Pedro’s Reviews > The Maples Stories > Status Update

Dude!

I’ve been hearing his call these last few days, Julie, but that damn Rabbit Redux is in the way of the other two books, so I went for this one instead. It’s been staring at me for years anyway, so let’s see what happens…

"That damn Rabbit Redux" is right! Damn Rabbit.

For me, what Updike does is still different from every other writer. He makes certain words light up and jump up at me, and I don't forget them. He had such a natural fascination with color, too. You don't ever forget that yellow bikini or those pink toe nails. Bastard.

Or the most muscular legs!! 😋

But his legs are always the most muscular, right?

(I just got a notification that Strout's THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY is available for me, at the library. I waited months for it and now I'm trying to clear my head, not going into this read with any bias! I was way more excited for it, months ago).

I’d say Updike is one of those writers who tend to be a problem for other male readers, as he was clearly someone who could urinate further than the average man.

And, Julie, you know I couldn’t have been more disappointed with the last two offerings from Mrs Strout, so there’s not much else I can say about it. Both books scream “I’ll give them what they want” on every page and, for better or for worse, I don’t seem to fall for that type of writing.

I’ve heard lots of people talking about it, though, and they all seem pretty satisfied, which probably means it’s a me problem.

My thoughts about John Steinbeck are so ethical and respectful; my thoughts about John Updike are not!

Well, if I fall into the camp that loves Ms. Strout's latest offering, I hope we can still see eye-to-eye on Updike! (For what it's worth, I really, really don't want to feel disappointed in her book. Her novels have been carrots that I dangle before me).

Julie, I’ve only read one by each of them, but I’ll take Updike’s raw realism over Steinbeck’s biblical symbolism any day without even blinking.

I wish you good luck with the new Strout.

For what it's worth, I am more devoted to John Steinbeck than I am John Updike, but I love them both.
Have you ever read OF MICE AND MEN? It's like a short dagger, straight to the heart.

I haven’t, Julie, but I finished the Hemingway assignment and will have the essay ready to post early this evening. I hope I can get at least a B+!
B+ is good, right? Aha.

All 3 of my kids will tell you that a B+ is great.

Ahahah!! Got it!!