A Prayer for Owen Meany leads to good discussion. It is a rather long read, so you need the time to devote to it. It is a unique story that evolves over a long period of time in the lives of 2 young boys. It is a story of relationships, spiritual beliefs - faith versus doubt, mysteries, humor, and one very interesting character!

This novel,told from the perpective of John, an English teacher in Canada, tell of John's life in New Hampshire with his best friend, Owen Meany. Owen is an odd, diminutive boy with a high voice who sees himself as having a God given destiny that must be fulfilled.

The writing is wonderful! Irving uses many literary techniques to show the reader the complex relationship between the two main characters. He advances many questions about religion, mental health, politics, fate, and more. This book is rich with topics for discussion in any bookclub.

One lady in the group maintains this is her favorite book of all time. I know others feel the same way, but not the rest of my group.

We loved the drama, the unfolding of characters and wondering how it would end. It was interesting and filled us with good discussion.

This story felt unrealistic to me. The character of Owen Meany would never be treated in the real world as he was in the story. I finished the book only because it was for bookclub.

Our members all felt that Irving created some very memorable characters in this story. He described them in great detail so that by the end of the book you felt like you really knew them and how they were feeling. It is an inspiring if a bit long read. We all wish they would make it into a movie.

At one time, it seemed like wherever you went, or whatever books were discussed, John Irving's work was always there. Is he current? Probably not. Does his work stand the test of time? Good question of which we were not sure. A Prayer for Owen Meany? The group was very divided. Long-winded, fascinating, confusing narrative, too much preaching to the choir, laugh out loud funny...