Books: Put and Take

PIGEON FEATHERS AND OTHER STORIES (278 pp.)—John Updike—Knopf ($4).

John Updike is a brilliant writer who has so far failed to write a brilliant book. Admiring readers who have watched him warm up for the last several years, exhibiting his perfect half volleys and cableknit sweater, soon may begin to wonder when he is going to get on with the match. The warmup continues in the present collection, as the author jogs his beautifully developed style through a not very demanding series of mood studies, stories and sketches.

All of the glittering words are on view; on page after page the reader's eye...