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Summary: A book with a huge heart
Review: I loved the book! Nothing much really happens in terms of the plot, but the characters exude warmth and heart despite their idiocyncracies. The book takes the readers to a fantasy world but at the same time a world that's entirely believable. If you loved The World According to Garp, you will love this book as well. As a law student, "rules" constantly drive what I do. This book examines those "rules" by questioning their derivation, usefulness, and blind adherence to them. Utterly engrossing.
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Summary: A thoughtful exploration of the idea of "rules"
Review: It amazes me how Irving can broach topics like adoption, abortion, love, faithfulness, etc. with such empathy and balance. This is the only discussion I've ever encountered of abortion, pro or con, that zeroed in on the core issue, then explored both sides of it in such an enlightening manner. And although abortion is a major theme in this novel, it's not what the book is about--it's just a way of discussing the overall theme--rules. It doesn't matter whether you're liberal, conservative, or somewhere in between. Irving will make you think, and give you a chance to question and refine some of your own views, while at the same time read a very engaging story that provokes and entertains from beginning to end.
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Summary: Wonderful Story
Review: I'm a relative newcomer to Irving, having only read two of his works. What a pleasant surprise I must say I had when I first read 'The Hotel New Hampshire', thinking It would be difficult to beat. The Cider House Rules, however, does. This is a truly marvellous novel with rich characterization and a moving plot. Over many years, Homer Wells and Dr Larches' lives are intertwined with both mutual love and respect. Not to mention the fabulous Melony, Mr Kendall, Candy, Wally, Mrs Worthington, Mr Rose and Rose Rose, all characters whose mistakes, (just actions, in some cases,) have resulted in heavy penalties. We read almost inside their lives, without mawkish sympathy or maudlin profundity, rather, as Homer would put it, "Right." This novel deals with some pretty big issues without taking the moral high ground, except of course THE most important issue of respect. A wonderful, wonderful book and looking forward to the film.
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Summary: Another excellent Irving novel
Review: This, my third John Irving novel, was yet another pleasant surprise. I had purchased it awhile back but decided to read it now so I could still see the movie in the theater after I finished the book. Contrasting the two (although the movie was very good) made me appreciate Irving as a writer even more because of the rich character development he wove into the book. For example, in the novel you get to follow the life events of Dr. Larch for over 70 years! Irving's books are never 'cliffhangers' but they are intriguing, mostly because you want to find out the fate of each character rather than simply 'what happens' at the end. As a final aside, it's simply incredible that someone could write a 600-page novel centered around the theme of abortion and not once have it become long-winded or boring!
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Summary: Irving's best novel
Review: I've read all of John Irving's novels and this one is by far the best
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Summary: all-time favorite
Review: i have read this one more than 15 months ago, and i miss it still. this is simply john irving's best. i remember reading it till dawn until my eyes swelled, both from awe and wonder. i have been homer wells' doppleganger.
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Summary: Wish I Hadn't Finished It
Review: I have always enjoyed Irving's books. Listening to "Cider House Rules" on tape was an awesome experience.The gentleman who reads the story on tape brought such feeling and poignancy to the story, that I looked forward to my daily sessions with Homer and Dr. Larch. Irving's character development is done so well that it's hard not to get drawn into the story and feel as though these were real events that happened to real people. The contrasting Candy and Melony were great. Listening to the last tape was bittersweet, as I wanted to learn what would become of Homer, but did not want the story to end! I was bummed when the last tape ended..... But I saw it off-Broadway in NYC this year and enjoyed it thoroughly. Let's hope the movie can measure up to the book.
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Summary: A Definite Must-Read!
Review: This is one of those books that you don't want to stop reading. I would be falling asleep at 4:30AM and still finding myself reading on into the next chapter. After you do finish it (its 500+ pages flew by in 3 days), you find yourself missing it and wishing you had drawn out the pleasure of reading such an excellent novel. The characters, both "good" and "bad" step right off the page and into your heart. The ending, although a bit predictable, is exactly how you secretly want it to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about people. Action-packed it may not be, although the story never lags. The real beauty is in the characters and Irving's colorful descriptions of their lives and relationships. I can't wait to see the movie, although I'm sure it will disappoint after this incredible book.
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Summary: I wish I could give it more than five stars.....
Review: I just finished this book last night and can honestly say that I loved every single page. It was so interesting and entertaining to read that I could read twenty pages and not even remember turning one! These are my favorite kinds of novels: ones where you debate whether to spend much of each day reading because you can't wait to see what happens next or whether to slow down because you already know that you'll be sad once the book is through. I'm happy with how long it took me to read this book, but I'm still sad that it is over. I've never gotten to know the characters in a book the way that Irving allows the reader to know them. I read some reviews on Amazon.com that claimed that the book was not good because the characters were unrealistic-- I whole-heartedly disagree. Even characters that Irving could have gotten away with making one-dimensional were anything but. I think of the stationmaster who lived near St. Clouds and, without giving anything away, I will say that he had some quirks and fears that did seem a little extreme to me in the beginning. However, Irving adds background to ALL of the characters, and invites the reader to understand their traits as they would a friend. In this way, there are no bad guys or good guys in the novel-- everyone is allowed compassion and understanding. Beyond creating an interesting story, this shows that everyone that one encounters in their life has an important story behind who they are. John Irving also weaves different issues into The Cider House Rules: abortion, friendship, family, love (especially the importance of love to a child and to a partner). And, in addition to weaving these themes and issues into the story, Irving always has different sub plots going on in different settings. I can't say enough about this book-- It is rare that I read a novel that makes me laugh to myself or even tear a little at certain parts (I hate when people say 'I laughed out loud! I cried!' because that doesn't really happen, does it? I miss reading The Cider House Rules and I miss the characters that I got to know like good friends. If I were to see Homer Wells again, I would say to him (like an old friend) 'Homer, I missed you' to which he would reply, 'Right,' because that's what he always says. I know, because we're friends. Read The Cider House Rules-- John Irving has now become my favorite author. I love him so much that I just went to a nearby used bookstore and bought six more of his books. Next on my list is The World According to Garp... I can't wait.
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Summary: Irving is one of the best modern day writers
Review: This is one of his best. Noone can develop a character like Irving. All of his characters remind you of the eccentric people that you have met in your life. Homer Wells is a character you will remember.
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