Rating: 
Summary: Surrealism in print
Review: John Irving's surreal novel trips the dark fantastic in a way that leaves the reader feeling haunted by a cloud of despair. Readers are encouraged to have a heavy dose of hilarity handy before attempting this deep dive into depression.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This is one of my favorite books EVER, and I have read it at least three times. I always marvel at what a wonderful writer John Irving is, his is truly a god-given talent. His characters are refreshingly developed, and this book offers some of the most comic entertainment to be had in a book--I laughed out loud more times than I can count. The story is amazing; it is so unusual and thought provoking. A truly wonderful read--but be prepared to have to think, not to just whiz through like you would a Clive Cussler novel!
Rating:
Summary: Definately a Classic
Review: A friend of mine who knows how much I love to read(Hemingway, Garcia Marquez, Rushdie, Dickens, Vonnegut, etc.) gave me this amazing book for my 18th birthday. I finally got around to reading it this weekend, and I finished it in all of three days. _Owen Meany_ is one of the most touching and entertaining books I have ever read. No other book I have read has made me weep.I would recommend this book to anyone. It is one of those great, rare novels whose characters seem real by the end, and I miss Owen already. I can't wait to start another Irving novel.
Rating:
Summary: One of my top ten favorite books of all time
Review: "Owen Meaney" is one of my top ten favorite books of all time. I read this book when it was first published way back when and loved it. I have subsequently re-read it another couple of times. I liked it better even than "Garp". I have a hankering to read it again now that I've just seen the "Simon Birch" movie. I didn't expect to like the movie considering how much I've enjoyed the book but it wasn't too bad.
Rating:
Summary: An Absolute Joy
Review: I mean literally, a joy to read. Irving has chosen to tell the life story of the most unlikely hero. Through Owen, a physically insignificant young boy, we learn the value of human life. We see that sometimes the most moral and courageous voices can come from the most unflattering packages. The lives of Owen's peers, his family, and even the authorities that preside over him, are altered drastically, solely because of his presence. The boy questions life, he challenges religion, strikes back at closeminded people, and even manages to tackle Vietnam. The book contains so much truth. It includes all the perfect details of every American's childhood from little league to Christmas pageants. I found some of the funniest literary scenes I've ever encountered, and also some of the most traggic. By the end, Irving instilled in me an incredible appreciation for the community of family. He made me see the world through the eyes of someone who is wrongly ridiculed. And he also somehow made me believe that miracles can happen.
Rating:
Summary: Don't put it off any longer - try this book
Review: It took me 10 years to get around to reading my copy of Owen Meany. It wasn't the size that was putting me off, I don't know what it was - perhaps I thought Irving wasn't 'my type' of writer. But A Prayer For Owen Meany is in fact a wonderful book, rich with humanity and some of the most wonderfully comic moments I've read for a long time. Like many stories of this sort the best bits are Owen's younger years and the events of that time. As Owen gets older his character becomes a little less interesting, and not as consistent. By then however you are already hooked and want to read on no matter what, and you are rewarded with a wonderful climax and ending. I still can't say that Irving is my idea of a great writer, but his story and characters here are so good that you can forgive any shortcomings. I only wish I had read this years ago - my life would have been richer for it.
Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY WONDERFUL
Review: My first experience with John Irving was the Hotel New Hampshire and I have been hooked ever since. The Hotel New Hampshire was my favorite of his novels, until I came across A Prayer for Owen Meany. I have never read such a unique story. I just could not put it down. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A huge, pretentious bore
Review: After reading the roller-coaster "Garp" and the incredible and honest "Cider House" (Irving's best, in my opinion), I had high hopes for this book, especially considering the reviews I read here. What a disappointment! What's the story in this book? A wierd kid who believes he is the new saviour? I found the book horrible tedious. Owen Meany to me was an extremely unsympathetic character and the narrator is very dull. I did enjoy Grandmother, Tabby and Dan, however. The religious bla bla bla in this book is endless, and frankly, I couldn't care less. Also, why is Irving so obsessed with private high school academies in New England? (Garp, Owen Meany, Widow). It is really tiresome. But the worst thing of the book is the continuous babbling against Reagan's politics. It is stupid, pointless, and it seems very dated now. On another note, didn't anyone notice that Hester was the same character as Melony in Cider House? Please, don't waste your time on this one. I love Irving, but I found him too self-centred in this book. I still think I have missed something, judging by the incredible reviews posted here.
Rating:
Summary: A book that seems to end but will always stick with you
Review: The dwarf that saves lives and helps friends? Well I found one in this book. This book talks about how a dwarf, names Owen Meany, grows up with a life full of curiosity and unassurence of himself and others. When he is 11 yrs. old his parents tell him that his mother was a virgin when she was pregnant with him. This upsets him greatly and he starts his "quest" to find out truth about his life. He doesn't show till he is older how much he really knows about what will happen to him but he does remind everyone, even pastors and Principals the fact that he has a mind for faith. The great detail with which John Irving describes these people was and is terrific. Owen not only helps his friend helps his friend find his dad he also gives his dad, can't tell ya till ya read it, his faith in God back. This is kind of ironic isn't it? God's Instrument, to help and to serve. I suggest your read this entising book. This will keep you going when you think there will never be an end.
Rating:
Summary: John Irving's best effort
Review: One of my alltime favorites. "Owen Meany" is a strange and wonderful read. If I went into all the details of why I love this book so much I'd spoil the fun of discovering it for yourself. I know that as a review that's not much to go on, but suffice to say that this is one of those books that I keep several copies 'in stock' so I can give them to friends. I've always like Irving but never been a huge fan, until "Owen Meany". Not really in the style of his better-known books such as "Garp", this book references the great "Fifth Business" by Robertson Davies (also a must read) both directly and indirectly. Pick up a copy.
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