Last week, John of Book Mine Set reviewed this story. His review peeked my curiosity. I read one thing by Updike in Jr. High School. I can’t even remember what it was and haven’t read anything since.
Sammy, the narrator of the story is a 18 year old check-out clerk at A & P Grocery Store. One summer day three teenage girls walk into the store with nothing but bathing suits on. No cover-up and no shoes. As he observes them, as any teenage boy would, he finds it hard to concentrate on ringing out a customer’s purchases. Did he ring in the Hi Ho crackers already?
Sammy describes the girls in detail. I could picture how he might tell his friends about what happened. Toward the end of the story the manger comes to Sammy’s check out, where the girls end up and tells them that they must be dressed to come into the store. He allows them to make their purchase but is quite insistent that they will not be able to shop there again if they are not fully clothed.
Sammy disagrees with the manager and tells him so after the girls leave. He takes action but also think about the consequences of that action after.
Not a lot happens in this short story but it is quite engaging. This is a really nice coming-of-age story with the theme of consequences to one’s choices. I think it is also about anti-establishment. This story was originally written back in the 60’s when the younger generation were starting to question the establishment and authority.
4/5
Also reviewed by:
The Book Mine Set
I recall reading this one in high school too. Updike does a great job of giving us all the details so we get a crystal clear picture.
Nice review. I just had to read this story for two of my classes this semester. It was an interesting read and I did like it. It’s kind of funny people’s different reactions to it though. But that’s what makes it great.
-Lauren
thatsthebook, I didn’t read this particular story in school. I can’t remember which one but it wasn’t this one. LOL! He does do a great job with details.
Lauren, thanks! It would make great discussion. I miss the discussions we use to have about stories in school. Especially at the university level.
Do you have a major that your working on at school?
I minored in Lit, for fun. My major was social work.
I think Updike may have been poking subtle fun at the anti-establishment crowd.
I think you may be right John.
Haven’t thought of the A&P in ages! No have I read Updike in short story form. Sounds pretty good! Thanks, Teddy.
Linda,
Was A & P a real place?
Oh, the A & P! Yes, it was a chain grocery store. My mother used to shop at A & P–and as I sit here now 50+ years later, i can clearly see the checkout clerk and the slider that she pulled to move the groceries to her reach.
I haven’t read Updike for years. This review touched a chord in me, Teddy, thanks
Linda, I wonder if we didn’t have A & P in Minnesota because I don’t remember it. I am a bit youner than you at 45. Glad you enjoyed my review!
We used to have A&Ps but they have been replaced with something else. I read Updike in high school, too, and would like to read something from him again.