A Prayer for Owen Meany

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Summary: If only every person saw purpose in their every action!
Review: This novel is a human lesson on how to perceive life. If every human being took time to think that every single act they commit or word that they speak has a purpose and a consequence, how much better off would society be? While the story seemed to drag a bit as we reached the climactic ending (a climax which was such despite the fact that the reader knows it is coming), Irving threw in enough surprises, interspersed with a touch of humor, to keep you interested. The story-telling here is exceptional!

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Summary: Why aren't there more books like Owen Meany?
Review: This is an altogether extraordinary novel. There just isn't a false note in characterization, period detail or moral conviction here. Irving meticulously creates a world of his own, one that leaps off the page and sets up permanent residence in your imagination. How does he make it look so easy? It's rich with the Dickensian spirit and scope that Irving not only loves but wants to emulate and restore in contemporary fiction. Irving finds an ingenious way to make Owen come alive, through CAPITALIZING ALL HIS DIALOGUE. It's psychological conditioning, really, and it's very successful: every time you hit those caps, you hear THAT SQUEAKY VOICE. But what really sets this novel apart is its unabashed sincerity. All of it comes from the heart, and you feel it exactly as it's meant to be felt. Irving never compromises his opinions, his view of the world or his boundless imagination; that's why the emotions you get from the book are so real. Nearly every creative writing teacher or English professor I've had tells me I'm not supposed to like Irving, because he's not a "serious" writer; they dismiss him as "manipulative", "wordy", "sentimental" or "self-indulgent". I don't know whether it's jealousy or just snobbish elitist narrow-mindedness, but any true Irving fan knows that A Prayer for Owen Meany is a genuine classic. It's the kind of imaginative, compassionate, stubbornly moral novel we need in this cold, stale literary era when anybody who isn't a minimalist is labeled the scum of the earth. Many of Owen Meany's admirers claim that it restored their faith in God or life; for me, it restores my faith in fiction.

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Summary: A LIFE-CHANGING BOOK THAT THRILLS AND CAPTIVATES.
Review: This was my first John Irving book, and I should have stopped there. Although his others are wonderful stories, nothing touches the pathos, chaos, excitement and pure entertainment that A Prayer for Owen Meaney captures. Not only do I MAKE everyone I love read this book, but I give it as gifts. For truly, it is a gift. It will have you laughing and crying out loud, so read it in the privacy of your home (if you care), and make sure to drink in every page. You'll remember this book and Owen Meaney for the rest of your life.

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Summary: Savor this one
Review: If you haven't read this book yet, take a hint almost 450 reviews and nearly all of them 5 stars. I know I'll never enjoy reading a book as much as I enjoyed reading this one. I'm still glad I read it, and anyway there is always non-fiction. Savor this one; you may never want to read another book.

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Summary: Interesting book
Review: Seems a bit wordy at times, and you tend to lose interest but otherwise there was enough tension to keeop you going.

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Summary: The Very Best Book I've Ever Read
Review: This book has replaced "To Kill A Mockingbird" as my all-time favorite book. Absolutely a brilliant story. I am recommending this book to every person I see.

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Summary: Irving's Masterpiece
Review: I had read other of Irving's books, and though they were well-crafted, filled with understated humor and zany characters, I would not have expected one of his books to wind up near the top of my all-time favorite list. Owen Meany is unforgettable, it is bound to have any literate person laughing and crying. It is also bound to stump those who like to categorize: is it a comedy, a tragedy, a mystery novel? Is is religious, psychological, political? Is the ending a victory or a tragedy? This one is as hard to put down as a best selling thriller, yet it will leave you more fulfilled and thoughtful.

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Summary: WONDERFUL WITH A CLAUSE
Review: This book was one of my all-time favorites, and I wish John Irving would return to its tradition. He reached a pinnacle here which is ill attained by many who attempt. However, PLEASE Mr. Irving, DONT SELL ANY MORE OF YOUR BOOKS TO PARAMOUNT! Simon Birch came close to ruining this book for me, and that would have been a bitter shame.

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Summary: Owen Meany - stunning!!! - vintage Irving
Review: I am so glad that I got to know a John Irving fan, who introduced me to his work. I must admit that I am now totally hooked and will do my best to persuade others to take the plunge and read some of his work. This is simply one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read. I read 'Owen Meany' on the back of 'Garp' and 'Hotel New Hampshire'. So you could say that I was aware of the quality I could expect from any book written by Irving. I am glad to say that even my great expectations were surpassed. The story runs seamlessly through a series of plots and sub-plots which takes you from Owen and Johnny's childhood, until the day when Owen's dream finally came true and beyond. You always knew Owen's dream would come true, because they always did and we all know that good things always come to an end. I leave you with one final thought. How rewarding must life be, knowing that everything you did had a purpose, no matter what ? I guess only Owen can answer that one.

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Summary: Possibly the best book I've ever read
Review: Though I caught scenes from "Simon Birch" on an eastbound airplane, the movie obviously doesn't do this story justice (other than giving you a cute little face to associate with Owen Meany). This is a "classic" if ever there was one. Full of so much meaning and such amazing plot twists you'll be mesmerized.

I started Tom Wolfe's "A Man in Full" but couldn't bear to finish its Herculean length, -- "A Prayer for Owen Meany" is equally long but infinitely more appealing. An unbelievable book; stopping surfing the net and read it already!