Updike down

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'Tis a smaller world now. John Updike is dead of lung cancer.

The end of Rabbit at Rest:

"Well, Nelson," he says, "all I can tell you is, it isn't so bad." Rabbit thinks he should maybe say more, the kids looks wildly expectant, but enough. Maybe. Enough.

Fifty books, countless essays, some of the best book reviews I've ever read. Maybe enough. Never too much.

The Times has a nice obit and a videotaped conversation. I have a hole in my heart.

photo credit: Robt Spencer for the Times.

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