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Summary: From the first page on, you won't be able to put this down
Review: WOW! I cannot remember the last time that I was so engulfed by a book. The characters became more than words in a fictional book. The story, the characters, the emotions - EVERYTHING - are so well developed that I never wanted the book to end. It is fiction, which I usually don't enjoy, but the story is full of historic information, literature references, religious demands - all of which evoke thoughts and emotions within the reader.
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Summary: Restored Faith
Review: My outlook on life has changed because of Owen Meany. John Irving has resotred my faith in God and mankind with Owen Meany. Thank you Mr. Irving!
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Summary: Arguably, Irving's Best Novel
Review: Yup, this is a John Irving novel, which means that it has the requisite surreal, weird, and shocking elements with regards to characters and plots. (Who else can combine a car accident, adultery, revenge, and amputation in one single scene like Irving did in "Garp"?) But the plot and the hero of this novel are unusually appealing, and prove an engrossing read. After reading this book, I strongly recommend that you read Orson Card's "Ender's Game", and compare Owen with Ender. It'd be a great college-level assignment to write an imagined conversation between the two characters.
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Summary: Owen Meany has had a profound impact
Review: When I started to read "Owen" a month ago, I knew I was in for another unbelieveable yarn written by the genius that is John Irving. Reading "Garp" prior to this, I was aware of how involved I was going to become in this book, both because of its length but also because of its epic story telling. A Prayer for Owen Meany was the only book that ever made this accomplished reader cry. I only hope by me saying Owen is my favorite book my sentiment towards this novel is not lessened or cheapened.
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Summary: Sad, but in a good way
Review: Irving's writing paints us a picture of these characters incredibly. His words deftly portray Owen's small size, but his immense spirit and heart. One of John Irving's best books.
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Summary: awesome,just magic
Review: It's one of the most heart felt book's i'v ever read,now I read it when I was verry alone,and,homesick.Just seeing young meaney playing baseball made me laugh,but the courage,and the gaul that he had for his friend,(our story teller)just made me feel right at home with this book,. I read this book in amsterdam in 1994 ,I never looked back.It's 2000 now and I'm looking for ,cider house rules,check out 158 lb marrage (awsome) keep reading
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Summary: Moving, inspiring, excellent
Review: Oh, there's not much that I can say beyond what hundreds of others have already said. Owen Meany is beautifully written and the characters are as memorable as they come. Having read all of Irving's books, and loved most of them, I found this to be his best. Irving is one of the best writers currently at work today: he does not sacrifice literate writing for the sake of a fun and emotional novel, nor does his story sink beneath the weight of pretentious prose. Most importantly, his stories are fresh and the characters are unique: and that's why people keep coming back for more. You never know what he'll think up next.
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Summary: I wouldn't recommend it...
Review: I heard several people rave about this book, so I bought it. After reading it, I can't understand why people find it so wonderful. The first few chapters were pretty good, but after John and Owen become teenagers everything goes downhill pretty fast. After this point I did _not_ find Owen to be a likeable character -- in fact he irritated me. And the thing about his immaculate conception? After reading about "his dream" and the gravestone for chapters and chapters I found his death to be hilarious. Or maybe it was supposed to be? Was this whole book supposed to be ridiculous?
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Summary: Faith for the faithless
Review: I read this book because of a review I read from someone like myself, a non-believer. I haven't changed, but I look on believers with a new found envy. I wish I had the kind of faith Owen had. To be so sure, to know your purpose and your worth is something I'll never have. Irving has given faith to the faithless, and a higher moral standard to live by, through the story of a small, brillant, caring human who is willing to lay it all on the line. I've found I mentally check in with Owen and his God, when an ethical question arises, or when I am questioning my motives. For a character to have that kind of lasting effect on me is a bit overwhelming, but satisfing. That too describes this book and its effect.
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Summary: Owen Meany is a wonderful character & a great book
Review: 590 reviews have already been written, at the time I'm writing this..so I will just repeat the obvious : "A Prayer for Owen Meany" is a great book, an inspiring book. I will just add a few things that particularly impressed me with this book- On the one hand, the novel begins with an intriguing first paragraph that just makes you want to read on and on. The last phrase of the book, on the other hand, is heartbreaking & it just haunts you for days after you finish the book. Apart from that: in "A Prayer for Owen Meany" you will find at least 3 of the funniest scenes you've ever encountered: the christmas pageant, the VW rolling down the stairs, & Owen under the bed of a couple having sex. Especially in the "VW" scene I just laughed & laughed, I couldn't control myself! Plus 3 scenes I have in mind will probably make you cry but you'd better discover them yourself. I don't want to reveal too much about the story itself..I'd just like to say that A Prayer for Owen Meany is the kind of book you'll pick up & then forget about anything else for about 3 days..So start reading on a weekend. All in all- one of my favourite books of all time.
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