A Prayer for Owen Meany

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Summary: A classic
Review: I have read this book several times, and each time I read it I'm consistently amazed at how it affects me. When I'm done reading, all I can say is Wow. I've given copies to friends as gifts so they too can appreciate the beauty, humor, and truth that is Owen Meany. I envy him somehow, and I hope he's saying a prayer for all of us.

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Summary: Characters that touch you deep into your being
Review: Owen Meany has characters which stay with you long after the book ends. You end up thinking about them and how their lives evolved. The book is both haunting and enchanting producing a unique experience. Interestingly, as I was at a point in the book which produce large, round tears, there was someone in the train I was on laughing out loud while reading. I looked over and he was reading Owen as well and I could tell you exactly which part of the book he was at just by the volume of his laughter! Definately a moving and very memorable book. You will not be the same after reading this.

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Summary: #1 Christmas Memory is my brother reading this book aloud.
Review: My brother brought this book to my parent's home one Christmas and said he had to read some of it aloud to me as he knew that I really liked John Irving and thought I would like this book more than all his others. I spent the next hour or so listening as he read/laughed/wept his way through the portion of the book dealing with the Christmas play. I don't ever remember laughing so hard with my brother or enjoying our time together any more than that Christmas Eve night. I will never be able to attend a Christmas pageant without the accompanying memory of that evening or Owen Meany. It goes without saying that I bought the book and own both the hard copy (for keeping) and soft copy (for loaning). It is a "keeper."

Rating:
Summary: This is spectacular.
Review: I read this book once a year: enough said. Irving's characters and portrayals are spectacular, and I never tire of the interplay between Owen, Johnny, and the other characters. Recommended highly. One of my three favourite books.

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Summary: Like everyone else...the best
Review: This is the only book I have read that had this effect on me: After reading PRAYER FOR OWN MEANY I would, on occasion (usually before I drift off to sleep) wonder how Owen is doing (even though I know what happened to him in the book) and hope he's doing OK. As a character, Owen does that to you. What a wonderful book. For a different book written by Irving--try WATER METHOD MAN, if available. Really, really funny, especially if you've ever been a grad student.

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Summary: It rules!
Review: I am an avid reader, and count few novels as "favorites." This book takes you on a rollercoaster ride that you don't want to see end. Read it!

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Summary: A Haunting Masterpiece
Review: This is the only book I've ever read that had me actually laughing out loud and crying long tears by the end. Irving's best. I love this book! Also recommend, "The Cider House Rules," by Irving.

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING
Review: My wife to be told me to read this. Now I know why I love her. Irving's characters are funny and sad all at the same time. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Now I wish it would have gone on and on and on. We should all have a friend as true and caring as Owen Meany

Rating:
Summary: really good - but the ending could have been better
Review: The first half of this book was really good. I laughed, I cried, it was better than cats. Although I recognize the evils of the Reagan administration as much as the next guy, I don't need political diatribes sprinkled throughout the narrative. These made the book seem to drag on. The ending seemed to be thrown together and not satisfying. I've heard complaints of endings in other Irving novels - maybe he just needs a good closer - put that coffee down, John!

Rating:
Summary: A Damn Good Book!
Review: I was required to read this novel for an english class concerning American fiction after WWII. After making my way through the usual suspects, such as Salinger, Pynchon and Delillo, I came to Irving's novel. I had never previously had any interest in reading his work and was curious as to why it was included. I started reading Owen Meany around noon on a Sunday and finished around six AM the next morning. What can I say? It is one of the two or three best books I have ever read. I whole-heartedly agree with everyone's praise.