Currently reading
The 5th Wave
14
The Light Between Oceans: A Novel
The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It
Clockwork Princess
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness
Love Medicine
Love Medicine: Newly Revised Edition
Rabbit Redux
Rabbit Redux is a continuation of the story of Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom, first introduced in Updike's novel, Rabbit, Run. In the first book, set in the 1950's, Rabbit, feeling trapped in his marriage, leaves his wife. In this 2nd novel, Rabbit and his wife, Janice, are back together, but the setting is 12 years later, during the turbulent and free 60's. This time, Janice is fed up with Rabbit and starts an affair with a co-worker. Rabbit is aware of Janice's affair and going with the 'free love' attitude of the times, accepts the relationship and doesn't push for her to end it. This time, Janice moves out and Rabbit is left to negotiate being alone as a single father. I have to admit that there is not a single character in these books that I like. Rabbit is obsessed with sex, treats women poorly, and never thinks about the consequences of his actions. But, I really enjoy the brutal honesty of the characters. Reading both books was especially interesting to see how much our society changed in just a decade. In Rabbit, Run, Janice was the typical American housewife of the 50's. Rabbit Redux is filled with the unrest of the 60's - Vietnam, the Civil Rights movement, Black Militants - much more strife than simple Rabbit Angstrom is equipped to handle. There are two more books to this series each jumping another decade in Rabbit's life. Although I can't stand the guy, I am tempted to find out what happens to him.
