Rating: 
Summary: The best
Review: There are a handful of books that I have read in my life which, once I've finished them, I feel have changed my life in some significant way. Usually I can't quite put my finger on just what it is about those books that effects me so, and that is part of the wonder of them. Owen Meany is just such a book. It is a book that is masterful in capturing a particular essence of spirituality and an essence of youthful friendship and idealism. I have given this book as a gift many times, and each person who has received it, and actually gone on to read it, has thanked me for introducing them to it. They may or may not like how the storyline finishes out, but they are all struck by that 'quality' this book has for drawing it's readers into this amazing, hilarious, tragic story and it's namesake, Owen Meany, who, although very different from us in so many ways, has a quality of everyman in him that forces itself upon us in the best of all senses. It's an unforgettable story.
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Summary: A beautiful novel!
Review: I recently re-read Owen Meany after several years. Somehow, I didn't remember it as being one of the most brilliant, beautiful, poetic novels I had ever read -- but it was. I sat reading it in tears on the subway. I had to keep putting it down because I didn't want it to be over. Even with his imperfections, Owen is one of the most compelling and inspiring characters I can remember. I've recently decided that one of the things I love most about my husband is that this is his favorite book of all time. Even if you aren't a huge fan of the rest of John Irving's work (I'm not -- I liked Cider House Rules a great deal, but not Garp or Hotel New Hampshire), you should give this one a try.
Rating:
Summary: ARS PERFECTA
Review: THIS BOOK IS MY OWN PERSONAL ARS PERFECTA, OR PERFECT ART. I WISH THAT I COULD TALK TO JOHN IRVING ABOUT THIS BOOK AND HIS INSPIRATION FOR IT. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE FACED IS THAT I CAN'T SEEM TO GET THROUGH MANY B0OKS AFTER READING "OWEN." I JUST KEEP READING IT OVER AND OVER. I KINDLY REGARD IT IS "THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL."
Rating:
Summary: Simply one of the best books I have ever read
Review: This book is simply inspiring. Owen Meany is one of the greatest tragic heroes ever conceived, and reading the book moved me like no other book ever has. I laughed, I cried, and I read it all again. Irving is truly a genius, and unlike Garp, has written long enough to complete a true masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST ENLIGHTENING BOOKS IVE EVER READ!
Review: I HAVE FOR 41 YEARS OF LIFE WONDERED HOW TO BEST SREVE MY FELLOW MAN AND HOW TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE JOURNEY KNOWN AS LIFE AND MY FELLOW TRAVELERS. THIS BOOK GAVE ME(OWEN MEANEY) GAVE ME THE PUSH I NEED. WE TRY SO MANY OF US TO REASON OUR WAY THROUGH LIFE , NOW I UNDERSTAND THAT FAITH and LOGIC MUST GO HAND IN HAND IF ONE IS TO TRULEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD IN WHICH ALL OF US LIVE. THE TRUTH IS NOT ALWAYS PLEASANT BUT OWEN MEANY SHOWED ME THAT WE MUST ACCEPT IT AND IF WE STRIVE IN THE FACE OF LIFES INJUSTICES WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, YOU JUST HAVE TO BE READY THE DAY WILL COME./ THIS WAS A REMARKABLE BOOK AND IM PUTTING THAT MILDLY
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Summary: I am now a John Irving fan because of Owen Meany
Review: As John found Christianity through Owen, I have discovered Irving through this novel.The novel wonderfully ties in issues of faith, friendship, and politics into a wonderfully, often hilarious tale. So often through the novel I wondered what all of these pieces mean. What is the significance of "the shot?" Who is Jobn's father? These and many other questions are answered in one of the greatest final chapters I have ever read. I now am a full-fledged Irving fan and am currently enjoying "The Cider House Rules."
Rating:
Summary: An envelope of human journey and spiritual strength
Review: I see the light that shirnes through Owen's ears and wonder about the lifting game for it seems that I am elevated by the experience of living with Owen. His tribute to the spiritual, real side of existence allows for power in gravel dust and small voice. I felt that I had become the blanket that wrapped the baby Jesus, the diamond wheel that tore through the living and the dead, the red dress that sent forth the unknown and the armadillo that was all seeing. Owen wanted it to be that way, yet blocked the straight path to understanding. John Irving worked a masterpiece.
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Summary: Reappearances of the Undertoad
Review: This is one of Irving's best. I thought that Garp had said it all, but Owen Meany goes even further. Irving's blend of humor and tragedy pleasantly manipulate the reader. This novel is rich with religious and historic symbolism and irony. The characters seemed at first a little stiff to me, but they quickly became real and endearing. I find myself thinking often of Owen Meany and "the instrument of death" that would finally reveal Johnny Wheelright's real father. I wasn't surprised that "the Undertoad" was very present in this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Lots of Imagry, Laughter, Tears, but maybe too many Pages.
Review: I really enjoyed Owen Meany. My wife caught me laughing out loud a few too many times. Irving is an excellent writer but he over-utilizes the semi-colon. Can't wait to see "Simon Birch".
Rating:
Summary: It moved me - I did not want it to end.
Review: This book is one of my all-time favorites. At the conclusion, all I could think was...this would be a terrific movie. I haven't been to see "Simon Birch" yet, but I understand it does not capture the true essence of the book it was based on.
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