A Prayer for Owen Meany

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Summary: A novel for anyone who never believed in fate...
Review: If any a book can change one's perspective on life, it is this one. Irving's A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY is a wickedly funny and yet frightening novel. The main character, Owen Meany, becomes an endearing symbol of one person's lifelong struggle to come to terms with fate.

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Summary: A Life Changing Experience
Review: Having read the book a few months ago I have ever since tried to persuade my other half to read it. He complains that the print is too small and the sentences too long (this from a PhD graduate who was a straight A student) so I have taken to reading it aloud to him, thus re-visiting Owen again myself. I could barely read the scene where Johnny is under the telephone table with the paper bag because I couldn't stop laughing aloud. It is such a deep and well written book of the like that we seldom see these days of modern pulp fiction. I can only compare it to the likes of Austen and Dickens in its depth, insight, prose and story telling qualities. If you haven't read this book and you only have a month left to live, do yourself a favour and READ IT NOW. One of its major qualities is that it is hugely autobiographical and so the richness of real life comes across. Didn't this man deserve a prize for this? Pam Jones, Los Angeles

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Summary: Careful, Read This And You Might Never Be The Same!
Review: Most readers of novels begin reading novel "types" or genres. They like Mysteries but not Romances, Adventure but not Science Fiction. Very rarely does a book come around that crosses all boundaries, that is loved by readers of all types, from all backgrounds. THIS BOOKS IS IT. Whatever you like to read, you'll love this book. Once you read it, you'll give it to a friend mostly because you can't wait to talk to them about it. PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY IS THAT GOOD! Very few books can change your life. Read one that can

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Summary: Another run on the Irving Merry-Go-Round
Review: With all the showering praise being heaped on Owen Meany I thought I'd write a negative review. I thought I would point out some of the deficiencies in the characters, plot, or writing. I thought I could rant on Irving's x-rated soap opera and denigrate his pandering to the lowest common demonator. I thought there must be something wrong with the book - after all, no book is perfect. Or is it? I can't think of anything I'd have him change, other than perhaps add a few scenes to extend its length so I could enjoy it longer. Who am I kidding? I can't write a bad review of Owen Meany. It's one of the best novels I've ever read

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Summary: The BEST Book I have every read in my ENTIRE LIFE!!!
Review: I read this book about two years ago or more, and I still think about it. Never has a book affected me so. The whole idea of "destiny" is not new, and one I have never subscribed to, but the life of Owen Meany makes me stop and think every now and then. At the end of the book, when we learn the fate of Owen, you set the book down, close your eyes (after the crying has subsided)and think back throughout the entire course of the novel and realize that every thing Owen did, had a reason. It was meant to be. From his high pitched voice, to the constant perfecting of "the shot", all of these things lead to the "reason" for Owen's existence. I hope Mr. Irving has another character as deep as Owen Meany up his sleeve, because this one will be tough to beat. I absolutely LOVED Owen Meany!! I only wish I could have met him - I know I could not have resisted the temptation to just pick him up and hug him to death. READ THIS BOOK!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

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Summary: A Litmus-test for Humanoids
Review: I feel almost at a loss for words as I attempt to explain what Owen Meany has come to mean to me in the 6 years since I first met him. The first time I read this book, I stayed up all night and was bawling in my bed when it was over. I reread it immediately that summer and have read it about once a year since then. It goes without saying that I recommend this book to everyone, but it is more than that...I consider it "required reading" for any friend of mine. When I meet someone new, someone I think worthy of my friendship and of Owen, I give them a copy of this book and ask them to read it. If they refuse, or (imagine!) cannot get through it, I am forced to write them off. It may sound harsh, but as far as I'm concerned anyone who doesn't love Owen, is heartless and incapable of love. This book will get under your skin and will live in your heart forever. Everytime I finish it I am reminded once again why, of any fictional charater I have ever met, I not only believe that Owen is real, I desperately WANT him to be.

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Summary: A great book
Review: A Prayer For Owen Meany is a beautiful story about faith and destiny. It's lovely and thought-provoking, without the lewd descriptions that marred some of Irving's other books. This is surely his best work. Garp didn't even come close

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Summary: I Drew Lots of Stares
Review: From our first date, my husband nagged me to read "A Prayer for Owen Meany." I postponed and made excuses...the title didn't sound compelling, and I have to confess to having judged the book by it's cover. Over a year after we were married, we were finally taking our long-awaited honeymoon to Italy. Browsing in the airport bookstore, we each chose a couple of paperbacks to read on the flight and on the trains in Italy. Once we were in the air, my husband refused to give me either of the books I had chosen, but handed me one he had picked out without my knowledge - Owen Meany. For 14 hours of the trans-Atlantic flight, I laughed uproariously (my husband slept). I couldn't sleep - couldn't put it down. He was, therefore, alert for the next day's trip to the Sistine Chapel - I had jet lag and exhaustion from going so long without sleep. Across Italy, I laughed, and inevitably, cried. I don't remember much of the Sistine (a good excuse for another trip) - but I wouldn't trade the Owen Experience

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Summary: This is the posession I would most want on the island w/me.
Review: Owen Meany can be read again and again and the reader will draw different details or emotions out every time. Irving has created two characters so rich and detailed as to seem real. Every loose end is drawn up by the end of the novel--even the most trivial-seeming details prove pertinent. The first time that I read this book I cried at the end, and every time after my reaction has not changed. I have yet to recommend this book to anyone and have them not enjoy it as much as I do. This book makes a great gift for almost anyone--the only criticism I have heard is from more politically conservative readers who resent Irving's criticism of Regan-era politics.

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Summary: Just damn great!
Review: John Irving has a gift for telling a story in a way that makes you laugh, cry, and have just about any other emtional experience you can. This is one of those books that will become worn and tattered looking because you've read it so many times