John Updike's "Rabbit" Series

It's been years since I first read this, but it sticks in the mind forever. Updike succeeds in recreating a period of long gone American society in flawless details, yet like all good writing it still seems up-to-the-minute incisive and relevant. The central character could have invented the term "Everyman", and his struggles, tragedies and small triumphs are as heartwarming, frustrating, terrifying and hilarious as life itself. Heartily recommended for those looking for a way in to the late, great John Updike.

In his "Rabbit" series, John Updike captured the spirit of the upper middle class from World War II through the decline of the modern age. Rabbit Angstrom's climb to wealth via his own auto dealership explores the darker human relational side of the American Dream. Rabbit's struggles with spouse, son, in-laws, and other social climbers is the experience of many who grew to maturity in that age. You'll feel like you're there, so enjoy the ride. You asked for it... you got it... Toyota. RIP John Updike. You wrote life.

It is a fitting culmination to the "Rabbit" series. Angstrom continues to scrap with the angels and demons in his life, Updike puts the reader inside the character, while also continuing the kaleidoscope narrative of Rabbit's world. Very readable, and the concluding scene from Rabbit's point of view is imprinted in my memory. I read Rabbit's life as a requiem for American consumerism. You ask for it, you got it, Toyota.