Rating: 
Summary: Maybe Irving's best...
Review: Having a favorite author is like having a favorite uncle who comes to visit you every now and then. I have Uncle John Irving come visit me every summer; two summers ago he came with "The World According to Garp," one summer ago with "The Cider House Rules," and this summer with "A Prayer For Owen Meany." Stephen King is actually friends with John Irving, and on the front cover of APFOM is a snippet from King's review of the book that captures how I feel: "Readers will come to the end feeling sorry to leave [this] richly textured and carefully wrought world." I'm always sad (though simultenously eager, in terms of finding out what happens) to finish John Irving books. I think "A Prayer For Owen Meany" may be his best---at least in terms of the events that make up the story. He's so clever with everything---particularly, in the way he plants plot seeds that grow, unexpectedly at the end. I just love the guy.
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting!
Review: This is one of the most wonderful book I have ever read. It's sweet, funny, sad and witty. Owen Meany is an unforgetable charachter whose voice is STRANGE and LOUD. He believes that he is an Instrument of God. Even though he is extremely small, almost dwarf like, he never once felt inferior or low self-esteem. If anything, he is witty, smart, intelligent and very philosophical. His best friend, John Wheelwright, who is the narrator of this book, was strongly influenced by his friend, both emotionally and spiritually.I would not review here what actually happen to Owen at the end of the book as I believe this would spoil the joy and sadness of discovering it yourself. This is an excellent book, descriptive and the characters in this book is unforgettable. After reading it a while, you will feel connected to John and Owen and I wish this book could go on forever as I am reluctant to put it down
Rating:
Summary: I loved this book
Review: This is an amazing book, one which I will remember always. This book is written at a college level-but a good high school reader will enjoy it too. This level of reading ability is needed to follow the twists and turns of the novel so that the story can be fully enjoyed. Otherwise, the reader will be working too hard and miss the clever and wit of this novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the best I have read
Review: If you enjoy long, overly detailed novels, John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany is just the book for you. I personally found this novel to be very dull. It was filled with unnecessary information that consequently made the story less interesting to read. However, I will admit that Irving did an exceptional job of moving between time frames (1960s to 1980s). Not once did he lose my attention, or confuse me. There was an overwhelming amount of reference to religion, but it seemed as if Irving did not know enough about the religions he wrote of. At times it appeared as if he had just included it without making a real point. I was disappointed in the ending also. I kept reading hoping for some surprise, but the novel never reached a climax. There was some humor present that helped keep the story flowing and not so terribly boring. All in all, I would not recommend this book to someone. However, I will say that someone who knows a lot about religion or is interested in it, may find this novel rather amusing and entertaining. Not to mention very insightful for those of you who aren't as religious. You can learn a lot from the characters in this book, but it may take you longer than you would like.
Rating: 
Summary: A Story of "Biblical" Proportions...
Review: Although, I have never read any other John Irving novels, I can only hope that they are as good as this one. A Prayer for Owen Meany is a fascinating story, with many twists and turns. This story has an interesting plot and great characters. In particular, Irving has created a unique character in Owen Meany. With unforgettable physical features, and a sage-like sense of wisdom, we are forced to focus on Owen Meany at all times. The story line moves in and out of the past and present, as character John Wheelwright remembers his life and how Owen Meany, his best friend, changed his life. As the story matures, we are led to believe that Owen is a Christ-like figure sent to Earth to do God's bidding. Irving creates numerous symbols to show us that Owen is a man with a divine mission. Although, at times this symbolism is too apparent, it exponentially enhances the impact of the story. All in all, the reader is always interested in seeing whether Owen can fulfill God's plans, and prove himself to be a modern day savior. A Story of "Biblical" proportions from a well read author!
