Rabbit is Rich

Rabbit is Rich (1981) by John Updike. The third and penultimate book in the saga of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom is not the best, but it is certainly a good read. The time is 1979: Skylab is falling, gas lines are lengthening, the President collapses while running a marathon, and double-digit inflation is the scourge of the nation. Meanwhile, Rabbit has prospered, having become Chief Sales Representative of Springer Motors, the Toyota dealership in the fictional town of Brewer, Penn. Harry seems poised to enjoy a period of happiness -- until his son returns from college wanting to claim his place at the car lot, and Harry spots a young woman at the Toyota agency whom he suspects may be his daughter by a previous relationship. Though not the best in the series, this is an essential book to read in following the saga of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom and his uncoordinated search for happiness. Grade: B+