Pennsylvania’s Native Sons: James Michener and John Updike
By Kristen on Aug 15, 2008 in 50 States 50 Books
photo credit: Sunrise Ottah
Well, for Pennsylvania’s representative I have been wavering between John Updike and James Michener and finally decided to include them both! Each is quintessentially American yet very different, therefore exemplifying the diversity of our wonderful, ambivalent country. Plus, both are recipients of the Pulitzer Prize… can’t beat that!
I prefer Updike’s short stories to his novels, but his Rabbit novels have brought him a Pulitzer so I can’t ignore them. I taught his short story Separating for years and loved how Updike deftly portrayed the complexity of a dissolving marriage and especially the effects on each member, who are not immune despite their wealth and privilege. For other perspectives on Updike, check out yesterday’s Paper Cuts post.
Rather than an excerpt or review, this week I thought I would include quotes by each author. First, thoughts by Updike:
Men are all heart and Women are all body. I don’t know who has the brains. God maybe.
Of plants tomatoes seemed the most human, eager and fragile and prone to rot.
America is a vast conspiracy to make you happy.
On to Michener! I have read a number of his novels and love how palatable he makes geography and history. Since we are focusing on the 50 states of America in this series, consider checking out one of the following novels: Centennial (Colorado), Texas, Alaska, and Chesapeake. My husband and I will embark on a road trip to Colorado soon so I may try to procure a copy of Centennial on CD. I have only read The Source by Michener, and loved it.
Thoughts by Michener…
Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.
The permanent temptation of life is to confuse dreams with reality. The permanent defeat of life comes when dreams are surrendered to reality.
I have never thought of myself as a good writer. Anyone who wants reassurance of that should read one of my first drafts. But I’m one of the world’s great rewriters.
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.
Curious about what states we’ve done so far and which ones are on deck?
Photo by marxchivistFirst, from Melanie Jones:
Alabama: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out my To Kill A Mockingbird Sample Kit!) Michigan: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides Alaska: The Man Who Swam With Beavers by Nancy Lord Arizona: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver North Dakota: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Vermont: The Secret History by Donna Tartt Hawaii: Heads by Harry by Lois-ann Yamanaka Georgia: Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones And I went out on my own for…
Florida: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston Minnesota: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien Wisconsin: When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton Louisiana: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (Jones’ pick) and The Awakening by Kate Chopin (my pick) Colorado: Plainsong by Kent Haruf Maryland: Anything by Anne Tyler Georgia: Awakening by Kate Chopin Ohio: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Arkansas: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Virginia: John Grisham Idaho: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson North Carolina: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons Tennesee: Run by Ann Patchett New Jersey: Anything by Janet Ivanovich Texas: Anything by Elmer Kelton Connecticut: The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx Montana: The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie Utah: Edward Abbey South Carolina: Pat Conroy Iowa: Wallace Stegner
Wondering where your state is? Coming soon… In the meantime, weigh in on future picks!
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Out of all the books Michener wrote, I’m surprised he didn’t have one named Pennsylvania.
Re: Updike’s first quote: I think he’s just being diplomatic, isn’t he, or is it just a cop out?
unfinishedperson | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
Or ironic, maybe? Although from the one Rabbit book I read, he may have had some issues to work through with women at one point
Either way, I just had to include it…
Kristen | Aug 16, 2008 | Reply