Rating: 
Summary: I wish I could give it more than five stars.....
Review: I just finished this book last night and can honestly say that I loved every single page. It was so interesting and entertaining to read that I could read twenty pages and not even remember turning one! These are my favorite kinds of novels: ones where you debate whether to spend much of each day reading because you can't wait to see what happens next or whether to slow down because you already know that you'll be sad once the book is through. I'm happy with how long it took me to read this book, but I'm still sad that it is over. I've never gotten to know the characters in a book the way that Irving allows the reader to know them. I read some reviews on Amazon.com that claimed that the book was not good because the characters were unrealistic-- I whole-heartedly disagree. Even characters that Irving could have gotten away with making one-dimensional were anything but. I think of the stationmaster who lived near St. Clouds and, without giving anything away, I will say that he had some quirks and fears that did seem a little extreme to me in the beginning. However, Irving adds background to ALL of the characters, and invites the reader to understand their traits as they would a friend. In this way, there are no bad guys or good guys in the novel-- everyone is allowed compassion and understanding. Beyond creating an interesting story, this shows that everyone that one encounters in their life has an important story behind who they are. John Irving also weaves different issues into The Cider House Rules: abortion, friendship, family, love (especially the importance of love to a child and to a partner). And, in addition to weaving these themes and issues into the story, Irving always has different sub plots going on in different settings. I can't say enough about this book-- It is rare that I read a novel that makes me laugh to myself or even tear a little at certain parts (I hate when people say 'I laughed out loud! I cried!' because that doesn't really happen, does it? I miss reading The Cider House Rules and I miss the characters that I got to know like good friends. If I were to see Homer Wells again, I would say to him (like an old friend) 'Homer, I missed you' to which he would reply, 'Right,' because that's what he always says. I know, because we're friends. Read The Cider House Rules-- John Irving has now become my favorite author. I love him so much that I just went to a nearby used bookstore and bought six more of his books. Next on my list is The World According to Garp... I can't wait.
Rating:
Summary: Irving is one of the best modern day writers
Review: This is one of his best. Noone can develop a character like Irving. All of his characters remind you of the eccentric people that you have met in your life. Homer Wells is a character you will remember.
Rating: 
Summary: very good
Review: This book is very slow at the beginning, but if you stick with it, you'll be glad you did. It's a big, old-fashioned novel, with a lot of heart, and great characters. You feel as though you've developed friendships with these people, though you don't always agree with their decisions. The nurses and Mrs. Grogan were my favorite characters. I read GARP, and liked it a bit better, but all in all, I felt as though Irving himself cared more for these characters than in any other of his novels. Great job.
Rating:
Summary: Strong Race, Slow Finish
Review: This was a beautifully written book I would recommend as a good read to almost anyone. Most of the time, I couldn't put it down. Even so, it had one of those endings that leaves one rather dissatisfied. I suppose that is somewhat like life but it felt a bit as if an editor was pushing him to finish. For all the detail throughout the book, I felt like many storylines were wrapped up hurriedly and without good resolution. Another 30 or 40 pages would have done it, I think. Even so, it's a very good read. The characters stay with you.
Rating:
Summary: a masterpiece
Review: This is the best book I've ever read. I read it first in 1986, and again a few years ago after gaining some life experience (and two children). Irving's work here says more about "morality" (i.e., the "rules") than anything I've ever read. It works on several levels, and comes together beautifully . It is not for the faint of heart, nor for the close-minded. Unfortunately, nothing Irving has written since comes close to this. And a bit of advice -- read the book first!
Rating:
Summary: Best Book I Read In '99
Review: This is only the second book I've read by Irving and it is obvious why he stands out as an outstanding writer. His characters are wonderfully developed and he has the ability to make you feel as if you're going through all that his characters are. The picture he gives of the orphans looking out the window watching the adoptive parents arrive is heartbreaking. I finished this book about a week ago and I miss Homer already.
Rating:
Summary: The best book I think I've ever read!
Review: As a preface to seeing the recently released (and critically acclaimed) film I thought I'd take a stab at reading the novel upon which it is based. For years, friends and family have told me how wonderful John Irving is and it's taken me until now to realize how right they are. Irving is a storyteller on par with Dickens, whom he refers to frequently in this book. His characters are very distinctively drawn. You get to know them slowly and find yourself really caring about them. While some of them at times may seem larger than life, they never cease to be real. (The story also happens to be terrific, but it's the characters who profoundly struck me.) A word of warning: while the film on its own is a beautiful achievement, I would recommend reading the book after seeing the film. I did the opposite and unfortunately was distracted from enjoying the film as much as I might have because I found myself dwelling on all that the film left out, which is quite a bit. Michael Caine, however, is perfectly cast as Dr. Larch and the cinematography is beautiful. I will definitely be reading more Irving.
Rating:
Summary: well written, entertaining story
Review: As all John Irving's books, this is well written with well-developed characters. Homer is well developed, Dr. Larch even more so. Thought the message of the book might be a bit more insightful, but definitely worth the read. Everyone should put all of John Irving's books on the top of their reading lists.
Rating:
Summary: Real Literature
Review: I read this book when it first came out, years ago. Almost once a month it pops into my head. People who like classic, rich literature will not want to put this one down, nor soon forget it!
Rating:
Summary: read the book, then see the movie
Review: I finished the book on the same day I saw the movie. It was interesting to see how John Irving adapted his own work, cutting and conflating while maintaining the "feel" and themes of the novel. However, the novel is the far richer experience.
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