A Prayer for Owen Meany

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Summary: Owen Meany stands tall
Review: This was the first book I'd read by John Irving. My opinion is that it's an excellent piece of literature. I really connected with the characters which is why, I think, that I was so moved by the ending. This is the first, and only, book that I've ever read that literally had me laughing and crying out loud. Irving's combination of humor and wit along with his ability to bring everything together at the end makes this a most memorable novel. I went on to read every other John Irving book and this one still ranks way ahead of the others for me. I'll certainly read it again someday.

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Summary: We should all have a friend like Owen Meany
Review: John Irving has an extraordinary talent for making his character's come to life. I think I was able to picture Owen Meany just as John Irving had created him. I didn't want the story to end because I knew that as soon as I finished the last page, I would miss Owen Meany. I usually start another book right away but this time I didn't. I wanted to go to sleep and savour the feel good frame of mind that this book had given me. This was one of the few books I have read that have inspired me to laugh out loud and want to tell every one if they only read one more book; make it this one. We should all have a friend like Owen Meany.

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Summary: John Irving's masterpiece
Review: I read this book 8 years ago, in two days, unable to sleep until I finished. I have been a reader all of my life, and majored in literature in college. This book stands among the great works of Western literature. If you didn't "get it" the first time, try again.

Rating:
Summary: One of the BEST book!
Review: This is truely one of the best book that I have ever read. I have to read this book for my English course and I thought it was so thick at first. However, after the first chapter, I can't put it down! I was paralyzed after reading the last page, this is the first time that I am so touched by a novel!! Excellent!! A must-read!!

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Summary: A must read for all John Irving fans
Review: I have read all of John Irving's books and short stories, and this one is my favorite!

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Summary: Great Variety of Characters; Interesting Story
Review: Once again John Irving has written an original book with a wacky plot, and a bus load of loonies to go with it. I just love the way his first paragraphs are, they drag you into the story with that humor and wit, never letting you go until you finish the book.

Although THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP is still my favorite (I love that Helen) this book is second to none.

Rating:
Summary: amazing
Review: I don't even know what to type in this little box; the novel left me full of conflicting, tumultuous feelings that I can't even describe. Upon finishing it, I was breathless. Few books have the power to paralyze, but this is one of them. An excellent, powerful novel--

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Summary: A Decent Novel... But Enormously Overrated !
Review: After reading other reviewers comments, I purchased this book expecting great things. It really didn't deliver. A decent novel - but overrated. I must admit that I did enjoy many facets of the story. Unfortunately, on the occasions where I felt really drawn into the story, Irving would dart off into an anti-war/Iran-Contra... diatribe, which really just destroyed the continuity of the book. Not that I oppose his views, but rather it seems to me he would simply lose his bearing during the construction of his story and somehow be transformed into an op-ed writer instead of a novelist - I found this treatment to be incredibly abusive and irritating as a reader. much) from apparently everything he has read - we are readers, we can catch the drift.

To me, fiction is best when it is completely believable (which this is not), or on a rare occasion when it goes into unapologetic fantasy (which this is not). This story is caught in between.

Despite my review, I think that Irving overall, is a fine talent. It's just unfortunate that his talent is watered down through an overly self-indulgent style

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Summary: What's with the hype????
Review: After reading and falling in love with Garp, I couldn't wait to dive into this Irving masterpiece, so loved by so many people. Let me tell you, this was the most drawn out book i have ever read. I was extremely perturbed with all his political and religious diatribe. Although I consider myself an avid reader, I have never had a harder time getting through a book. What a let-down. Don't waste your time.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: John Irving has created a story like no other once again. Most people either love him and his characters or hate the entire lot. He defies this precedent in A Prayer for Owen Meany. I can not imagine anyone reading this book and not feeling a full range of emotion. Including love for Owen Meany. I have read this book at least 5 times, and will read it many more.