Author Philip Roth turns 80; Newark, NJ celebrates

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's largest city is celebrating the birthday of a native son, author Philip Roth.

Roth turned 80 on Tuesday and he's in Newark for the occasion.

Roth was raised in the city's Weequahic neighborhood, and Newark features prominently in some of his best-known works, from "Portnoy's Complaint" to "American Pastoral."

An exhibit at Newark Public Library showcases photos of Roth's life.

And a three-hour bus tour by the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee will highlight locations from his novels.

Roth, who lives in Connecticut, is speaking at an invitation-only event at the Newark Museum.