Helpful Score: 12
Excellent novel!! The novel is very profound -- touching on religion, politics, friendship, and fate. It took me some time to get through the book (it was long and sometimes tedious) and sometimes Irving's style bothered me - he likes to jump around a lot -- from Owen's and Johnny's childhood to the late 80's and back. The OWEN character is unforgettable with his extraordinary perception and VOICE. The novel takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion from humor to moments of sadness. The Vietnam War and the politics of Reagan are also key to the novel (I wonder what Irving thinks of the current situation in Iraq ?!). Overall, I would highly recommend this book -- it's well worth the time investment to read. I have read a few other Irving novels including "The Cider House Rules" (which was wonderful) and "The Hotel New Hampshire" (which I thought was so-so). I'll be reading more Irving in the future.
Helpful Score: 7
This was my first Irving book and at first it seemed a huge undertaking and a bit confusing, but he kept the pace up so the confused parts went by fast and eventually I understood his line of thinking and writing and ended up LOVING this book.
It is part mystery, part good ol' "back in the good old days" story-telling, with some comedy and some [just a little bit over the top] political "down memory lane" sections, thrown in for good measure.
All in all you end up wishing the book wouldn't end and amazed at his writing skills. I wished I'd discovered him [Irving] sooner.
It is part mystery, part good ol' "back in the good old days" story-telling, with some comedy and some [just a little bit over the top] political "down memory lane" sections, thrown in for good measure.
All in all you end up wishing the book wouldn't end and amazed at his writing skills. I wished I'd discovered him [Irving] sooner.
Helpful Score: 5
One of the best books I've ever read. Owen Meany is an amazing old soul and an amazing boy. This book is one of few that has made me laugh out loud...as well as cry at the end.
Helpful Score: 5
"Owen Meany,the only child of a New Hampshire granite quarrier, believes he is God's instrument: he is. This is John Irving's most comic novel; yet Owen Meany is Mr. Irving's most heartbreaking character."
For once the back cover gets it 100% right...this is one of the five most beautiful books I have ever read...as I got to the end of it I was counting the pages, hoping more would magically appear, and hoping that the inevitable would not happen. They didn't, and it did, but the book is still magnificent. If you need a booster shot for your faith in humanity, this is it!
For once the back cover gets it 100% right...this is one of the five most beautiful books I have ever read...as I got to the end of it I was counting the pages, hoping more would magically appear, and hoping that the inevitable would not happen. They didn't, and it did, but the book is still magnificent. If you need a booster shot for your faith in humanity, this is it!
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed this book very much for its touching and funny moments and have bought this book as a gift for friends in the past because it was such a memorable read.
Helpful Score: 3
In all these years, I had never read this book. It is on the list of "1,001 books you must read..." and it certainly belongs there! It is humorous and tragic. It is a beautiful story and I will go back and read it again, because after the surprising twists and revelations toward the end, you realize there was significance in so many things you miss the first time. Wow! Great book!
Helpful Score: 3
A superlative book. Set during the Vietnam War era, it transcends that period and establishes John Irving as a major modern writer. If you don't read another book this year, you owe it to yourself to read this one.
Helpful Score: 1
Owen Meany speaks in CAPITAL LETTERS and so does this book. Though dated to the Reagan/Contra era, the book is still interesting and engaging twenty years later. Like many of John Irving's novels, things always seem a little off-center until the plot is resolved clearly and brilliantly. Both Owen, and his narrator, John Wheelwright, are complex, three-dimensional characters with powerful messages to deliver. Well worth reading.
Helpful Score: 1
John Irving is a favorie author of mine. Main character...Owen Meany is unforgettable. Will always have a piece of Owen with me. This is one of my all time favorites. KCornell
Helpful Score: 1
Predictably unpredictable John Irving at his best. The characters and story have stayed with me for years.
Helpful Score: 1
I very much enjoyed this book and loved learning about the life and intricacies of Owen Meany. Unfortunately my full enjoyment of the book was sullied by the prejudicial and ridiculous rantings about Ronald Reagan and the Reagan administration; hence I gave it only 3 1/2 stars. Would have been a much better book without that garbage being thrown in.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my all time favorite books. I decided to read it after I heard John Irving himself read from the book, and am so glad that I did!
This is a slow paced book. If you can stick with it to the end it will be one of your favorites.
Five-star writing. It's amazing how everything comes together in the end. One of the best books of all time!
