One of my Christmas books this year was a copy of Updike's Rabbit novels. I've read or owned these novels before in various guises - borrowed from the library, falling apart paperbacks, one good hardcover - but this was four works bound into one volume. And it has a fine red ribbon as a page marker. I am a sucker for a ribbon page marker.
High on the list of reasons why I am fond of this body of work comes early in the series when we are first introduced to Harry Angtsrom's wife, Janice. She is describes as not pretty, dumb and athletic, with thin hair and a high forehead which is peeling from prolonged sun exposure on the tennis court. Which always struck me as an excellent description of Ethel Kennedy.
R.I.P. John Updike
Seems as appropriate a time as any to say thanks for your book reviews. I read a book you recommended over the Christmas holidays: "Dino: Living High in the Dirty Business of Dreams" by Nick Tosches. Most entertaining!
Posted by: seshe | January 28, 2009 at 09:33 AM
it is rumored that Ethel had one and one-half nostrils.
Posted by: Jim - PRS | January 28, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Kennedy women had to have two main traits: the ability to produce offspring early and often, and a willingness not to succumb to a substance abuse problem until after their husbands were elected.
Posted by: The Proprietor | January 29, 2009 at 11:24 AM