A Prayer for Owen Meany

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best American Fiction in 50 years
Review: I won't write a long, glowing review because everyone else has already done a fine job. With this book John Irving proves himeself a truly Great writer. He and Kurt Vonnegut are the only two Great American writers in probably the past 50 years. Get it. Read it. If you have an ounce of human feeling, you won't be sorry. I truly feel sorry for the one or two angry, bitter people who panned this book - they obviously didn't get it at all.

Rating:
Summary: Not an Irving fan, but I loved this book.
Review: I never understood what people saw in John Irving as a writer until I read "A Prayer for Owen Meany". I found "The World According to Garp" positively distasteful, largely because I have a brother who has lived 25 years with a brain injury and I know that there's nothing funny about it. But in "Owen Meany", Irving redeemed himself. I was touched, inspired, delighted, I laughed, I cried, I hoped. The characters, though quirky to say the least, rang with reality. A thoroughly wonderful and memorable book. I must remember to pass my well-thumbed copy on to my 18-year-old son, who loves . . . armadillos.

Rating:
Summary: A fantastic reading/life enhancing experience
Review: It is impossible to describe such a book, its numerous themes, wonderfully rich characters, the humour and sadness. It represents Irving at the height of his powers, wonderfully illustrating his genius for story telling. Quite simply, if you have read and enjoyed any of Irving's previous works you will love this one. If you have not read anything by Irving before, then this is a fantastic one to start with. It will genuinley touch you.

Rating:
Summary: Irving at his best!
Review: I was introduced to Irving's work just over a year ago, and since that time I've read about eight of his novels. A Prayer for Owen Meany stands out as not only my favourite Irving novel, but perhaps my favourite book of all time. Irving's ability to create such fantastic characters and plots/subplots is unmatched. If I had to recommend one novel to someone, without hesitation, it would be this classic!

Rating:
Summary: Deep book!
Review: A Prayer for Owen Meany is a book unlike any I've read before. Every word is so pertinent and carefully selected creating a very interconnected piece of literature. There are constant references to previous events, and everything you might question the significance of has a purpose in the end. Every bit of this long novel is necessary to the success of the ending. The depth in this novel is due to the suspense and intrigue that is built up. The author reveals every piece of the puzzle, but withholds the last until the final word in the book has been read. John Irving's characters are so human that I felt that I was a part of the story. I even found myself talking to these characters every once in a while. Owen Meany is complex and mystical, yet as familiar as the boy next door. At times, the plot moves slowly, and I felt as though the end would never come. I wasn't sure if I would finish the book; however, it was definitely worth it in the end. When I was done, all I could say was, "Wow! This was deep!"

Rating:
Summary: A stunning portrayal of true friendship.
Review: This work will haunt anyone who has tasted of real friendship in their life. Owen Meany is someone whose personal integrity cannot be missed despite a number of personal physical flaws which cause most to miss the person behind the squeaky voice and diminutive size. At first you might wonder why John would spend his time with one so impoverished in social grace. By the end of the story the reader will be haunted by the loss of having never met and enjoyed someone as rich in character and warmth as Owen Meaney.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite book of all time.
Review: This book is far and away the best I have ever read. I envy those of you who are about to read it for the first time. When I finished reading it, I missed the characters as if they were friends - which has never happened with any other novel. I even named my son Owen.

Rating:
Summary: Stealth political commentary
Review: The first 80 pages were fine. I read with interest as the narrator, who now lives in Canada, recounted his boyhood in New Hampshire and his relationship with his too-small friend, Owen Meany. Then, out of nowhere, bam! -- a few paragraphs on why Ronald Reagan was so evil. Then a few pages later, a three-page diatribe on the immorality of the Vietnam War. Summary: If you're still living in the sixties, and enjoy Oliver Stone, this book may be for you. If your political views lie elsewhere, be forewarned.

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring, insightful and, at times, incredibly funny .
Review: Inspiring, insightful and, at times, incredibly funny sums up A Prayer for Owen Meany. I first read this book ten years ago. This year I revisited Owen Meany's world. John Irving has created a memorable character who is haunting and hysterical at the same time. The Christmas pageant scene made me laugh out loud. This book may not test your faith but it will make you ponder why things happen, and, if they happen for a pre-ordained reason. I bought several copies of this book and gave them out to friends. All of them enjoyed it, and all of them had different reasons for doing so. By the time I finished this book I felt I had lost a friend. I can't wait for a few more years to pass so I can once again renew my acquaintance with Owen Meany.

Rating:
Summary: Years afterward, STILL an all-time favorite
Review: Whenever I mentally list my all-time favorite books, Owen Meeny is up at the top, and I read it about 8 years ago. Setting Free the Bears, a haunting story, tops the list too.
And whenever I list my favorite authors, I can't think of anyone before John Irving. His pace, plots and characters are enchanting. I'd love to meet him.