While this book is not an easy one to get through - I found myself only able to absorb about a chapter a night - it is well worth your time. John Irving always has believable (if odd) characters with flaws, quirks, and traits that we find all too common in ourselves. This is one of those books that you put down at the end, and then find yourself thinking about a lot after you've finished it. I don't know that I'd call it an "enjoyable" book - to me, an enjoyable book is one you finish all too quickly and want to reread again and again. But you will be haunted (in a good introspective sort of way) by this book.
good plot, good characters. Elements of magical realism.
If this is not the best book I have read (actually listened to), it is easily in the top three. The characters are unforgettable. I am not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it vs listening to it. Owen Meany's unforgettable voice is central to the books plot. A story of friendship, loss, a little mystery and deep faith. As Johnny said, "I am a Christian because of Owen Meany." Owen touched many people in his young, all too brief life. The characters and especially Owen Meany, will stay with me for a long time.
The movie SImon Birch is based on this book. Very heart warming and fun but deep also. Read the book then look for the movie. Or if you've seen the movie, read the book.
An astonishingly good book. Irving rarely disappoints, but this one is all anyone could ever do: a compelling story, full of the details that make Irving such a memorable storyteller.
What happens when your best friend thinks that he is an instrument of God adn speaks in all capital letters? Read this very well written book to find out. It is a truly a must read and keeps you wondering what will happen to all the people in the book. This is set mainly in the 1960's during the Vietnam War, and then later during the Iran-Contra Reagan era. The novel is still relative today depsite it's setting.
So descriptive, so wonderfully written that there were times I literally laughed out loud, and even cried with the characters in the story!! I had a hard time even putting the book down!! This is a MUST read!! :)
I absolutely love this book. It is one of my favorites. You will smile, laugh, you will cry. You will enjoy it, so I am not going to tell you about the details...just get it and read it!!
An outstanding story of love and determination and how seemingly small coincidences may just be part of our predetermined fate. Highly recommended.
A Prayer for Ownen Meany is one of Irving's finest! He builds the narrative in such a way that you can't help but be absorbed by the plot even though so much remains a mystery until the conclusion. Everything makes perfect sense in the end like the intricate folds of origami. This book has a wholesomness to it that most of Irvings do not---- it will appeal to readers who do not like the author's other novels. It's one of those books you miss once finished.
Definitely a different take on a person's purpose in life. If you like Irving, you will like this book.
Wow what a great book. I remember seeing Simon Birch which is a movie that was ever so slightly based on this book. The book is much better. Owen is a very small person with a squeaky child like voice that never matures. He thinks he was sent from god to perform a miracle. Some of this based on the fact he was told by his parents that his was a virgin birth. His mom was supposedly a virgin when he was conceived. Owen is a very likable and distinct character but I also grew to like the narrator John. Religion, War, Politics play a vivid role in the narration of this story. I think Irving is a master in literature and I am happy I have been introduced to this talent. It is almost like irving has written his autobiography thru the writings of his life. This one especially. The missing father, New Hampshire, boarding school, Canada are shared by him, his characters and the various works. This is a long book. Even as a paperback and it took some time for me to get engaged. But once I did, I was pulled in and enjoyed the ride. This is literary genius at its best.
One of my top 3 favorite books of all time! Wonderful novel about coming of age and who we become. Full of angst and hope. Along the lines of a happier Catcher in the Rye!
this is a good book and a fairly easy read.
Great story and a memorable main character
Irving takes the improbable and makes it real, yet again.
In my most humble opinion, his second best book after Cider House Rules, just a wonderful book!
Owen Meany, the only child of a New Hampshire granite quarrier, believes he is God's instrument; he is.
Excellent book! A unbelievably incredible story with characters that you don't want to leave.
It's shocking, bittersweet, moving, and sweet. You know where this story is going but you are completely unprepared for the way it unfolds. When you get to that last chapter - have tissues ready - you will feel every moment of this story.
A new favorite!
I love being in the middle of these characters stories and I don't want to leave them. I may just have to read it for a second time as soon as I do finish it. Yes, its THAT good!
It's shocking, bittersweet, moving, and sweet. You know where this story is going but you are completely unprepared for the way it unfolds. When you get to that last chapter - have tissues ready - you will feel every moment of this story.
A new favorite!
I love being in the middle of these characters stories and I don't want to leave them. I may just have to read it for a second time as soon as I do finish it. Yes, its THAT good!
Owen Meany, the only child of a NH granite quarrier, believes he is Gods instrument:he is
In this story, the bext and worst of John Irving's writing style is on display. His best: the ability to craft a story that melds personal biography, politics and faith. His worst: the tendency to meander and run on at various points in the story. Having not read any other works of John Irving, I cannot say whether the worst of this book is characteristic of the author's writing style or a representation of the workings of the story narrator's mind.
