Rating: 
Summary: excellent!
Review: I first started reading John Irving about five years ago, and found myself hooked by his lyrical insight into the mindset and rhythms of the east coast. This is one of the best Irving novels that I have read because it explores the complexities of the idea of "rules", and conveys the idea that the world is not as black and white as it may seem. I am just disappointed that the film adaptation had taken such a different turn from the novel.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Book by a Wonderful Writer- but no Water-Method Man
Review: John Irving, for my money, is one of the top two or three American storytellers of our time. Like Dickens, his literary hero, Irving is always concerned with his readers' well-being. His novels range from the sublime (The World According to Garp) to the mediocre (The 158-Pound Marriage), but even the weakest are entertaining. The Cider House Rules falls beneath sublime but well above mediocre. The characters are engaging (it would be a mean reader indeed who did not root for the protagonist, Homer Wells) and the plot meanders about pleasantly. Sometimes the tearful moments seem too easy-- nobody can stay dry-eyed when a cute little orphan keels over-- but the book bravely explores the complexities of love and abortion without preaching for any particular side. It's a good book but if you're looking for vintage Irving, head for the classics: The World According to Garp and The Hotel New Hampshire. Or track down my personal favorite, The Water-Method Man, which remains to this day the funniest book I've ever read (with the possible exception of J.P. Donleavy's The Ginger Man).
Rating:
Summary: A book with a huge heart
Review: I loved the book! Nothing much really happens in terms of the plot, but the characters exude warmth and heart despite their idiocyncracies. The book takes the readers to a fantasy world but at the same time a world that's entirely believable. If you loved The World According to Garp, you will love this book as well. As a law student, "rules" constantly drive what I do. This book examines those "rules" by questioning their derivation, usefulness, and blind adherence to them. Utterly engrossing.
Rating:
Summary: A thoughtful exploration of the idea of "rules"
Review: It amazes me how Irving can broach topics like adoption, abortion, love, faithfulness, etc. with such empathy and balance. This is the only discussion I've ever encountered of abortion, pro or con, that zeroed in on the core issue, then explored both sides of it in such an enlightening manner. And although abortion is a major theme in this novel, it's not what the book is about--it's just a way of discussing the overall theme--rules. It doesn't matter whether you're liberal, conservative, or somewhere in between. Irving will make you think, and give you a chance to question and refine some of your own views, while at the same time read a very engaging story that provokes and entertains from beginning to end.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Story
Review: I'm a relative newcomer to Irving, having only read two of his works. What a pleasant surprise I must say I had when I first read 'The Hotel New Hampshire', thinking It would be difficult to beat. The Cider House Rules, however, does. This is a truly marvellous novel with rich characterization and a moving plot. Over many years, Homer Wells and Dr Larches' lives are intertwined with both mutual love and respect. Not to mention the fabulous Melony, Mr Kendall, Candy, Wally, Mrs Worthington, Mr Rose and Rose Rose, all characters whose mistakes, (just actions, in some cases,) have resulted in heavy penalties. We read almost inside their lives, without mawkish sympathy or maudlin profundity, rather, as Homer would put it, "Right." This novel deals with some pretty big issues without taking the moral high ground, except of course THE most important issue of respect. A wonderful, wonderful book and looking forward to the film.
Rating:
Summary: Another excellent Irving novel
Review: This, my third John Irving novel, was yet another pleasant surprise. I had purchased it awhile back but decided to read it now so I could still see the movie in the theater after I finished the book. Contrasting the two (although the movie was very good) made me appreciate Irving as a writer even more because of the rich character development he wove into the book. For example, in the novel you get to follow the life events of Dr. Larch for over 70 years! Irving's books are never 'cliffhangers' but they are intriguing, mostly because you want to find out the fate of each character rather than simply 'what happens' at the end. As a final aside, it's simply incredible that someone could write a 600-page novel centered around the theme of abortion and not once have it become long-winded or boring!
Rating:
Summary: Irving's best novel
Review: I've read all of John Irving's novels and this one is by far the best
Rating:
Summary: all-time favorite
Review: i have read this one more than 15 months ago, and i miss it still. this is simply john irving's best. i remember reading it till dawn until my eyes swelled, both from awe and wonder. i have been homer wells' doppleganger.
Rating:
Summary: Wish I Hadn't Finished It
Review: I have always enjoyed Irving's books. Listening to "Cider House Rules" on tape was an awesome experience.The gentleman who reads the story on tape brought such feeling and poignancy to the story, that I looked forward to my daily sessions with Homer and Dr. Larch. Irving's character development is done so well that it's hard not to get drawn into the story and feel as though these were real events that happened to real people. The contrasting Candy and Melony were great. Listening to the last tape was bittersweet, as I wanted to learn what would become of Homer, but did not want the story to end! I was bummed when the last tape ended..... But I saw it off-Broadway in NYC this year and enjoyed it thoroughly. Let's hope the movie can measure up to the book.
Rating:
Summary: A Definite Must-Read!
Review: This is one of those books that you don't want to stop reading. I would be falling asleep at 4:30AM and still finding myself reading on into the next chapter. After you do finish it (its 500+ pages flew by in 3 days), you find yourself missing it and wishing you had drawn out the pleasure of reading such an excellent novel. The characters, both "good" and "bad" step right off the page and into your heart. The ending, although a bit predictable, is exactly how you secretly want it to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about people. Action-packed it may not be, although the story never lags. The real beauty is in the characters and Irving's colorful descriptions of their lives and relationships. I can't wait to see the movie, although I'm sure it will disappoint after this incredible book.
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