The sequel to The Sportswriter is Independence Day, a novel that finds Frank Bascombe plying a new trade—realtor—and wrestling with a new set of problems: a girlfriend to whom he finds it difficult to make a commitment; his son Paul, who may be emotionally disturbed; and his relationship to his ex-wife Ann. Like The Sportsivriter, Independence Day takes place in and around Haddam, New Jersey, a fictional suburb similar to Princeton, over a symbolic holiday weekend—in this case, as might be inferred from the title, July Fourth—and follows Frank through a particularly challenging three days that lead him toward greater engagement with life.