Rating: 
Summary: very good
Review: This book is very slow at the beginning, but if you stick with it, you'll be glad you did. It's a big, old-fashioned novel, with a lot of heart, and great characters. You feel as though you've developed friendships with these people, though you don't always agree with their decisions. The nurses and Mrs. Grogan were my favorite characters. I read GARP, and liked it a bit better, but all in all, I felt as though Irving himself cared more for these characters than in any other of his novels. Great job.
Rating:
Summary: Strong Race, Slow Finish
Review: This was a beautifully written book I would recommend as a good read to almost anyone. Most of the time, I couldn't put it down. Even so, it had one of those endings that leaves one rather dissatisfied. I suppose that is somewhat like life but it felt a bit as if an editor was pushing him to finish. For all the detail throughout the book, I felt like many storylines were wrapped up hurriedly and without good resolution. Another 30 or 40 pages would have done it, I think. Even so, it's a very good read. The characters stay with you.
Rating: 
Summary: a masterpiece
Review: This is the best book I've ever read. I read it first in 1986, and again a few years ago after gaining some life experience (and two children). Irving's work here says more about "morality" (i.e., the "rules") than anything I've ever read. It works on several levels, and comes together beautifully . It is not for the faint of heart, nor for the close-minded. Unfortunately, nothing Irving has written since comes close to this. And a bit of advice -- read the book first!
Rating:
Summary: Best Book I Read In '99
Review: This is only the second book I've read by Irving and it is obvious why he stands out as an outstanding writer. His characters are wonderfully developed and he has the ability to make you feel as if you're going through all that his characters are. The picture he gives of the orphans looking out the window watching the adoptive parents arrive is heartbreaking. I finished this book about a week ago and I miss Homer already.
Rating:
Summary: The best book I think I've ever read!
Review: As a preface to seeing the recently released (and critically acclaimed) film I thought I'd take a stab at reading the novel upon which it is based. For years, friends and family have told me how wonderful John Irving is and it's taken me until now to realize how right they are.Irving is a storyteller on par with Dickens, whom he refers to frequently in this book. His characters are very distinctively drawn. You get to know them slowly and find yourself really caring about them. While some of them at times may seem larger than life, they never cease to be real. (The story also happens to be terrific, but it's the characters who profoundly struck me.) A word of warning: while the film on its own is a beautiful achievement, I would recommend reading the book after seeing the film. I did the opposite and unfortunately was distracted from enjoying the film as much as I might have because I found myself dwelling on all that the film left out, which is quite a bit. Michael Caine, however, is perfectly cast as Dr. Larch and the cinematography is beautiful. I will definitely be reading more Irving.
Rating:
Summary: well written, entertaining story
Review: As all John Irving's books, this is well written with well-developed characters. Homer is well developed, Dr. Larch even more so. Thought the message of the book might be a bit more insightful, but definitely worth the read. Everyone should put all of John Irving's books on the top of their reading lists.
Rating:
Summary: Real Literature
Review: I read this book when it first came out, years ago. Almost once a month it pops into my head. People who like classic, rich literature will not want to put this one down, nor soon forget it!
Rating:
Summary: read the book, then see the movie
Review: I finished the book on the same day I saw the movie. It was interesting to see how John Irving adapted his own work, cutting and conflating while maintaining the "feel" and themes of the novel. However, the novel is the far richer experience.
Rating:
Summary: A Life-Changer
Review: "The Cider House Rules" is the best book I have ever read. The relationship between Dr. Larch and Homer is so amazing and works so well because it's real. Sometimes they hate each other, sometimes they can't get enough of each other. That's real...and powerful.
Rating:
Summary: What is isn't what always what's right
Review: I am reading TCHR for the 2nd time (before I see the movie) and I have been reawakened to the wonderfully layered characterizations and world of John Irving's Maine. This book is one of the most meaningful pieces of fiction I have ever read. Abortion (and its 'rightness or wrongness') is just a piece of the story. Even though I am for choice, I recommended the book to friend who is staunchly against abortion. We both loved it. The story is about the choices and rules we set for ourselves and how they, occasionally, conflict with the ones we actually follow. Most readers can identify at some level with this and feel sad and redeemed at the same time.
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