On the whole, "A Prayer For Owen Meany was an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
On the whole, "A Prayer For Owen Meany was an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
A meticulously detailed study of a man who can't seem to direct his own life.
My absolute FAVORITE book. Irving writes always with a hidden meaning and this book will test your faith in god and reality.
One of the best books ever. You just cannot put this down....
love this story - great characters.
This book was one of our neighborhood Book Club selections, and we all enjoyed it. This book inspired the movie "Simon Birch".
Really, really good.
Really, really good.
I really enjoyed the book. I am a huge John Irving fan and this book didn't disappoint. The characters were well developed and had the usual Irving very human oddities.
This is a book that I would reread.
This is a book that I would reread.
John Irving at his best. The book had me laughing and crying and though it started slow, half way through I could not put it down. I fell in love with Owen and I understand how everyone that knew him could.
Funny, but poignant.
Great book, a movie was made based on the book
I love John Irving but this is one of his greatest books. The tale spans from childhood to adulthood, its a moving story with plenty of humor.
This book is one that will leave you thinking. I really enjoyed it.
I like John Irving alot, but I thought this book just did not live up to his typical good quality of storytelling (Cider House Rules and World According to Garp for example). I thought the premise was kind of dumb and the story just didn't grab me.
Moving, vibrant novel ... a must read!
this is a great book. It is a bit odd and maybe hard to get to like at first, but it is really worth it.
Very funny and well written.
Very funny and well written.
Definately four star. I really enjoyed this book. I cared a lot about the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them, right to the end. It has a lot of humorous parts, but it tugs at your hear too. I recommend it.
The book was pretty good, but it was very long!
This was a great book. Moving and weirdly throught provoking, like a lot of Irving's books. I loved it.
Owen Meany, the only child of a New Hampshire granite quarrier, beleives he is God's instrument;he is. This is John Irving's most comical novel, yet Owen Meany is Mr. Irving's most heartbreaking character.
Just finished this book tonight! I had a hard time getting into this book as it took me forever to read. The print was tiny and the book was long. But once I got used to the story, I really began to enjoy it. By time I finished, I was really loving it and now it is over, I know I will be thinking of Owen Meany for a long time! I can see why it was picked for The Great American Read list and 1001 Books To Read Before You Die list - it truly is a great book! Read it soon!
This is my absolute favorite book in the entire world. I cried the last 50 pages. Owen Meany knows that he is destined for greatness--just like Jesus Christ. In fact, he thinks that he is the modern Jesus Christ who will someday be crucified for his beliefs. Owen Meany inspires the narrator to become a great man himself. This book is beautiful and courageous and moving. I can't recommend this enough. John Irving is an amazing author. I also love The Cider House Rules.
Another great tale from John Irving. In my opionion, the best he's written since Cider House Rules.
Extraordinary, original, bizarre, funny & painful - definately a classic.
Yes, I know it's long, but persevere through the long parts and you'll be glad you saw it through. It's a moving story.
An extraordinary and terrifying happening to the little boy whose foul ball kills his best friend's mother. He doesn't believe in accidents; he believes he is God's instrument.
Owen Meany, the only child of a New Hampshire granite quarrier, believes he is God's instrument. He is.
Amazon.com
Owen Meany is a dwarfish boy with a strange voice who accidentally kills his best friend's mom with a baseball and believes--accurately--that he is an instrument of God, to be redeemed by martyrdom. John Irving's novel, which inspired the 1998 Jim Carrey movie Simon Birch, is his most popular book in Britain, and perhaps the oddest Christian mystic novel since Flannery O'Connor's work. Irving fans will find much that is familiar: the New England prep-school-town setting, symbolic amputations of man and beast, the Garp-like unknown father of the narrator (Owen's orphaned best friend), the rough comedy. The scene of doltish the doltish headmaster driving a trashed VW down the school's marble staircase is a marvelous set piece. So are the Christmas pageants Owen stars in. But it's all, as Highlights magazine used to put it, "fun with a purpose." When Owen plays baby Jesus in the pageants, and glimpses a tombstone with his death date while enacting A Christmas Carol, the slapstick doesn't cancel the fact that he was born to be martyred. The book's countless subplots add up to a moral argument, specifically an indictment of American foreign policy--from Vietnam to the Contras.
