Suffolk University was a perfect host and Boston a perfect location for the Second Biennial John Updike Society Conference. Many attendees commented on the quality of papers, the exhibit that Michael Updike set up in the large meeting room, the enjoyable pacing of the conference, and the many receptions and tours. Quentin Miller and Bernard F. Rodgers, Jr. did a fantastic job, and by all accounts it was a successful conference. Members are already looking forward to 2014, when the society will return to Alvernia University in Reading, Pa., with the goal of providing tours and activities that are “must sees” for people who missed the first conference, but also some nice surprises for those who were at Alvernia in 2009. A date has not been set yet.

Here is a 2nd Conference report on the activities in Boston. Pictured above are plenary speakers Jeffrey Ludwig, Brian Keener, and Miller. For more photos, see the photo gallery on The John Updike Society Facebook page.