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Summary: One of my all-time favourite books
Review: What is it about the nature of faith that drives people to disagreement, division, even to the brink of war and beyond? Nothing else with so little substance causes so much tension among people as disagreements in styles of faith, or in the nature of faith, or reason for faith itself. What is this book really about? Is it about friendship? If you look deeper into the matter, you may find that the friendship of Owen and Johnny is secondary to the issues of faith. Yet even within the story, such issues tend to want to contradict each other.For example: Johnny subscribes to belief of his church pastor, Pastor Merrill, that doubt reinforces faith, that there can be no faith without doubt. Many people insist that, contrary to the modern notion of the nonexistence of Satan, there must a devil - because there can be no absolute good if there is no absolute evil to contrast it with. This is a somewhat unnerving idea for Christians, as it is frightening to think that even inside the absolute goodness of the presence of a benevolent God, there can be, somewhere in the universe, room for evil. It's a sticky theological issue. Owen himself insists that if a pastor is so full of doubt, that he should be in another line of work. What is it about Owen that negates his need for faith? During the course of the story, Owen becomes almost Christlike in his assurance of salvation, whereas Johnny constantly struggles with his faith. But who is the better Christian? Is it Owen, for his serene and unwavering belief in the unseen? Or is it Johnny, whose faith is imperfect and constantly needs reinforcing? Ultimately, Owen seems to become an almost allegorical figure, symbolizing the nature of Christ. This idea germinates with his family's contention that he was a miraculous birth - a virgin birth, like the Christ child - and is continually reinforced during the course of the story by Owen's uncanny knowledge and foresight of things unseen and unknown. In spite of being an almost fanatically undemonstrative person, I am not ashamed to say that this novel moved me to tears.
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Summary: A spin on how you view the world
Review: I read it 'cuz co-founder of the pop band Barenaked Ladies said it was his favorite book and I like it too!
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Summary: Summer assignment that I loved from Mt sinai
Review: A prayer for Owen meany by johnIrving was a true classic; a book that can be read at any age or by any generation. It has all the essential ingredients of a good book. The Quality of the writing is excellent; the usage of bold type is a wonderful way to portray Owen without using descriptive words. Even the sad, serious parts of the book are written in a comical fashion. Another aspect of the book which I founf particularly was Irving's definite message in the book. It was clear that he was trying to explore the idea of destiny and fate, while using owen as an example of faith. owen was the characterwho everyone followed and believed in, and why do you ask? I think because he believed in himself and I think That's what Irving's trying to get across. I also liked that there were so many different characters and so many different personality's that influenced johnny's life. This wide spectrum of characters made the book more interesting, but not so much so that it became complex. I also liked that religion played a role in both owen and Johnny's life. It's nice to see a book with direction one that exposes you to more than one aspect of the setting and the beliefs of the charcters in the book. I feel these were important aspects of the book but not the only ones. The book in general was just enlightening and I would definately have to give it 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone in hopes that it would affect them in the same way.
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Summary: Typical Twentieth Century American Literature
Review: John Irving has found an incredible story with Owen Meany. The book has, perhaps, the most enjoyable plot that I've read in years. It is perfest for a college class. The book displays excellent usage of writing techniques and styles. The foreshadowing done by Irving is classic for American literature. The problem with this book lies in its simplicity. American literature of this century is second to literature of other countries. It does not involve the reader. The author draws conclusions for you. Short stories from foreign authors are on a much higher level. The use of words to mean different things to different people is mastered by the foreign authors. Irving uses simple vocabulary. He forces his way of thinking on you. As for a reading level, this book is not on a high one by anyone's standards. The biggest drawback is the manner in which Irving changes to other times. He makes Johnny's present life its own story that can in no way compare to his past. The use of history is wonderful; while I agree with his political positions, Irving is a little too forceful in his liberal views. I would recommend this book to non-readers. The imagination shown by Irving could draw them to like reading more. The "easy to understand" writing will also allow them to follow and enjoy the story to the maximum of their potential. But for those who want to enjoy and think as they read, try reading some stories by foreign authors.
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Summary: one of my better summer assignments
Review: A Prayer for Owen Meany was a great book. To a student,reading an assigned book can be an arduous task. For me, this book was a little adventure. Irving's placement of themes and symbols created a perfect balance, where everything came together. I enjoyed Irving's use of certain techniques. I felt they enhanced the emotion in the novel. The story was humorous and heartwarming. The message affected me personally. This was definately a smart choice, and a worthwhile read.
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Summary: Delicate and heart warming story of courage.
Review: I loved Owen Meany. He was a courageous "little fellow" with a big heart. I was totally mesmerized by the story line and the characters. I cried, laughed and anything in between too. John Irving is a master story teller. He gets you right in the beginning and you are stuck like glue to his every word. Owen Meany is someone you will never forget.
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Summary: not only the best book, but the one I learned the most from
Review: I probably learned more about my faith and religion from this book than from years of going to church. Owen Meany manages to put across a message of hope without preaching, something not easily attained by many characters. This memorable character makes me appreciate things I take for granted ; everything happens for a reason. My only problems with this book were the Toronto scenes. Not only were they boring, they made me think adulthood is all about looking back at how great your childhood/adolescence had been.
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Summary: A masterpiece in our modern literary world.
Review: I found A Prayer for Owen Meany very captivating.This novel was stimulating to my intellect and to my meaning of friendship. I found the characters, especially Owen Meany very realistic yet supernatural. This was an excellent book for readers who want to learn something more about life, love and courage. Through this book Irving has made me a fan and I totally recommend anyone out there to read it. Way to go Mr. Irving!!
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Summary: ambitious and moving
Review: Over the summer I was instructed by my English teacher to read this book and keep a journal on it. The amount of detail in the book pushed me away from it at first,but as I continued reading,I saw it's true potential. This book opens up your imagination and really makes you think about your life.The book taught me that everyones life has some meaning and that we are all here for a reason.Although there is a lot of religion involved in the book,it managed to teach you about faith and not preach it.John Irving deserves a lot of credit for his brillant book which should be an inspiration for all of us.
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Summary: The only school-assigned book I ever really enjoyed
Review: I was shocked to find that my summer reading assignment for A.P. English was published after World War II. And I was even more shocked to discover that by page 3, I was already enjoying the book. What I was struck most about _A Prayer Owen Meany_ was the vividness of the characters. I KNEW these people. I could see elements of my friends and myself in each character. The way John Irving wraps themes around and around is incredible. I believe this technique gave the book this "above it all" feeling. I felt as if nothing was a coincidence, every event and person had a purpose, and things would turn out the way they were meant to be. I've always had that outlook about life, so the book just kind of gave me a better sense of security. Religion is a heavy theme in this novel. But I believe a person of any faith can put aside the emphasis on Christianity in the book, and apply the lessons to their own life. It's less about religion and more about FAITH. Owen knew he had a purpose in this life and he was determined to fulfill it. I wish everyone had the same feeling. How could our world be different? The novel had a good mix of humor, history, character development, and just a good story. I only gave it 4 stars because I believe that nothing is perfect. My lasting impression is that I believe a little Owen Meany (as close to an angel on earth as you can get) lies in all of us.
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