Rating: 
Summary: he's a fake
Review: John Irving will make you cry and laugh and all those good things that any novel will do, but the grand finale of this gig makes you wonder why you even bothered. You have a virgin narrator taking communion constantly in Canada--an ex-patriat making crass comments about Iran-Contra and Vietnam that have litte to no spiritual permutations. This could have been done in 100 less pages with a better narrator. Then, it would get my 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Stunning and Extraordinary
Review: I have read far too many books in my life; when I finished this one, I was disappointed that it took me this long to find it. Having a somewhat jaded attitude, this is the first book where I felt intensely for the main characters. I may even give it out as a gift during the holidays. BUY, BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL - JUST READ THIS BOOK! I dare anyone to give me a better book to read.
Rating:
Summary: Not just a book, an unforgettable experience!
Review: Why is A Prayer for Owen Meany one of my favorite novels? Because although I finished reading it four years ago, I can still recall the full range of emotions I felt as I made my way through--all too quickly!. Not only is this book very poignant and introspective, it's also quite hysterical! Who can forget the hilarious Christmas play scene, or the hide-the-armadillo in the attic scene? Each made me laugh out loud! Owen Meany may have had a small voice, but he speaks to readers in a big way. Get to know him and you'll carry him with you always.
Rating: 
Summary: Finely Plotted, Fully Characterized, Faithfully Rendered
Review: I am reluctant to add more praise for Owen Meany, seeing how much already exists in the list of 'reviews', but I will say I agree with most of it. One critiscism, however. If I remember right, John Irving had come to live in Canada around the time he wrote/published this novel and it shows up in a somewhat annoying way in the character of John the narrator. That is, John Wheelright the English teacher becomes a vehicle for John Irving to ingratiate himself into the company of Canadian novelists, which is made apparent by the repeated mention of prominent Canadian authors. Sure, it's defensible to say that the narrator is teaching in a Canadian school that demands its CanLit be taught, but Irving overdoes it a bit with the homage to Atwood, Munro, Richler, Findley and, especially, Robertson Davies. I recall one reviewer complaining about the narrator's anti-American rants getting in the way of the story. This didn't bother me near as much as the homage to Canadian authors. The narrator's ranting makes sense given the American experiences of the characters, but the Canadian author name-dropping certainly got in the way for me (despite the narrator's occupation). But I'm making a big deal of a small point. The fact is, I loved the story and the characters. It's rare to read a book that's so engaging. Rarer still to care about characters so much that their voices linger on in your mind. But that's Irving. Like Dickens, the plots and characters of Irving's novels outweigh petty criticisms of details. Thank you, John.
Rating:
Summary: Empty inside
Review: I have never felt so empty --sad and completely empty-- after reading a book before. I was in a daze for a full day after finishing this novel! I miss Owen!!!
Rating:
Summary: The best book in the world
Review: This is honestly the most interesting book I have ever set my eyes on. Owen Meany's life occurences are ones that everyone should read about becasue they are so unique and creative. John Irving definately did a FANTASTIC job with this novel. I recommend this to anyone of any age.
Rating:
Summary: A touch of the heart
Review: Irving is honest to a degree that hurts. The tale of the two boys and their shared experience in life (and death) is absolutely stimulating. When I finished the book, I felt I had to rediscover the World in its every little detail. OWEN deserves the kind of respect only a true adventurer in life can earn! It made me think of every friend I ever had. What a journey!!!
Rating:
Summary: "I still miss Owen Meany"
Review: "...when we talked about Owen, we talked about how much we loved him" says Johnny Wheelwright. I wish I were Johnny. Or even Hester or Dan Needham or Harriet Wheelwright - so that I were loved by Owen Meany too. I will never be the same again after reading this book. Just a character from just a book comes into your life and you are forever traumatised by a much too short, 600 page relationship with Owen Meany. O God - please give him back! I shall keep asking You.
Rating:
Summary: Owen is amazing.
Review: After seeing the armadillo on the cover, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But I never expected to have my very being tossed about, knocked down and then completely entranced. I had just graduated from college when I read Owen. It hit me like both a freight train and a first crush. I remember lying on my tiny couch putting the book down every page because I didn't want the last chapter to ever end. It was this day that Owen, life and John Irving swelled in my heart. Thank you, John Irving, for writing this book. I, too, joke with people that my first born will be named Owen! We'll see...
Rating:
Summary: I read this book and it is my all time favorite book.
Review: I loved this book so much I suggest it to everyone. Not everyone wants to read it that I suggest it to but I suggest that everyone at least give it a shot. As I write this review, our son Owen is tearing the place apart. We loved the Owen Meaney character so much that we named our son after him. He has such a strong will and his story is tragic. He questions authority of the church and his family. He is lost and looking for a family to be part of. He is loyal to those he loves. I heard they were thinking of making a movie of this book, and I know it couldn't be nearly as good as the book, but I will love to see a screen manifistation of this character that I have imagined in my mind. Read this book!!!
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