Owen Meany is a dwarfish boy with a strange voice who accidentally kills his best friend's mom with a baseball and believes--accurately--that he is an instrument of God, to be redeemed by martyrdom. John Irving's novel, which inspired the 1998 Jim Carrey movie Simon Birch, is his most popular book in Britain, and perhaps the oddest Christian mystic novel since Flannery O'Connor's work. Irving fans will find much that is familiar: the New England prep-school-town setting, symbolic amputations of man and beast, the Garp-like unknown father of the narrator (Owen's orphaned best friend), the rough comedy. The scene of doltish the doltish headmaster driving a trashed VW down the school's marble staircase is a marvelous set piece. So are the Christmas pageants Owen stars in. But it's all, as Highlights magazine used to put it, "fun with a purpose." When Owen plays baby Jesus in the pageants, and glimpses a tombstone with his death date while enacting A Christmas Carol, the slapstick doesn't cancel the fact that he was born to be martyred. The book's countless subplots add up to a moral argument, specifically an indictment of American foreign policy--from Vietnam to the Contras.
Rich and complex, Owen Meany is a wonderfully fulfilling read! This book would be an excellent choice for a book club.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
"I trust in God because of Owen Meany." -Johnny
Owen is the best friend Johnny could ask for. He's small. He's strange. He has an odd voice. And he killed Johnny's mother...
This amazing story of friendship sweeps the reader up in it's sentimentality and mysteriousness. The vastness of this novel is so overwhelmingly powerful that it is hard to find words to describe it's depth. Johnny and Owen are so deeply connected that the emotion in the book is almost palpable.
John Irving's effective use of foreshadowing and strong political references weave in and out of this friendship story to create a final scene so heartbreakingly surprising as to leave the reader almost breathless.
This book might not be for everybody, but nobody who finishes this novel will be left without feeling.
__________________________________
My favorite quote from the novel which, in a way, epitomizes what the whole book is about:
"I want to go on being a student," I told him. "I want to be a teacher. I'm just a reader," I said.
"DON'T SOUND SO ASHAMED," he said. "READING IS A GIFT."
"I learned it from you," I told him.
"IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU LEARNED IT- IT'S A GIFT. IF YOU CARE ABOUT SOMETHING, YOU HAVE TO PROTECT IT- IF YOU'RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND A WAY OF LIFE YOU LOVE, YOU HAVE TO FIND THE COURAGE TO LIVE IT."
"I trust in God because of Owen Meany." -Johnny
Owen is the best friend Johnny could ask for. He's small. He's strange. He has an odd voice. And he killed Johnny's mother...
This amazing story of friendship sweeps the reader up in it's sentimentality and mysteriousness. The vastness of this novel is so overwhelmingly powerful that it is hard to find words to describe it's depth. Johnny and Owen are so deeply connected that the emotion in the book is almost palpable.
John Irving's effective use of foreshadowing and strong political references weave in and out of this friendship story to create a final scene so heartbreakingly surprising as to leave the reader almost breathless.
This book might not be for everybody, but nobody who finishes this novel will be left without feeling.
__________________________________
My favorite quote from the novel which, in a way, epitomizes what the whole book is about:
"I want to go on being a student," I told him. "I want to be a teacher. I'm just a reader," I said.
"DON'T SOUND SO ASHAMED," he said. "READING IS A GIFT."
"I learned it from you," I told him.
"IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU LEARNED IT- IT'S A GIFT. IF YOU CARE ABOUT SOMETHING, YOU HAVE TO PROTECT IT- IF YOU'RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND A WAY OF LIFE YOU LOVE, YOU HAVE TO FIND THE COURAGE TO LIVE IT."
This is probably my favorite book of all time. It was hard to get through, but that made it worth it to me.
This wasn't one of my favorite reads. In order to enjoy a story, I have to find characters I like, admire, or just feel compassion for. I found none of these qualities in any of the characters. I didn't like Owen Meany at all. After hearing other comments from the Book Club I understand why they did like it but I still didn't.
Owen Meany, the only child of a New Hampshire granite quarrier, believes he is God's instrument; he is.
The youthful friendship between two boys in a small New Hampshire town extends through their lives as they grow up in the Viet Nam era.
One of Irving's best. A wonderful read.
Humorous, strange, poignant. Good read!
Oh, if I could only have the chance to read this book again for the first time!
I had a hard time posting this book. It's one of my all time favorites. I think it's time to give it up to someone else to enjoy
One of my favorites.
I love John Irving
I love John Irving
This is THE BEST John Irving novel of all time -- a must-read, most DEFINITELY!
Best Seller, liked it
This is a gret joh nIrving book. Weird and intriguing at the same time.
I really enjoyed reading John's story about growing up with Owen Meany, but every time he transitioned from the past to the present, from adventures in Gravesend to his diary in Toronto, I got lost. Well, not lost - it is more like, I got interrupted. Distracted. The story's spell was snapped.
