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Summary: First time Irving reader
Review: This is the first John Irving novel that I have read. Overall I thought that it was a good book. At times it drags on but Irving also brings up new topics very often. He doesn't stay on one for chapters. It is a story of two boys and their friendship. This friendship lasts through everything from school to Owen killing Johnnys mother with a baseball. Owen also thinks that he is sent from God. I recommend this book to everyone.
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Summary: A Prayer for Owen Meany
Review: I found the novel very interesting. I think that the story is something that we all can relate to in some way. The novel is mainly based on trying to find religion and trying to find where you one belongs... Even John Irving has found religion through writing this novel... Overall I found this novel heartbreaking...
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Summary: This is An Awesome story!! Truly powerful!
Review: As an avid reader, I have to say that the most satisfying experience when reading a novel is when you truly feel like you know each character, and belive that you are part of their world.This book tells the story of Johnny and OWen in a wonderful, heartwarming way.The way Irving slowly reveals important points keeps you in the grasp of the story Long after you realize what will happen. When I was finished reading this book, I just sat there, with tears in my eyes, relishing the experience. This is a wonderful book that I will nevr forget
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Summary: No other book has made me cry harder
Review: This is a lovingly written and wholly enveloping novel. It gave me the experience I used to have in childhood where I was completely sucked into a fictional world that I never wanted to leave. As I neared the end, and realized what the book was really about, I began to cry so hard that I had to put the book down every few sentences. This story made me understand the true nature of inevitability and self-sacrifice. If I had to choose just one book to read for the rest of my life, this would probably be the one.
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Summary: My favorite book of all time.
Review: I am a very great fan of Irving's, and this is the book that got me hooked. Owen Meany is really beautifully written and plotted out. The religious themes within the actual book are NOT overbearing and are able to speak to a wide range of people with different levels of belief. For me, the strongest themes dealt with the concept of fate and whether or not it exists, and the power of even the smallest person to change the world around them. I highly suggest you read this book. I've recommended it to many people who have also loved it. If you've ever seen the movie based on this book, "Simon Birch," you MUST read this book without prejudice because it was an awful movie derived from an incredible novel.
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Summary: Interesting
Review: Recommend this book for anyone 12 and older. This book is ultimately about faith and believing in something. The characters in this story have a purpose and a reason for doing what they do.
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Summary: Owen Meany
Review: Dynamite!! I would recommend this book to anyone!!
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Summary: Slow in developing, but a very rich reading experience
Review: Very long, slow developing story that eventually tied together nicely at the end. Although I did not start out particularly liking the story or the characters therein, I did find it to be well-written and thought provoking. Unfortunately for the average reader it may not be worth the incredible amount of time required to digest the entire story.
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Summary: Not much, you?
Review: A recent opening of a stage adaptation of the book brought my attention. My reaction to the book and production parallel (and paraphrase) some other comments I've read elsewhere: if your Christian faith either actively or passively infiltrates your life, to whatever degree, then you would you believe in Meany. Since this is by far the predominant premise in America, it is no surprise that many readers of this ilk find bubbly embrace of Irving's effusions. Void of such a self-fulfilling Christian guise, OM is a pathetic, evil, and ruthless megalomaniac with a tyrant's ability to manipulate the human flock. To wit, the message here is, or should have been, a broadside about our convoluted and inverted subjects of hero designation. If Irving were a writer of truly superior accolade, and the disgust and naivete of American foreign policy were to carry the degree of scorn the author feigns, then an iconoclastic, confident, and NON-BELIEVING John Wheelwright, would prevail over the demonic and autocratic Meany. By presenting a weak and insecure narrator, Irving has done an end-run around an honest confrontation with the cynical society he clearly wishes to improve. From the previous reviews written for this site, the choir of premised faith appears to have responded appropriately. For the rest us, the tune reads flat.
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Summary: My Favorite Book Ever
Review: This is probably my favorite book ever, although I liked The Cider House Rules and The World According to Garp almost as much. John Irving is a great writer in that he includes many details but his books never get boring. I never wanted A Prayer For Owen Meany to end, but I loved the ending (even though it made me cry) because every detail came together to make it an amazing story. The characters are well thought out and interesting in their own special ways and you can feel what they are feeling and think what they are thinking and believe what they are believing. It is a fabulous book! I recommend any of John Irving's books, but especially a Prayer for Owen Meany.
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