A Prayer for Owen Meany

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Summary: One of the most Remarkable Stories Ever
Review: I approached this novel with some apprehension. I have read most of John Irving's works and have often found the stories too bizarre to truly engage the reader. I was given this novel for Christmas and slowly began reading a chapter or two each night. My wife can attest that I rarely made it through the nightly reading without breaking into laughter out loud. I was also surprised at the depth of my sorrow as Owen reaches his destiny. This book will make you laugh and cry and want more of OWEN and his unique views on life. Read it - you won't be sorry!

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Summary: A tale for all ages
Review: Irving's Meany is a work with many levels. I remember reading it for the first time in late high school and being enamored by this quirky intellectual model. Now, 8 years later, I was more attracted to the hero. Back then it was the story of who I wanted to be... now it's who I want to love.

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Summary: "Oh God - please give him back ! I shall keep asking you!"
Review: The title "A Prayer for Owen Meany" sounded ponderous, much too serious for my usual fare of legal thrillers. My mother recommended this to me as 'one of the best books she ever read' and bought it for me. Every so often she'd asked if I'd read it and I kept saying "I have to be in the right mood." Now that I have finished it I can't imagine what took me so long. Owen is so likeable a character despite his oddities, that by the time John Wheelright utters his vain plea for Owen's return, you're asking along with him. While Owen Meany's is a deeply sad story, it also resounds with joy - Owen's joy - at being alive, at being 'an instrument.' I didn't want it to end. I still don't. My only complaint is that Irving did not give us more of Owen. I loved him.

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Summary: I am still searching for a book as delightful
Review: I first read Owen Meany in 1990 when an aquaintance said I should (after I admitted to being a "recovering Catholic"). The book resides on my coffee table so I can pick it up when I want a little lift. I couldn't care less about whether Wheelwright is "speaking for us", or if Irving is too wordy or if the book moves too slowly. I found it very entertaining, and that is why I read. I LIKED being held in suspense, enjoying the present, but unable to predict the future. Owen Meany is a good book for people who enjoy deep charachter development, and don't mind spending some time to get it. It would not be a good book for someone who insists on a fast-paced novel. If you resent a 600 page investment of time, then go back to picture books, for heaven's sake.

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Summary: it was great
Review: I saw the the movie and it was the funniest! very sad I recomend it to any one any age

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Summary: If you read this book, it will be your favorite.
Review: You will not be the same after reading this book and getting to know Owen. He will live in your heart forever. I was disappointed by the movie Simon Birch--this book, like Lonesome Dove, needs a 9 hour miniseries to do it justice. I am not overspeaking when I say this book affected me more profoundly than any other piece of literature has (and as an avid reader, I have had my fair share). Please take the time to read this book. I can promise you will not be sorry.

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Summary: suggestion for further reading
Review: If you miss the character Owen Meaney, and perhaps have read the excellent novel FREAK THE MIGHTY, you should try the first Miles Vorkosigan adventure WARRIOR'S APPRENTICE by Lois M. Bujold and then read its sequels. If you loved Owen Meaney (the character) or even if you did not, you will love Miles Vorkosigan.

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Summary: A Book Worth Wading Through (I think)
Review: I just finished Owen Meany tonight, and read many of these reviews. I will take a somewhat contrarian viewpoint. Although I love a good cry, and have a reputation for doing so at the slightest literary or dramatic provocation, I could not do so for OWEN or the other characters. I think the characters were interesting, provacative, and quirky, but never quite real. I felt that Irving was spoon-feeding us symbolism, to the point of over-consumption and pure distraction. However, I think that the religious and political ideas will have a long and persistent life in the mind of many readers, including myself. The hypocrisy, irony, fatalism, and pure extremes of human behavior will be remembered in our daily lives, as we simply observe the(crazy and unpredictable)world around us. The ending was so neatly packaged, that it compels us to be satisfied with everything before it. In some ways, it reads like a good mystery, where all of the clues were right in front of you, and you simply had to wait until the last page to find out "who did it." But, maybe that simplicity is leaving me just a tad empty.

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Summary: Absolutely amazing
Review: As a John Irving fan since Garp, I had attempted to read this book in ~1989 when it was first released but I was unable to get into it. Several friends whose literary opinions I respect raved about the book so I decided to give Owen another try (I am grateful to those friends). I have always admired Irving's ability to use humor and tragedy sometimes simultaneously to weave human (as well as canine and ursine) stories that provoke thought. In Owen Meany he addresses the subject of faith in a unique way that causes the reader to examine their own faith ( John Wheelwright have a lot in common). I would highly recommend this book.

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Summary: truly inspired work...
Review: When i found myself reading the last page of this book, it was clear to me that i will never forget the time in my life that i was introduced to "OWEN MEANY", much the same way those in November of 62 never forget where they were when news of the assassination of J.F.K.was made known to them... This is one of those rare books that, once read, is always very close toyour thoughts. the world in which we live would be far better if there were alot more "OWENS" to teach us more about ourselves... who knows?... it is MY prayer that there are...