Rating: 
Summary: Moving and evocative
Review: Probably the most funny, emotional, and haunting book I have ever read. The story pulls you along so smoothly and entertainingly, that you scarcely realize that the brick wall of an ending is coming. And even though you know it is, you just can't stop reading. This is definitely in my top 5 list of books.
Rating:
Summary: The one thing I would save in a fire
Review: John Irvings' writing is not mearly about a character or a plot. He has a way of making them people and lives that become part of you. Through easy to read and complete character development, Owen & Johnny quickly become members of your family or your neighborhood. Before I realized it, I was in the middle of the book and well on my way to getting to know and love these charaters and loved hearing about their lives. Seconds later I was nearing the end of the book wishing it to go on forever. If you are looking for a story that has heart and real charaters to take with you please pick up this or any one of Irvings' novels. They are all "a good read" for any age, easy to read and will stay with you for a very long time, especially Owen Meany . . . who I must say I am still thinking about many months and books later.
Rating: 
Summary: Am I the only one??
Review: I must be the only one who was annoyed by Owen's introversionand monomania. Although well written, Irving's constant ravings onpolitical and religious views became tiresome., and the "mood" of the book was bizzare and depressing. People's whose lives are changed by this book need a better focus on how they are leading their lives. Fate is not real, and especially should not be something to live by. Things happen for a reason, we make them happen through individual effort, and decisions we make everyday. The book's theme that we do things to accomplish a greater purpose or meaning is misleading. The things we do everyday are the greater purpose. Quit searching for life changing ideas and live for the present.
Rating:
Summary: This book was B-O-R-I-N-G!
Review: This novel was lifeless. It just dragged on and on, and took me forever to get through it. I do not recommend this novel.
Rating:
Summary: My new favorite book...
Review: I bought "A Prayer for Owen Meany" to read on the plane based on a friend's recommendation. I had asked her if "Simon Birch" was worth going to see, and she said it was good, but the book was so wonderful that it overwhelmed the movie. Not only did it cause me to nearly cry in the airport, it gave me an overwhelming urge to move to New Hampshire, go to church, help someone, to just be a better person...to wish that Owen Meany existed. Plus it's hilarious. You don't often find that combination in a book. It also addresses the idea of faith, and how we are so willing to accept things because of tradition, but how we refuse to grant a place for the miraculous in modern life. The book being so popular gives me some renewed hope; after reading it, it stays with you.
Rating:
Summary: For anyone who believes, or wants to believe, in destiny.
Review: Highly entertaining! Mr. Irving took me on the reading ride of my life. With every twist and turn I was spellbound. Each time I thought I had the ending figured out, I was fed another piece of the puzzle. Owen's unquestioning belief caused me to examine my own life and beliefs. I have enthusiastically recommended this novel to friends and family, as I do to anyone reading this review. Thank you Mr. Irving!!
Rating: 
Summary: Owen Meany, A little Man With A Lot of Character
Review: "I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice-not because of his voice or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God..."This is a quote by John, the narrator, and is about his best friend Owen Meany. It basically sums up the plot of the book. It's a wonderful story about the growth of a friendship between two boys. John begins by reminiscing about his childhood experiences with Owen Meany, the smallest boy in his class and probably the most intelligent. This is the best part of the book because it really gives the readers a chance to get to know the characters. He starts by describing Owen as the unusual character he is: tiny, weird voiced, loud, opinionated, and God's instrument. He is a character that is loved from the moment he steps into the scene. This book is about how John came to terms with the idea of Owen being an instrument of God and how gradually others came to do the same. The book is thick and there is a lot of reading to do--some is about Owen, some is about John's current life, and some is mindless chatter about events that have taken place in the United States, or at least that's what it appears to be. The dull parts are the ones that don't deal with Owen. There is so much information to crave about Owen--he is so mysterious. The whole book deals with trying to figure him out, but it all makes sense in the end. The conclusion is worth every dull moment. "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." After reading this book, this quote speaks only the truth. No one who has read this book could disagree. These were famous words of the character infamously known for his eerie voice, tiny frame, and vast intelligence. It is recommended that others read this book and discover exactly who Owen Meany was. The book is filled with insight about death and relationships. It is quality reading entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: heartbreaking
Review: The tale of Owen and John brings to our dark, narrow field of vision a sweet glimmer of transcendence, of an eternity that is perhaps incomprehensible but ultimately caring. This is a marvelous and painful rumination on fate, certainly one of the most powerful stories I've ever read. The final page will leave you in tears, wishing for Owen's bright return to a disordered earth. Lovely.
Rating: 
Summary: A Heart-warming Read
Review: A Prayer for Owen meany is a sweet, touching story about one man's faith. This is a book for people who like to ponder things. The text moves very slowly. for the first 200 pages i had to struggle to keep my eyes open. I like fast moving, description filled, narratives. Owen Meany is exactly the opposite. Although John Irving uses some figurative language he doesn't offer much flowery prose. His description was concrete and stable, creative but not breath taking. A typical description was much like this quote, "He was the color of a gravestone; light was both absorbed and reflected by his skin." The writing was not quite tangible. I found myself wanting more from this book than Irving was giving. Irving may not have had the best description but he used other literary methods very effectively. His foreshadowing was amazing. When i was reading it felt like everything was leading up to nothing. I could not figure out why I was being told everything I was being tod. however when I finished the book I had a moment of clarity, realizing all the clues I had been given about the ending. Everything fell together for me and I realized what the significance of each piece of the story was. Irving developed his underlying message of faith very well. He stated the message perfectly when he said "Faith itself is a miracle, Owen. The first miracle I believe in is my own faith itself." Every character in the novel was dealing with a crisis in faith. Their journey's towards and away from faith are what make this book a worthwhile read. Owen Meany is a story that anyone can relate to in some way. if you're in the need for a little heart-warming read, pick it up.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book Ever & My Life-Long Partner
Review: Upon reading several of the reviews, I won't go into any detail. I'll only repeat what I gleefully found amongst all the stars. This is the BEST Book Ever. I LOVE Owen. If I'd had my children after reading this book, my first born would have been an Owen. I hold him near to my heart & soul and think about him regularly. I cannot count the number of people who agree that this is their favorite book of all time. READ IT!!!
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