one of the few novels out there with academic cred that i really love, pulitzer winner independence day is technically a sequel to ford's the sportswriter, which i actually haven't read. our hero now a willy-lomanesque real estate agent, the story takes place over a poignant fourth of july weekend, as he and his son attempt to visit every sports hall of fame in their region, while fending off constant calls from ennui-riddled clients and angry ex-wives. sad, funny, thought-provoking, it's the type of novel that deserves a hit hollywood movie to be made from it, but probably will never happen.