Bruce McLeod

Myth and Gospel in the Fiction of John Updike

Arts & Literature

“John Updike had better eyes than ours. He memorably noticed everyday details that, without him, we'd miss. McTavish returns the favor, uncovering surprising mythic riches beneath Updike's deceptively mundane surfaces. Deploying wit, theological insight ("Elizanne" echoes "eleison"), lively links with Ayckbourn, Hawthorne and more, generous inclusion of others' views, gossipy encounters with Updike's family and the iconic writer himself, in blessedly jargon-free prose, McTavish's close reading of Updike is an eye-opener all the way.”

Preacher

Preaching & Worship

“Adding his own engaging prefaces, John McTavish unapologetically presents a year's worth of 'sermons' by, yes, a 'preacher,' restoring fresh currency to those tired words, using David Read's reasoned faith, biblical imagination, and low-key style, which enthralled New York churchgoers for thirty years. This lively book is a sly reminder that, still today, thriving congregations require sermons, not reflections; and a preacher must be there.”