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classysmarta's review against another edition
Pretentious and problematic
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
kbolt's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
My favorite book of all time, the Nativity scene is just the beast. Simon Birch is a hero all around.
karenpr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
murraybymoonlight's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bbrassfield's review against another edition
5.0
A reference on tonight's Daily Show reminded me that I'd never updated my goodreads site to include this, my favorite John Irving novel. Is Owen Meany his best work? No, that would be The Cider House Rules, but Owen Meany will forever occupy a special place in my heart because this novel is Irving's most emotionally engaging story. The characters of Owen and Johnny resonate with the reader because they do so to a great degree with their creator. Like all Irving novels, A Prayer for Owen Meany is quirky, a little whacked, somewhat improbable and utterly impossible to put down. If you read carefully you'll also touch upon some important questions that confront most people at one point or another in their lives, questions of love and friendship, and faith (or disbelief) in supernatural religion, all wrapped up in a often funny, moving narrative. Not to be missed.
ecandrews0's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
terriandree's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
indium's review against another edition
5.0
The middle could be seen as a little dry, but a very engaging read.
jcoryv's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
Listened to this on Audible. 4 Star performance.
There was probably a time earlier in my life when this book might have meant something more to me, but not now.
Solid characters and there were certainly enjoyable parts, but it’s way too long. And the whole bit about “The Shot” was just corny.
Listened to this on Audible. 4 Star performance.
There was probably a time earlier in my life when this book might have meant something more to me, but not now.
Solid characters and there were certainly enjoyable parts, but it’s way too long. And the whole bit about “The Shot” was just corny.