The Cider House Rules

Rating:
Summary: Don't bother reading this book
Review: This was one of the worst books I ever read. I really enjoyed Owen Meaney and thought I'd give Irving another shot - what a mistake. The mind-numbing repetition of the same theme over and over for 600 + pages and the obvious plot development were pure torture. None of the characters were sympathetic - it was hard to care about any of them.

Rating:
Summary: A true example of great story writing
Review: Irving does a great job in weaving a wonderful, touching story about a subject that is generally avoided in fiction: Abortion. If you are sick of reading Sydney Sheldon pick up any of Irving's books to see how a modern classic should read.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read
Review: After "Prayer for Owen Meany" I thought that no book could move me the way this one did. But then I read Cider House Rules and saw that it was possible. John Irwin is the best.

Rating:
Summary: Captivating, Sincere, Heartwarming
Review: This is the first John Irving novel that I have ever read. I thought it was fantastic. The subject matter, characters, and setting were able to grab my attention immediately. I fell in love with all of the characters, especially Melony and Dr. Larch. There are several surprises along the way, and a fulfilling end to the story. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: FREAKY!!!
Review: I've read this book two times within three weeks! I really liked this one. At school I was freaking about this book all day long. Everybody hated me for that. But it was worth it!! I didn't give it Five stars because I'm sure there will be even better books on earth.

Rating:
Summary: Tedious
Review: I managed to get through the first 300 pages and decided I could not bear to go on. I did not care what happened to Homer or anyone else. I have placed this book in a box labeled "In Case I Ever Go To Prison" or get stranded on a barren island. Then I will be able and more than willing to finish this and other tedious books I have tried to get through.

Rating:
Summary: One of the VERY few books that gets full stars from me
Review: Wow. This book, and Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale, are the only two books IN MY LIFE that I simply could not put down. I finally finished Cider House Rules last night, and now my life can go on. Powerful! Insightful! Complex! Complete! As a woman, as a reader, as a person with socialist leanings, thank you, Irving! My faith in fiction writers has been restored. Everyone: READ THIS BOOK. You will not regret this one, I promise you that.

Rating:
Summary: A sublime view on very personal issues
Review: Not quite as charming, witty and entertaining as Garp and A Prayer for Owen Meany, this novel is somewhat distinctive from Irving's earlier books. It deals with essential issues of humanity and, thus, leaves the reader in a state of reflection. It is definitely worth being read. This novel entails a very specific tension: the gap between entertainment and the requirement, imposed upon the reader, to render moral decicions. This tension is finally resolved in the genuine, typical Irving style - magnificent.

Rating:
Summary: Quite simply, his best work!
Review: Although the apparent subject matter of abortion may be difficult for some to accept, this book is about affirming life, not ending it. Isn't the best any of us can hope is that we are "of use"? John Irving has brillantly created characters filled with life and hope, and offset them against poignant reminders that every life has its own pathos, seen or unseen by those around them.

Rating:
Summary: HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT
Review: The Cider House Rules was one of the worst books I've ever subjected myself to read. I felt as if I was not getting into the heads of any of the characters. I was not feeling, even though Wilbur was devastated of losing a "son" in Homer I could care less. Usually with any well written books I am completely entranced, turning the pages one after another, swept in emotions. With this novel I would rather watch a movie for the fifth time or a television show rerun. I would seriously suggest not reading this particular Irving novel,but rather a worthwhile book such as, A Prayer For Owen Meany, or A Widow for One Year. These are meaningful, interesting books that you will not fall asleep reading.