Rating:
Summary: "A story like none other." "A VOICE LIKE NONE OTHER"
Review: This novel will leave an impression in your heart. Owen Meany will always be a part of you after you read this beautifully written story by Irving. Not only will Owen be with you forever but, your imagination of his voice, beautifully portrayed by Irving in all CAPS. When Owen's speech came up on a page I immediately read it. I just wanted to know what he would say or do next. When I set out to read this book for a summer assignment, I had know idea what a wonderful journey that Irving was about to take me on. I have read several books for other summer assignments in the past four years but, nothing has come close to A Prayer For Owen Meany. Irving's story is such a masterpiece. I never imagined a story like this in my wildest dreams. A friendship between two boys that will last forever and the events that happen in these boys' lives are so out of the ordinary and just extraordinary. You just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. While these events are extraordinary, Irving makes them so believable with his writing skills. Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a wonderful journey through the lives of two boys.
Rating:
Summary: It will change your life...
Review: From the very first page of this novel, Irving has you captivated. I finished the book full of questions and wanting to read more. You can't help but be inspired by Owen Meany's conviction. This book takes the concept of faith to new heights and leaves you wishing you had an Owen Meany in your life.
Rating:
Summary: Warning: This will become one of your favorite books ever
Review: It is one thing to rediscover a classic, a novel that people have enjoyed for years and years. It is another thing to read a book that has just been published and come to the realization that you are holding a classic in your hand. I remember finishing "A Prayer for Owen Meany" for the first time and telling everybody I know, "YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK." John Irving is one of the few authors I buy hardback as soon as a new one comes out and I am truly glad I came to this particular book the way I did. The book has what is probably my all time favorite opening line, but what struck me the most at the end was how everything came together. The recurring themes, images, events all blend together into a memorable climax. It also has several wickedly funny scenes which just reinforces my earlier conviction that Irving and I have the same sense of humor. The story is about faith on a personal level, which is intriguing since religion in this country is usually presented on a social level. I think it is also a meditation on the nature of heroism, albeit in a most unusual context. This book can not be made into a film, so it is not surprising that we ended up with "Simon Birch." Irving could not have solved the problems because they are impossible to solve. The voice of Owen Meany, always presented in the book as CAPITAL LETTERS could never survive the transition from novel to film. You can not capture something like that and you should not even try. The only sad thing is that children seemed to like "Simon Birch" a lot and we can only imagine their shock if they get around to reading the novel. I think the best way to approach this book is through the earlier efforts of John Irving. Specifically I think that you need to read "The World According to Garp" and "The Cider House" rules before you turn to "Owen Meany." I remembering wondering how Irving got from the fantastic absurdity of "Garp" to the more relentless realism of "Cider House." In retrospect I can see how "Owen Meany" is a synthesis of those earlier works in many regards. I forced my students to read the three books in the order they were written and if you have not read any of them, I would strongly recommend you do so as well. Every time I introduce a new person to the book I find myself checking in with them: How far have you gotten? What just happened? I also find myself rereading my favorite segments of the book and what better testament can you have to the worth of a book? I know there are some people who will not take to "A Prayer for Owen Meany," but I have yet to find one.
Rating:
Summary: PLEASE READ THIS BOOK
Review: Absolutely my favorite book. Although I don't normally get emotional over fiction, I can't help laughing and crying over Owen. After you finish it, allow yourself some time to just sit and think, because this book causes contemplation, without fail. The first few chapters can be dry and difficult to get through, but if you keep plugging away at it, you'll be rewarded as it picks up speed. Please read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Truly terribly written and even worse story line
Review: This book is not at all what I expected from John Irving. Not only is the story weak, it is truly insipid and carries on and on with vulgar and unrelated information for pages and pages. The book focuses on this supposedly faithful Owen Meany, who is a complete hipocrite, and works completely against the them of faith that is supposed to be put forth. I truly have never found a more mediocre and badly written story with as irritating a character as Owen Meany and his rediculuously pathetic friend who narrates the story. How John Irving of all people manages to come up with the out there story line is incomprehensible - it seems as if he couldn't decide what type of story he wanted to write. The only thing that is more amazing than that an excellent writer could write such basic level trash is that people could actually enjoy it. Save yourself and read one of his other books.
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