I've finally finished The Cider House Rules by John Irving. It is a sweet coming-of-age story set in the first half of the 1900s in Maine. The characters and some of the situations are endearing but could also be so odd I would shake my head and go Huh? I don't know but perhaps this is typical Irving. Years ago I tried reading The World According to Garp but was so weirded-out that I had to shelve it again and move on to something else. I tried reading it a couple more times but just couldn't do it and ended up giving the book away. I couldn't understand all the hype, but oh well, maybe that's just me.
Anyway, I found a well worn paperback copy of Cider House Rules in a used book store and thought I would give Irving another try. Who knows, maybe there really was something there I was missing if I could just stick with it. So, yes, the book was engaging enough to keep reading and I did want to see the loose ends get tied up at the end but that pretty much wraps up my John Irving experience.
Have you read Owen Meany?
ReplyDeleteI loved that one!
I think Irving's books can be an acquired taste.
Hmm okay I'll keep an eye out for that one.
ReplyDeleteAcquired taste -heh- yes he sure is.
Sounds like I won't be picking up this one - could never get into The World According to Garp either. But I did like that film.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Ha yes I tried giving my copy away when I was done and had no takers either, funny. Oh well that's what donation boxes are for. It was already a very used copy that I picked up at a thrift store - so what comes around goes around I guess.
ReplyDeleteComing in late to the game to second the suggestion of A Prayer for Owen Meany. That's the only Irving I've read so far, but I loved it- I loved the story, the way he writes (his vocabulary is absolutely to die for), the characters...It was a beautiful book. They made a movie from it that wasn't much like the book, half the stuff was changed. But the book really is lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteNever too late to weigh in! I'm always glad to have recommendations and input :) It's a great way to find good books I might otherwise pass up.
ReplyDeleteI've come across a fair number of copies of A Prayer for Owen Meany at the used bookstores I frequent so I think I may just pick one up next time I go . . . or check it out of the library. Either way, I'm intrigued enough to give John Irving another try.