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Summary: I can't tell you about it...you have to read it for yourself
Review: On a family vacation about 9 years ago I sat next to my aunt on an airplane while she was reading Owen Meany. At turns she would break out into hysterical laughter (the type where you say "what, what is it? What are you reading?") and then bawl her head off. When I would press her to explain the plot she just kept saying, "I can't tell you about it, you'll just have to read it for yourself after I finish it". I couldn't wait that long. She had me so intrigued that I finally went in search of the book in Puerto Vallerta...which, let me tell you, was no easy task.I have not been the same since. As my aunt told me, so I now tell you. I can't explain it, you've just got to read it. I promise you will not be disappointed. The book made me re-think my moral code and shed alot of cynicism. People who I have recommended it to have commented that the first couple chapters are hard to get through, but all have been grateful to have the book recommended to them. Happy Reading...and welcome to a book that will change your life
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Summary: The importance of being earnest
Review: I can't think of another living author who takes the concept of destiny as seriously as John Irving. At first I thought it was a sort of joke, how Owen Meany knows exactly when he's going to die. A plot device. And then Irving starts weaving it in with national events and you start to wonder if he really is serious about destiny, predestination, and - good heavens! - prayer. What self-respecting fiction author would venture to have the word "prayer" in the title - and offer such an original take on religion and spirituality that is incredibly earnest without bending over for the Baptists and Catholics. On one hand A Prayer for Owen Meany is fiction, but on the other it's a very long essay on what's at stake for all of us. It's about the importance of remembering, and paying attention, and being good. It sounds cheesy at first, but I, like the characters in this book, was completely won over by Owen Meany, so that my cynicism became belief. I don't care if I've been seduced - I can't wait to read this book again!
Rating: 
Summary: decent but writing style annoying
Review: John Irving's narrator tells this story in such a wordy, roundabout way that you really have to want to read this book in order to finish it. He endlessly discusses various Christian denominations with a level of minutiae that was frankly boring. Many scenes are wonderful, though. And this roundabout style made for some nice moments when all of a sudden the ramblings resulted in a payoff. But often there was no payoff. The characters were memorable, though. Overall I liked it but I'd never read it again. I read this not long after finishing "The World According to Garp," the only other Irving book I've read and I liked "Garp" better.
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Summary: We'll teach this book to our grandchildren
Review: This is one of those books that after the living critics die will be revered by the canon makers. I can see it being taught in classes around the country. It's so large. Irving is such a great writer! His books make me feel as if I've lived the lives of his characters, from birth until death. What an enlightening experience it is to feel as if by reading a book you gain the wisdom that others acquire through a lifetime. Owen Meany is a memorable character, but the book has so many great characters that when he isn't in a scene you don't feel the drag. I must admit, however, that the second half of the book isn't nearly as riveting as the first. You sort of miss the boy Owen when he grows into a man - but I think the author wants us to feel nostalgic as part of his political statement against American policy.
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Summary: A Beautiful Story
Review: If ever there was a book that you find yourself pulled into this is it. I found myself completely absorbed by this touching story. I have been looking for it in hardcover for what seems like forever because my paperback had gotten so dog earred. I've re-read it twice. Each time I find it as moving as the first.
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Summary: One of my favorite books
Review: I cannot praise this book enough. I read this book almost 10 years ago, but I still remember what I felt as I read it. I will not go into its content, however, I will say this. I have never felt so much for a novel's characters, and I have never experienced so much emotion while reading it. When I have mentioned this novel to friends that have read it, we exchange a look that means "Yes, I understand what you felt". I wept (yes, wept, and I am not an over-emotional person) when I finished this novel. It is my favorite book, on par with The Color Purple, The Great Gatsby and Song of Solomon.
Rating:
Summary: A disappointment
Review: I was very disappointed with this book, as it was the glowing reports from other Amazonians that had made me read it. I found that it was unsure about what it wanted to be: a Forrest Gump-style I-was-there-when-it-happened-in-postwar-America book; a nostalgic look at the 50s and 60s; a left-wing anti-American rant; or the ultimate American sugary religious feelgood story. As it is it ends up being a bit of all of these, and comes out as a hotch potch. There is some nice writing, and the ending is particularly well worked, but I'm not sure this is worth the effort for the reader. You probably have to be a certain sort of person (innocent and patient) to love this.
Rating:
Summary: Best book ever...
Review: This is my favorite of all of Mr. Irving's novels. It is the story of a "little" boy with a funny voice but it is really a story of Faith. I read this book at least once annually and the ending never ceases to profoundly touch my soul. The only weakness to the book is the play between present day and the past, which will leave you wanting for more scenes with Owen. A small gripe and not one to diminish the five-star rating.
Rating:
Summary: BEST IRVING
Review: INSPIRED is the word...this novel is so heart-wrenchingly REAL to you it just breaks your heart, and the vivid characters become your friends, people you know and really, really love. The creation of Owen Meany is one of Irving's best; he is so richly imagined you can hear him speak, see him walk and watch him grow. The twists and turns of what essentially is a mystery are enormously enjoyable, and, in the end, cathartic. This is truly one of those books you finish and cry a little bit, sorry that the profound experience it gave you is over.
Rating:
Summary: Superb modern novel
Review: Owen Meany and his story are among those rare, truly memorable works that readers savor. Irving is an artist with words. He hooks the reader who will turn pages late into the night to read just a little more. The Viet Nam element got very bothersome for me, but perhaps that is because I remember the era too well. Aside from Irving's political view on the war, the book is a masterpiece. They simply don't come any better!
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