Rating: 
Summary: A bit puzzled?
Review: JUST finished reading about Owen Meaney. The book was thought provoking, and I suggest you read it. Although, question everything read. What was the authors point behind the story...the hidden meaning? For one, religion an politics don't mix. I felt that was clearly stated in the story. And secoundly the fact that OWEN had a virgin birth...odd...this was the most offending part of the book. It kept me from sympathizing with Owen Meany. It was a mock on religion. Owen was depicted as Christ. If you notice when Owen mutters his bible verses ie. "who shall ever liveth and beleiveth in me shall never die."(this is when he is dying) Owen never say's Jesus's name in any of the bible verses he states...odd...it gives me the kreeps, Owne gives me the kreeps. This book will really make you think about religion and your opinion on it.
One line that was repeated over and really sticks in my brain "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." Satan knows God well. Satan can really trick people. Don't let the book trick you, Owen is a mini anti-christ. This is even more confirmed by the symbolization of the Voice, the nativities, telling everyone not to be afraid, his divine thoughts on everthing...well if you read it you'll get the drift.
Now for the politics of writting, the book dragged on, and tumble down the climatic hill very fast in the end. I like the authors writting style, the supporting characters were the ones that made the plot bleivable, not Owen Meany. Sex also made the plot beleivable along with the histoic sideline. And what was the deal with Hester? It's the first book i've finished in a long time...if that says anything.It was written mysterically, that is why.
As far as the Regan deal...it was clearly a democratic view point.
Rating: 
Summary: A Prayer for Owen Meany
Review: Moving. A book to read carefully and discuss afterward.
I loved all the characters, I loved the story, I loved the suggestions and questions that arose as I read it. It questioned everyone's faith, whether you have it or not - to really enjoy the book, you have to question your beliefs. My only criticism of the book was everything in Canada. The adult character seemed to be someone completely different and had very little to do with the boy in the story. In truth, nothing that happened when Irving took us to Canada was necessary and/or added to the story. And yet, the story was so amazing, I can completely overlook it. A must read and a must discuss. This is a book club kind of book. If you don't have a formal book club (and I don't), take my suggestion and get a couple of friends to read it at the same time. You won't regret it. You'll learn about yourself and your friends when you talk about it afterward.
Rating:
Summary: The Most Wonderful Book I've Ever Read
Review: I read this book when I was 14 years old. My mother recommended to me. It took me a whole summer. I was reading in the beginning and thinking, "Why in creation does my mother think this book is so wonderful?" But then I couldn't put it down because I wanted to figure out exactly what Owen Meany's purpose was and who in the hell was John Wheelwright's daddy. And when I did figure it out, everything fit together. Some details throughout the book seemed out of place, but then it all fit. If you're reading this book, don't skip to the last page. Finish the book. I didn't know how wonderful this book was until I finished the last page. It changed my life.
Rating:
Summary: It doesn't get much better than this
Review: As soon as I started this book I was hooked. This book could possibly be the most enjoyable read ever. The narration makes the reader feel as much a part of the world that Irving has created as the characters themselves. More importantly we want to be a part of this world and if this incredible story. There is absolutely no way to prepare for a world with Owen Meany and by the end the reader wishes that there wasn't a world with him. You will not want to put this book down even though you may not know why. To attempt to explain why this book brings its reader such joy is like trying to explain Owen. There is just something about it that is captivating.
Every character in the book is drawn out beautifully. No matter has small a role a character has in this book, they are never treated as unimportant. This is one of the main reasons that the reader can feel a part of Gravesend, New Hampshire. Part of the reason that I am writing this review is so that I do not have to let go of Gravesend or Owen. It is the kind of book that people stop you in the street and say "Have you gotten to this part yet?" and it is the kind of book you should read with a friend because there is nothing else you will want to talk about when you finally finish the book.
I have read books that were probably written better than this one and books that had more interesting plots, but I have never read a book that has made me feel the way this book made me feel. I am not talking about it opening my mind and changing my life, all it did was make me smile every time I cracked it open.
