Rating: 
Summary: The Cider House Doesn't Rule
Review: This is part two of my personal compare-contrast between John Irving and Tom Wolfe. I already read "A Man in Full" after I read Irving's criticism's of Wolfe (and vice-versa), and I liked that book (4 stars). I have to say that I did enjoy Wolfe more than Irving, and that because of their different styles, I can see why they are critical of each other.Anyway, "The Cider House Rules" took much too long to come to the predictable conclusion. That Homer, his boss/friend Wally, and Wally and Homer's girlfriend Candy all live together with Candy loving both of them (if you read the book you'd know what I'm trying to say) for FIFTEEN YEARS is unbelievable. Advancing the story fifteen years didn't help the story much, it could have been wrapped up without that kind of jump. I had problems with Irving's writing style as well. I found the way he switched locations and point of view to make the story choppy. I also never really felt close to Irving's characters, hence I never liked any of them. They felt like characters in a play, like I was always outside watching them, not in their shoes, as they say in Maine (and elsewhere). I also found Irving's not using exact years to be irritating and spineless on his part as a writer. We all know that Pearl Harbor happened in 1941, not 194_. Irving was not writing a textbook of story problems, he could have committed himself to using dates. Overall, average story, wooden characters, and an author with annoying writing habits. I salute Tom Wolfe, for he has won my contest.
Rating: 
Summary: One Of John Irving's Finest Novels
Review: "The Cider House Rules" has to be regarded as one of John Irving's best novels; perhaps his finest since "The World According to Garp". Here he tackles the issues of abortion and women's reproductive rights in a moving, engrossing tale which spans decades and continents. To a lesser extent, it also is an intriguing look at race relations and incest. Irving's main protagonist, Homer Wells, is one of his most endearing creations; replete with much wisdom and human fraility, Wells spends decades trying to decide whether he should pursue a career in medicine. How that is finally resolved is a hilariously sly twist that I saw coming, but was still amazed. I haven't seen the film adaptation so I don't know how faithful that is to this novel, but on its own, the novel works as an entertaining, thoughtful yarn about the lives and misfortunes of Homer Wells, Dr. Wilbur Larch, Candy and Wilbur Worthington.
Rating: 
Summary: Cider House Rules...
Review: At the beginning Homer Wells is portrayed as an orphan destined for a great life. As Homer develops into a young adult, he becomes an irresponsible loser. Illustrated by: his willingness to stay in a ridiculous relationship; picking apples for a living instead of practicing medicine; AND his childish belief that abortion is immoral.
BUT wait, what would Homer do if the issue was driven home by some extremely unlikely personal circumstance? Well, when it becomes personal Homer steps to the plate and saves the day. Homer finally becomes a noble abortionist and everyone lives happily-ever-after.
The story is long, the character development is thin, and the main argument is not persuasive...
Rating:
Summary: A Very Good Read
Review: One of the most entertaining and vivid books ever written, you'll actually feel a sense of regret realizing it has to end. Memorable characters and vivid descriptions are on every page. Irving's second best creation next to the timeless The World According to Garp (another modern classic). The equally excellent movie adaption covers less time than this (Melony and Angel are absent in the film), but the book can be savored for a week or two like all fine works of literature. Try to drag the experience out for more than 6 or 7 days to fully feel the story and the people. You can almost see them sitting next to you in real life. One of the strongest arguments out there to keep abortion legal. Just have any pro lifer read this a few times to make the point that women should never be told by law what to do with their own bodies.
Rating:
Summary: not his best, but still very good
Review: This book seems to be more serious than Irving's others I've read (A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Hotel New Hampshire, and The World According to Garp). Maybe that's why it didn't get five stars. I would say, however, that even though it isn't MY favorite, it is still an excellent book. The subject is more serious, the tone is more serious (but still obviously Irving), and the plot is typical...interesting and surprising. One correction I'd like to make to the previous review, however, is that this isn't the only one of his novels to make it as a movie. Owen Meany was the basis for Simon Birch, Garp is also a movie, and though I haven't seen it I have read Irving talking about the movie for The Hotel New Hampshire...that's at least four of them, and there may well be more. Either way, the books are better, I promise.
Rating:
Summary: Read the novel; think twice about watching the film.
Review: Having read 4 other novels by John Irving, I thought i'd go back a few years and read the only novel of his that has made it on to the big screen. I will never go and see the film, for i know that in relation to the novel, I will nbe sorely disappointed.
As ever, Irving's characters are beautifully constructed, and instantly likeable. The story of the life of an orphan, ever-destined to have the orphanage as his 'home', may at first seem depressing. But Irving's style is such that this never happens. He constantly keeps you wanting to turn the page, and follow the life of Homer Wells, as he finally leaves the orphanage and embarks on a world of his own. We are behind Homer as if we knew him personally, and when the book ends it is as if we have lost a friend.
Did Irving write the novel to express hs views of abortion? Perhaps, but whether this is so or not, we read the novel not for its moral implications, rather because it's another classic from a top author.
Rating:
Summary: A Friend's Hand
Review: I admit it - I am an Irving fan. I read Garp in college and it blew me away. I must have reread it five or six times just for the pleasure of rolling Irvings prose around in my mouth. Since then my life has gotten very full - my To Read list is very long and more often populated by business tomes than pleasure reading. I did get to see the movie and loved it, but never got around to the book. Then a business associate and friend told me that the book was ten times better than the movie. He said I had to read it and even offered to give me his copy. So I finally read it and I am here to tell you that this is one powerful novel. I think the characters and their lives are wonderfully portrayed. I took it on a business trip and it may have been the first time I didn't mind the flight being delayed as I could plow through another 50 pages. Oh, yes, it is a bit long (587 pages), but I never once found myself wishing it would go faster. This one is definitely on my personal best list.
Rating:
Summary: Irving's Best!
Review: Take some time to enjoy this one. Savor it 20 or 30 pages at a time. The story of Homer Wells and Dr. Larch is timeless. For those of you who liked the movie, please read the book. There were many storylines and characters that Irving chose to leave out of the movie, but I understand that most people wouldn't sit still for a five hour movie. This is another book that tackles the controversial topic of abortion in a very classy manner, Dr. Larch is supportive of both adoption and abortion. His character provides a service without sermonizing. I have also read Widow for a Year and Fourth Hand. If you like Cider House Rules, give those a try next.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I had really looked forward to reading this book. I had heard many great things about Irving and am interested in the issue of abortion. I was very frustrated with the characters' inability to take charge of their lives; they were all so unwilling to change that they had no chance of happiness. Also, I thought that most of the characters lacked complexity. Also, prochoice or prolife, I don't think this book promotes a level of complex thinking on the aborition issue or could alter anyone's perspective. For me, this book became a chore to read.
Rating:
Summary: Novel far better than the movie
Review: I first saw the movie, as I am an avid reader I thought I would read the book. The novel far more intrigued me then did the movie. Though the movie was good, it left out so much. The parts that made the novel. I understand that if they had put the illegimate child and all the abortion issues involved, the movie would probably have been rated R instead of PG-13, bringing in less viewers. I highly recommend the novel, it is suberbly written and I will definitely read another Irving book, I personally think he writes better then Dickens.
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