But wow. What a story. What an engrossing, confusing character Owen Meany is. His devotion to the Wheelwright family was touching, but also sad; it seemed he abandoned his own family to surround himself in a new one. Given Owen's beliefs about himself and his family, there is little surprise that he was so deeply religious, but his distaste for his family seemed out of place to the rest of his character. His spiritual devotion is something I admire in him, and so he becomes inspirational, because to have faith that strong is something I ought to strive for with greater dedication.
Owen's certainty and sense of purpose are an excellent contrast to the narrator John, who lacks both. John's just as memorable as Owen, because he is just so normal that anyone could recognize tan aspect of him within themselves.
The plot twists and turns, with little mysteries that pop up again and again; all is resolved by the end of the book, but not often as you would expect. Great book.
But wow. What a story. What an engrossing, confusing character Owen Meany is. His devotion to the Wheelwright family was touching, but also sad; it seemed he abandoned his own family to surround himself in a new one. Given Owen's beliefs about himself and his family, there is little surprise that he was so deeply religious, but his distaste for his family seemed out of place to the rest of his character. His spiritual devotion is something I admire in him, and so he becomes inspirational, because to have faith that strong is something I ought to strive for with greater dedication.
Owen's certainty and sense of purpose are an excellent contrast to the narrator John, who lacks both. John's just as memorable as Owen, because he is just so normal that anyone could recognize tan aspect of him within themselves.
The plot twists and turns, with little mysteries that pop up again and again; all is resolved by the end of the book, but not often as you would expect. Great book.
This story will tug at your heart strings. A MUST read! John Irving weaves a special and moving tale of little boy. Wonderful!
I absolutely loved this book. It was very long and took me a long time to read, but it was exceptional. I can see that John Irving is the kind of author you either love or hate....I can't wait to read my next Irving novel.
Typical John Irving. A master story teller. I couldn,t put it down and I hated to finish it. Irony at it's best.
One of my all time favorite books.
This book was my introduction to John Irving. After I finished I went and read many others. But in my mind - this one has remained the best.
Great plot. Easy, quick read. Great characters.
This book was my introduction to John Irving. After I finished I went and read many others. But in my mind - this one has remained the best.
Great plot. Easy, quick read. Great characters.
I would give this 4 out of 5 stars. It is my favorite John Irving book, and I highly recommend it.
My favorite John Irving. I love the main character!
One of my favorite books! I bought a hardcover version so I'm giving this one up.
a marvelous experience! Full of wisdom, wit, humor, revelations of the human spirit. Irving loves words and sounds and strange situation. In this book he certainly is the top of his form. It is an allegory or parable of a strong religious experience.
This is a wonderful book. It made me laugh out loud and at times feel very saddened. Irving does a great job with the characters in this book.
Loved this book.
Irving's books are really good. I liked the "Ciderhouse Rules" better, but this one is good, too.
Right up there with Cider House Rules. A tad long, but worth finishing.
If you like Irving, you'll love this book! If you've never read Irving, this is a good one to start on. Lots of heart, and the ending is so emotional, in a good way. I love how even the smallest details fit together and have a purpose by the end.
Could not finish. Has a tedious beginning with poorly developed characters. I set it down, picked up another book, and did not go back.
This is one of Irving's best books...Owen will steal your heart with laughter and tears.
this is absolutely, the funniest, saddist, best written book that I have ever heard...I buy every copy i come across....
I had to read this for class in high school. Slightly inappropriate, but an alright book. This copy has some penciled notes periodically throughout the text because I had to write journal entries.
Not a John Irving fan, but I made it through this one OK.
I've read most all of John Irvings books and this is one of his best. Have even watched the movie 2 or 3 times, and I rarely want to see a movie after I've read the room.
excellent!
I read only the first 2 chapters. It was like reading a case study in psychiatry, now that I'm retired, I' don't want to read any more of those. The capital letters used for Owen felt like he was yelling at me. To me, yelling represents anger and violence, so I did not appreciate it. Way too much detail. I'm not going to read the rest of it.
An awesome book.
Owen Meany is a very strange but lovable character. This book is a must read. I don't usually read books twice, but I've read this at least 3 times, love it, love it, love it! Whenever I'm asked what my faorite book is I must say, "A Prayer for Owen Meany." Shows the true spirit of forgivness and love.
This is my favorite book of all time!!!
Owen Meany, the only child of a New Hampshire granite quarrier, believes he is God's instrument. He is.
I did not read this book.
This is brand new because I got it as a gift-- but I've already read it!! It's a classic...
Perhaps my favorite Doctorow. Great characters and a riveting story. Movie wasn't bad either.
