released: Nov. 19, 2002
Kirkus Star SEEK MY FACE
by John Updike
"Another new fictional world entered, as Updike himself enters old age, with skills and ambitions very much intact."
Updike's 20th novel is, like its predecessor, Gertrude and Claudius (2000), yet another illustration of this adventurous writer's enduring curiosity, versatility, and stylistic energy. Read full book review >
Cover art for LICKS OF LOVE
FICTION
Released: Nov. 15, 2000
Kirkus Star LICKS OF LOVE: SHORT STORIES AND A SEQUEL, “RABBIT REMEMBERED”
by John Updike
"Updike has never been better than when writing about the Angstroms and their discontents, in his justly famous "quartet," and in this brilliant and deeply moving coda to it, which can stand by itself as one of his finest novels."
Pronounced echoes of Updike's earlier fiction dominate this mixed-bag collection of 12 short stories and a novella: jazzlike variations (or "licks") on the difficulties and consequences of trying to love others better than we love ourselves. Read full book review >