Rating: 
Summary: Great book with fantastic character development
Review: Simply in a sentence is this book is a nice book. Most of the characters are developed to a certain extent. Although there are not many climaxes, the whole book brings us to a possible closer look at orphans and not to forget Irving's views of abortion. Long novel that could be enjoyed by most.
Rating: 
Summary: Actually I thought the movie was better
Review: For a screenplay the writer has a couple of hours to make his point; with a novel he can use as many words as he likes. The usual result is that the movie version lacks character development, and the plot is superficial. In this case, however, I thought it was just the opposite. Irving's novel goes on far too long, there are too many unnecessary characters, and the allegory of the cider house ( so effective in the movie) is all but lost in the confusion.About half-way through the book, I commented to someone that it must have taken a genious to make that movie from this book. I was surprised to find that John Irving also wrote the screenplay. I give him credit for seeing room for improvement the second time around. The movie shortens the time frame, consolidates some characters, and also changes them a little to make them more believable. This coupled with some good acting made an excellent film. If you haven't seen the movie, I would suggest you rent it and save yourself the money and time you would have spent on the book. If you've already read the book, rent the movie anyway. You won't regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: The Cider House RULES!
Review: The only reason why I even read this book was because it was on the sophmore reading list and I had to read a novel for an assignment. I'm glad that I chose to read it. It is one of the best novels that I have read in a long time. My youth leader at my church said that it's not a good idea to read this book because it was on abortion. That made me want to read it even more. When I read it, I was so surprised how John Irving put both opinions of abortion in this book and made it fit in. I really enjoyed this book. It's so much more than abortion. Its about being loved and fitting in. I enjoyed this book so much!
Rating:
Summary: My favorite novel
Review: Because of the movie, I read the book. And because of the book, I discovered what a wonderful author John Irving is. This may not be to everyone's liking, asspecially if you aren't pro choice, but he is able to make a point in this novel, and I feel that I've gained so much from reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: loved it
Review: This is my second John Irving book and I was enthralled,shocked and entertained. I avoid reading the back cover of books. I am glad I didnt in this case because had I known the main theme of this book I would not have read it. I cried and laughed at the same time numerous times (when Curly tries to get Candy and Wally to adopt him). I liked all the main characters except for Candy. Unlike other characters in this novel who tend to be good but flawed, I didnt like what Cabdy did to Homer and I found nothing redeeming about her devotion to Wally. In some many different level, this is a great novel. I read this book about a month ago and it has stayed with me.
Rating:
Summary: great true story in this.
Review: Don't start this one so late or you will lose sleep and won't know where the time went. Great telling is in this lively book. a masterpiece.
Rating: 
Summary: Cider House a disappointing read.
Review: I'm afraid I have to disagree with the majority of the other reviews. I had high hopes upon reading the first several chapters, but was disappointed with the final outcome. The characters turned out a bit pathetic and ridiculous with the exception of Melony. Too many stereotypical, over dramatized situations were used to address the abortion issue leaving the political points to be unconvincing either way. Including ignorant immigrants, shallow snobbish wealthy people, and a eccentric prostitute, none of which, touched on the "everyday" women and men who deal with this issue. Candy who was, perhaps, supposed to represent the "average" young woman in trouble, began as independent and forward thinking but, ended up annoying and indecisive. The characters were initially unusual and colorful, but without development, did not hold my interest. Cider House Rules was a story with potential, but fizzled out half way through.
Rating:
Summary: Breakin' the Rules
Review: It took awhile for the theme of the book to emerge, and of course, that theme is RULES, and operating outside them. The first 200 pages are devoted to the rules that surround St Cloud's orphanage/abortion clinic. A couple hundred pages later, we hear protagonist Homer Wells vocalize that theme: "For fifteen years, Homer Wells knew that there were possibly as many cider house rules as there were people who had passed through the cider house. . ." and by extension, as many rules as society wishes(or dares) to impose. Only by creating such skillfully drawn characters, does Irving keep the reader's interest during the 200 page exposition. But by that time readers have been successfully hooked, and you couldn't put the book down if you wanted to. At least I couldn't. How could the author make me feel empathy for a man who would give a child a phony heart condition? But he managed to do it by appealing, I suppose to the love in all of us that will go to any lengths to protect our children. The point the author keeps hammering home is that society makes rules for orphans, rules for marriage, rules for family relationships, and even rules for the conduct of cider house employees, and yet people continue to play outside those rules, ignoring the consequences that must be borne for such behavior. Rarely, does a book force me to go back and re-read parts of it, but this one did. I place it up there among the great books. I am only afraid now to see the movie, knowing what a let-down that usually is.
Rating:
Summary: Good writing, but the point....?
Review: As usual, Irving's writing is excellent, but this novel rambles somewhat through a story without a real point. Political point are subtly made, however, and it is without a doubt an entertaining read.
Rating:
Summary: I LOVE THIS BOOK
Review: I hadn't even heard of this book until I happened to go out with some friends and see the movie. Only after watching (and loving) the movie, did I discover the amazing novel that John Irving wrote. This book is truly a masterpiece. It is full of human emotion and such love. The book goes much deeper than the movie ever could and is well worth the read. I don't want to give much of the plot away, but let me just tell you that once you get past the really difficult description, the book just flows and the story is sure to touch your heart.
| 
