Author Archives: johnupdikesociety

Updike invoked in Thinking on Scripture essay

Posted on January 16, 2022 by johnupdikesociety

In a post titled “The Despair of Atheism and the Hope of Christianity” on his Thinking on Scripture blog, Dr. Steven R. Cook wrote, “Consider also this view of death by the atheist John Updike, from his novel, Pigeon Feathers:” … Continue reading →

Posted in First Person Singular, Updike Quoted | Leave a comment

Literary Hub recommends the best Bard reimaginings

Posted on January 13, 2022 by johnupdikesociety

Last week Literary Hub ran an article “On Reimagining the Infinite Dramatic Scope of Shakespeare and His Immortal Characters,” in which Kathryn Barker recommended “five cracking titles that rework the Bard’s famous plays.” It will come as no surprise to … Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Updike in Context | Leave a comment

America Magazine recounts Updike’s views on Santa and Christ

Posted on December 22, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

In an article titled “John Updike: Suspicious of Santa, but fond of Christ” written for America Magazine, writer James T. Keane played to the season and began his feature with a quote from John Updike: “A man of no plausible … Continue reading →

Posted in Updike Quoted | Leave a comment

Keanu Reeves says Updike’s Rabbit novels are now his favorite

Posted on December 22, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

Keanu Reeves was in the news again with the release of the new Matrix film, The Matrix Resurrections, in which Reeves reprises his iconic role of Neo. That means he’s now a hot interview subject, and interviewer Swapnil Dhruv Bose … Continue reading →

Posted in Lists | Leave a comment

Former minister says Updike all but told his story

Posted on December 16, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

In an opinion piece for Baptist News, David Ramsey contemplated “Atheism and agnosticism: The last closet,” which began, “In 1996, John Updike released his 17th novel, In the Beauty of the Lilies, a story about a Presbyterian minister, Clarence Wilmot, … Continue reading →

Posted in First Person Singular, Updike in Context | Leave a comment

New NY Times book editors share book criticism favorites

Posted on December 16, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

In an article titled “Times Critics Discuss 2021 in Books, From Breakout Stars to Cover Blurbs,” new critics Molly Young and Alexandra Jacobs were asked if they had any all-time favorite books of criticism that they would recommend people “delve … Continue reading →

Posted in First Person Singular, Updike in Context | Leave a comment

Meaningful ornament donated for the Updike house tree

Posted on December 6, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

They say good things come in small packages. Surprising things, too. When Updike house Director of Education Maria Lester opened a package recently, she found a smiling John Updike ornament. On the back of the ornament: “Ho Ho Ho! Casting … Continue reading →

Posted in The John Updike Childhood Home | Leave a comment

First Updike house open hours draw interest

Posted on December 6, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

Twenty locals visited The John Updike Childhood Home on the first Saturday of limited regular hours (12-2pm), Director of Education Maria Lester reported. With a Christmas tree in the parlor the feeling was festive, and a half dozen children also … Continue reading →

Posted in The John Updike Childhood Home | Leave a comment

John Updike Childhood Home establishes hours

Posted on November 8, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

For additional information, contact Director of Education Maria Lester, mlester@albright.edu.

Posted in The John Updike Childhood Home | Leave a comment

The argument over Updike’s literary legacy

Posted on October 20, 2021 by johnupdikesociety

Shortly before The John Updike Society convened in Reading, Pa. for their 6th Biennial Conference, Jonathan Clarke published a piece in City Journal titled “John Updike and the Politics of Literary Reputation.” In it, he assesses the current problem: Updike’s … Continue reading →

Posted in First Person Singular, Updike in Context | Leave a comment