Rating:
Summary: In Love With Irving
Review: After reading this beautifully written story, you will feel as if Owen Meany had been your friend. Mr. Irving has never been more brilliant in his creation of characters. Not until the final pages do you realize how magnificently the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Crying at the end is partly due to an emotional conclusion, but also because you realize you have finished the book and will no longer enjoy the wonderful entertainment it provides. Truly a John Irving masterpiece!
Rating: 
Summary: Overall good
Review: I was forced to read this book by my English teacher, and I am only in the ninth grade. At first, I was thinking that there was no way i would like this book and it would be a struggle to get through it by the due date. The more I read, the better it was, and everything that was unexplained fell into place. There were many great parts in the book, especially towards the end. I recommend this book to teens 15+ and adults. If you like Irving, you'll like this book. It is worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Book
Review: My AP Literature teacher introduced me to this wonderful book, as he added it to part of the curriculum. At first I was skeptical, but I bought the book and finished it four days. When I started to read it, I couldn't put it back down. A Prayer for Owen Meany is an amazing novel for many reasons. First, and foremost, the amazing characters. John Irving has been called the "American Dickens" and he earns the title throughout the book. This book is full of interesting characters, from the neutral narrator John Wheelwright to the reluctant Reverend Wheelwright. The main character, Owen Meany, is an incredible character as well. Owen is a small boy with a wrecked voice who is deeply religious and believes he has a destiny to fulfill. Throughout the book, we see the two main characters, John Wheelwright and Owen Meany, develop and grow. The end of the book takes place during the 60s and during Vietnam, and if you lived during the era, then this book will especially appeal to you.
A Prayer for Owen Meany is touching, heartbreaking, and hilarious novel. There are many memorable moments, especially the ending. There are also parts that are done in a somewhat grotesque manner, such as the end of the first chapter, but I won't spoil anything. While the book deals with serious issues such as faith and Vietnam, there are also many hilarious scenes, such as a botched Nativity and Randolph White with the Volkswagen Beetle. The book itself is not in order. The book goes back and forth from the present to different parts of the past. However, this is not confusing and done in a way to put things into perspective.
A Prayer for Owen Meany is a humorous, interesting, and touching tale of a stunted boy with a strange voice that will grab you from the opening sentence. The novel has a way of building up to the stunning conclusion and has some symbolism, though it is all fully explained in the novel. By the way, avoid the movie incarnation, Simon Birch, which is awful and barely follows the book.
Rating:
Summary: Good book
Review: I was 14 years old when I read this book. I couldn't put it down. I cared about all of the characters. I am trying to read all of Irvings books (my favorite is the Cidar House Rules) and so far this has been one of my favorites. My mom thought the book might be a little to advanced for me but I got a long fine with it. I recomend it.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books EVER!
Review: It was when Owen Meany originally was published in paperback that I first picked it up, not knowing too much about who John Irving even was, or what his work was like. I must have been just out of high school then. The armadillo on the cover was just strange enough to pique my interest. Well, I can tell you, it has been about almost 15 years since then and I have been searching for a book to touch me and affect me as strongly as this one has. Its characters, its meandering plotline, its hilarity, and its emotional power place it in my all-time top five books thus far in life. In the years since, I have found that whenever the topic of favorite books comes up, Owen Meany is a book that people throughout the country time and time again cite as their all-time favorite, for all of the reasons I mention here.
Experience this book, and join its massive following!
Rating:
Summary: A Rare Work.....
Review: A rare work, John Irving's story will stick with you and Owen Meany will become a part of your internal world. The novel does become frustrating when Irving repeatedly stops the story to pontificate on the Reagan administration and "the trouble with Americans". But the readers who weather these sections will be rewarded, as the story progresses and comes together. Owen Meany's journey is challenging to both religious and secular audiences. The friendship between Owen and the narrator is one that you feel in your chest.
|
